The FIA European Baja Cup is heading for a late finish this week. The Hungarian Baja was originally scheduled for August, but wildfires around Várpalota made that impossible. The rally will now take place from 12 to 14 November, based in Tapolca. That makes Hungary not only the European finale, but also the closing round of the CEZ championship and the Hungarian and Italian title battles.
Ruben Rodrigues leads the standings with 292 points, ahead of Paulo Rodrigues (283) and Benediktas Vanagas (268). Even so, the title is in the Lithuanian’s own hands, as none of the Portuguese drivers are on the entry list. Vanagas and navigator Aisvydas Paliukenas need 25 points in their Toyota Hilux to overtake Rodrigues. Based on this season’s points distribution, a solid finish should be enough. Vanagas also knows what it takes: he won the Hungarian Baja back in 2022.
Marek Kubiczek (252) and Mariusz Wiatr (246) are the only ones who can still threaten him. Kubiczek needs 41 points and Wiatr 47. Both Poles have only contested four events so far, so they can go all out. They will, however, need Vanagas to slip up. A total of 22 crews are on the FIA entry list, including veteran Miroslav Zapletal, who won the Hungarian Baja in 2007.
New route around Tapolca
With the familiar military training ground near Várpalota unavailable, the organisers drew up a new route. It features 373 kilometres of selective sections across military terrain and forest tracks, with jumps, big undulations and both fast and slow technical sections. Saturday opens with a wide, circuit-style section that offers spectators a great view.
The prologue starts on Friday morning at 9:30, followed by the first stage in the afternoon. The decision falls on Saturday in the final stage. Due to the short days and the chance of cold and foggy weather, there will be no large start and finish ceremony this time. The rally can be followed live via the Telekom stream.
