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Reigning TCR Eastern Europe champion Adam Kout is looking forward to the 2026 season with Janík Motorsport. The opening round will take place at Grobnik Circuit in Croatia, a venue where Kout has never raced before.

The Janík Motorsport team, together with drivers Adam Kout and Jiří Zbožínek, recently tested their Hyundai Elantra cars at Slovakia Ring as part of their preparations for the new season.

“We tested the cars after the winter break and checked that everything is working properly. The winter break felt long, and now we’re really looking forward to Croatia and the first races.”

Grobnik returns to the TCR Eastern Europe calendar this year, but for Kout it will be an entirely new challenge.

“Alongside my physical training, I’ve already tried the Grobnik track on the simulator and will continue to do so to be as well prepared as possible. I’m excited to race there. The layout has a proper classic feel, and the surroundings look very nice as well,” says Kout, who has a soft spot for old-school track layouts, much like Salzburgring.

“I really like the idea of having three races at Salzburgring because it’s one of my favourite tracks. It’s the perfect place for a triple-header. Even though we had some unlucky moments there last year, it hasn’t changed my opinion of this superb circuit.”

Kout’s main goal for 2026 is, naturally, to defend his title. But does he have any secondary targets for the season?

“Not particularly, but it would be nice to improve my personal best lap times in the Elantra at all the circuits. That would make me feel good, although of course it’s not the main objective in the championship,” adds Adam Kout.

TCR Eastern Europe season starts with the opening weekend at Grobnik 15th-17th May.

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