Tomáš Pospíšilík, one of the original FIA ERC Junior Championship intake from 2014, is returning to the category on his home event, Barum Czech Rally Zlín, only this time he’ll be at the wheel of an R5 car.
Pospíšilík, who made his ERC3 Junior debut on Rally Liepāja five years ago driving an R2-specification ŠKODA Fabia, will be competing in the Czech firm’s R5 equivalent for what will be a rare start in 2019.
“I started on only a few races this year because I had two crashes, we had to repair the car and it cost a lot of money,” Pospíšilík explained. “This is my home race and to drive on it is like my dream. I am preparing hard because I will have my sponsors, my girlfriend, family and friends here. Last year we were on the 13th position. Now I want the top 10.”
Pospíšilík, 25, made three ERC3 Junior appearances in 2014, including on his home round of the championship where he finished P10 in class in a Citroën C2.
Since 2014, Pospíšilík has focused on events in his homeland. He spent three seasons in R2 machinery before stepping up to R5 level in 2018.
Of his plans for 2020, Pospíšilík said: “This season was difficult for budget. It’s early to consider plans for next year but I wish I could be starting in the ERC.”
Barum Czech Rally Zlín takes place from 16-18 August. Pospíšilík is one of eight drivers eligible for honours in the ERC1 Junior category for young stars in R5 cars. The event is sixth and final round of the season.