The Slovakia Ring awaits: Austria Formula Cup faces a new challenge in Slovakia

Round 06: Austria Formula Cup – Slovakia Ring (SVK)

Following the eventful race weekend at Monza, the Austria Formula Cup moves on to its next round from 21 to 23 August 2026. As part of the FIA Central European Zone, the formula racing series will be making a guest appearance at the Slovakia Ring, where the sixth round of the season is on the programme. Sandro Zeller (Jo Zeller Racing) travels to Slovakia as the clear championship leader and favourite. With his victory in the rain-soaked Feature Race at Monza, the Swiss driver was able to further extend his lead and now stands on 157 points. Behind Zeller, however, the battle for the remaining top places remains tight. Michael Fischer (LRT) and Andrea Benalli (Puresport) are in second and third place respectively, both on 92 points, whilst Stig Larsen (G Motorsport) follows on 69 points and Christof Ledermann (Franz Wöss Racing) on 62 points. With a total of 14 cars, the Austria Formula Cup boasts a diverse international field at the Slovakia Ring. Alongside the familiar names from the season so far, several new entrants – or those who did not compete at Monza – will also be on the starting grid.

Established top drivers, technical diversity and a challenging circuit
Sandro Zeller and Michael Fischer lead the ranks of the established top drivers. Christof Ledermann is also back in action with his Dallara F320 from Franz Wöss Racing. The field is rounded off by, amongst others, Lee Cunningham (Team Hoffmann Racing), Luca Iannaccone (Giordano Motorsport), André Petropoulos (Team Hoffmann Racing), Zeno Kovacs (Kermor Motorsport), Benedek Vida (Kermor Motorsport), Norbert Groer (Team Hoffmann Racing), Janos Magyar (Magyar Racing Team), Alexander Fritz (LRT), Stefan Eisinger-Sewald (LRT) and Nikolay Takev. The different car designs and generations of Dallara cars once again ensure a wide range of technical diversity within the field. The Slovakia Ring presents a challenging task for both drivers and cars. The modern circuit near Orechová Potôň is characterised by a varied layout, fast sections and hard braking zones. On the approximately six-kilometre-long circuit, consistency and precise set-up are key, alongside good car balance. The combination of fast corners and slower sections demands the drivers’ full concentration throughout the entire race distance.

Friday – Free practice and qualifying kick off the race weekend
The race weekend begins on Friday with free practice at 09:45. During the 25-minute session, the teams will have their first opportunity to set up their cars for the conditions at the Slovakia Ring and find the optimal set-up for the rest of the weekend. In the afternoon, the focus will already be on securing starting positions for the first race. Qualifying begins at 15:05 and lasts 20 minutes.

Saturday – Race 1 brings the first championship points
On Saturday, the first race of the weekend is scheduled for 10.00. The race distance is 25 minutes. This presents Sandro Zeller with his first opportunity to further extend his lead at the top of the championship. At the same time, his rivals will be looking to put the Swiss driver under pressure and pick up vital points for the overall standings. Speed, good tyre management and error-free driving will be crucial.

Sunday – Race 2 brings the weekend to a close
On Sunday, the Austria Formula Cup enters its second race at 11.00. Once again, 25 minutes of racing action are on the programme before the sixth race weekend of the season draws to a close. It will be particularly interesting to see whether Zeller can build on his strong form from Monza and further extend his lead, or whether the competition will strike back at the Slovakia Ring. With an international field of entrants, two races and a championship battle that remains wide open, all the ingredients are in place for an action-packed Austria Formula Cup race weekend in Slovakia. All times are subject to change.