European truck stars tested in Most. Preparations for the season are in full swing

The top drivers of the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship continued their preparations for the new season during a three-day test at the Most Autodrom, which took place from April 13 to 15.

The private test, organized by Team Hahn Racing, gave teams and drivers the opportunity to accumulate valuable kilometers – either with brand new or significantly modified racing trucks – before the start of the 2026 season, which kicks off at the end of May in Misano, Italy.
A really strong line-up of drivers was presented on the Most track. Seven-time champion Norbert Kiss, former European champions Antonio Albacete, Jochen Hahn and Adam Lacko were not missing, as well as last year's Chrome category's best driver Mark Taylor and runner-up Bradley Smith. Emma Mäkinen, who recently announced her return to the championship, also returned to the cockpit.
“It was the first time since the winter rebuild, so it was great to be back in the cockpit,” said Briton Mark Taylor. “It’s been a long time since the Jarama race, so it was all about getting back into the swing of things. The truck has had a normal teardown, we’ve got a few chassis modifications and new parts. For me, the key is to feel comfortable behind the wheel – seat adjustments and things like that.”
Antonio Albacete, who won the final race of the season in Jarama last year, has put in a completely new truck: "We have a completely new truck, but the team and people remain the same. Last year's start to the season wasn't ideal, so we hope to be more consistent this year. The truck is working well and I have a good feeling about it."

Luis Recuenco used the test in Most for the first real drive with his new Mercedes for the 2026 season. During the test, Adam Lacko also announced that he will compete at the Nürburgring this year and also at his home event in Most.
Steffi Halm also tested the newly rebuilt IVECO truck: "We completely rebuilt the truck and made a few changes. I'm happy to be back on the track and can fully concentrate on racing again."

Téo Calvert, Steffen Faas, Clemens Hecker, Sascha Lenz, John Newell and René Reinert also took part in the testing. The talented Harry Duenas arrived from Mexico, who is aiming to enter the championship. Christian Ruppert had to interrupt his program due to technical problems: “We worked a lot on the tractor over the winter and were looking forward to the test. Unfortunately, the engine betrayed us - a cracked cylinder head meant a long night in the pits.” The drivers tested both dry and wet conditions over three days, with temperatures ranging between 10 and 15 °C.

The European Truck Racing Championship will return to Autodrom Most at the end of August (August 29-30) as the fourth event of the 2026 season.

Experience truck racing and NASCAR live in Most

The testing only confirmed that fans have something to look forward to. The biggest truck weekend of the season in the Czech Republic – the Czech Truck & NASCAR Prix – will offer not only duels between the top European trucks at the end of August, but also attractive NASCAR series races.
In one place, over one weekend. On-track action, an open paddock and a program that will get you closer to the races than ever before.

$PHOTOS