Maťo Homola reflects on the TCR Eastern Europe season
According to Maťo Homola, last season could not have been better for the Hyundai Janík Motorsport team. The Slovak driver became the TCR Eastern Europe Series champion in 2023, and the title was also a triumph among the teams.
One of the most significant moments that remains in the driver's memory is his home race at the Slovakia Ring. Mato Homola admitted that he feels at home on the circuit and that winning two races in front of his local fans was not only overwhelming but also extremely satisfying. "Winning both races in front of the local crowd is always a great feeling. Last but not least, finally winning the title in Most, home race for my team Hyundai Janík Motorsport."
Every driver faces challenges during the season an motorsport is full of difficulties. Among the biggest ones is beating your rivals while being able to adapt to the car. Everything determines whether a driver will be successful. "In the team, we have managed to set up the car to be the most competitive and fastest in both qualifying and the races. I also tried to give a consistent and fast performance." Maťo Homola also named the Slovakia Ring as his favorite circuit of last season, but he did not forget to mention the Red Bull Ring, for example, because of its location in a beautiful setting in the Alps.
Janík Motorsport is entering the TCR series with Hyundai Elantra N TCR cars, which have been proven to be very successful in recent years. The team has managed to gather valuable experience and knows the setup of the cars very well. "The Hyundai Elantra N TCR is proving around the world that it is a successful TCR category model and we have always tried to bring it to its maximum potential on every circuit. Also thanks to the team's preparation we had no problems with the technology, the car was reliable and fast in all circumstances. For the 2024 season I have two years of experience with the Elantra, as does my team, so I think we know the car well and have it figured out."
The winter break in this case is six months long. As important as rest is, many drivers can only think about racing. Even Maťo would prefer if the break was shorter and he could drive more. But he enjoyed the title of TCR Eastern Europe champion for 2023. Now he's preparing for a new season. "I'm preparing like every year. I am communicating with our partners who have shown their confidence. Next, physical and mental preparation for the season and driving on the simulator so I don't fall out of the racing pace."