Penultimate European round for Christian Merli in Slovenia

Christian Merli is racing his Osella FA 30 Judd LRM at the penultimate round of the 2024 European Championship, the 30th Ilirska Bistrica hill climb in Slovenia. The Scuderia Vimotorsport driver has won in Portugal, Italy, Poland and Switzerland this year, not to mention his spectacular performance in Colorado/USA. He is currently leading the European championship group E2-SS, the single-seaters, with 175 points, followed by Alexander Hin (148).

The provisional general classification
“The game is still open in the general classification, but it will be very difficult, because I missed out on points in the Czech Republic, where I couldn’t race because I was taking part in the Pikes Peak hill climb. I’m also up against a very strong opponent, Geoffrey Schatz from France. To beat him, you have to give 110 per cent all the time.”

The track
“A race in north eastern Slovenia, close to the Austrian border. There are three practice heats and two race heats on the 5.010 km track, which starts with a fast mixed section with bends to be taken at full throttle. After the first kilometre there is a roundabout and then you brake sharply. Next, a brow and a brief dip, then demanding 3rd and 4th gear corners going uphill. A left-hand hairpin bend, then two more hairpins alternating with two straights and a wide right-hander followed by a fast straight. Then a left-hander at full throttle leading to a challenging 4th gear right-hand corner. Shortly thereafter, the finish line. Very often you have to pick up speed again, and it will be difficult for us to aim for the top step of the podium.”

The last two rounds of the 2024 European Hill Climb Championship
1 September: 30th GHD Ilirska Bistrica (Slovenia), 15 September: 43rd Buzetski dani (Croatia).

Translation by Ruth Scheithauer