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Jiří Zbožínek is preparing for his third season in TCR Eastern Europe, where he claimed his maiden victory in the final race of the 2025 campaign. As a result, he heads into this year with a different mindset and higher ambitions behind the wheel of his Hyundai Elantra.

Janík Motorsport will once again field a strong driver line-up, just as in previous years, with cars prepared for Adam Kout and Jiří Zbožínek. While Kout secured the championship title last season, Zbožínek finished fourth overall, recording three podium finishes including his victory at Balaton Park.

“I would definitely like to build on last season right from the opening round, especially after taking my first win. This year, I want to improve overall and be faster. As for my goals and ambitions, I want to fight for the title because I believe I’ve gained valuable experience in TCR and I’d like to make the most of it,” says Zbožínek, who made his TCR Eastern Europe debut in 2024.

The young Czech driver heads into the season well prepared, already having completed a test day at Slovakia Ring.

“I naturally have more experience than last year, and we’ve already completed pre-season testing, so we were able to try where we stand after the winter. I think we’re well prepared for the season, I certainly am, and I can’t wait for the first race,” he continues.

For Zbožínek, the Grobnik circuit, which hosts the opening round, is not entirely new territory, although he has yet to race there in a TCR car.

“I’ve raced at Grobnik before, it was actually my very first season in circuit racing, back then with a Renault Clio, so I do have some experience there. Besides the usual physical preparation, I’ve been preparing on the simulator, constantly driving the track. I think the races there could be interesting, similar to Salzburgring, as the circuits share some characteristics. Grobnik feels like one big roller coaster,” smiles Jiří.

“Overall, I feel more confident because I now have more mileage with the Elantra and I understand how it behaves at the limit, which is very important for me as a driver. I also use my head more during races and think more strategically.”

In addition to Grobnik, the calendar also features Hungaroring, where Zbožínek also has never raced in a TCR car.

“Honestly, I’m very happy about Hungaroring, because I think such an iconic circuit should definitely be part of our calendar. I raced there before with the Renault Clio, so I’m really looking forward to it. I also welcome the three-race weekend at Salzburgring, as it means more track time, which is always beneficial, and another opportunity to score points for the championship. I think it’s a nice change. I like Salzburgring, even though we didn’t have much success there last year, I still enjoy the track,” adds Jiří.

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