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For the second time this year the Hankook RCM Cup had the honor to be one of the support series of the FIA World Touring Car Championship, this time on the Slovakiaring. As expected many Hungarian fans took the 150 km long journey from Budapest to Dióspatony, and cheered Norbert Michelisz. Although the atmosphere of the Slovakian round cannot be compared to the Hungaroring, the audience enjoyed interesting races.

In contrast to the WTCC, one of the RCM Cup races was held on Saturday, which turned out to be a lucky decision, as at least one of the runs could avoid the torrential rain hit the Slovakiaring on Sunday. It was warm and sunny on Saturday, and the characteristic of the track resulted one of the most spectacular races of the season.

Due to the long straights and fast corners the slipstream has an incredible importance in Slovakia; even more with the 1.5 liter RCM Swift Racers. With this 120 BHP car leading the race is almost a disadvantage here, as with splistreaming the followers can reach much higher top speed in the straights. Consequently, it is not unusual to have a change in the lead in the very last lap.Bálint Hatvani (Zsille Motorsport) started race one from pole position, but was overtaken by defending champion Dániel Nagy (RCM Motorsport) after two laps. He could not enjoy the lead for long tough, as Hatvani soon repassed him, and started to build up a small advantage. In the meanwhile Gábor Tim (Apex Racing) surged himself past Nagy, and chased down Hatvani.

Tim wanted to wait patiently on the wheel of the Zsille driver until the last lap, but Hatvani made a mistake, and Tim took the lead earlier. But it was still not over in front. In the closing stages of the race Tim started to struggle with brake problems, and finally ended up in the gravel. He could continue but finished only sixth.

The lead was inherited by Nagy, who also managed to overtake Hatvani before, and he kept it until the flag dropped. Attila Tassi (RCM) showed his qualities with his first podium place this season, while Hatvani only finished third.

The Gentleman Cup was won by Gábor Kismarty (Zengő Motorsport) once again, and his team-mate Bence Pusztay finished first among the rookies.

Race one results:Heavy rain arrived on Sunday morning; water was flowing all around the track. The WTCC race was suspended, as it was impossible to keep the cars under control due to aquaplaning. However, the show must go on, and the second RCM Cup race was started under safety car. This series does not have specific rain tires, so the drivers had to drive on the same semi-slick Hankook wheels they used on the dry. It is well enough in case of normal rain, however this was far from normal.Gábor Kismarty was driving behind the safety car due to the reversed grid, however, it was impossible to follow the events once the Honda left the field alone on the track. Tim quickly overtook Kismarty and Viktor Csuti, but soon lost the lead as his car started aquaplaning on a huge pond. Once again Nagy inherited the lead from his rival, and he could keep it with cautious driving.

The race was finally red flagged after six laps, as rain became even heavier, but the drivers got full points. Starting from P8 Nagy won the race and did the double once again. Tim finished second in front of Hatvani.The Gentleman Cup was once again won by Kismarty, who fought well to be very close to the overall podium. Among the rookies Gábor Forrai (Apex) took his revenge and won ahead of his rival Pusztay.

Race two results:After an eventful period it is now time for the RCM Cup field to take a little rest. The next race will be on the Pannóniaring between 21^st and 22^nd of June.

RCMCup - András Lantos