The third season of the Toyota Online Racing circuit championship has begun with the first race of the season, organized by Toyota Czech Republic and Toyota Gazoo Racing Czech. The opening race at the legendary Suzuka Circuit in Japan, which featured three 18-minute sprint races, delivered not only thrilling battles but also extremely challenging conditions that tested the skills of all drivers.
JJ Racing Team faced several setbacks on the track but managed to secure valuable points and gain crucial experience for the upcoming races. Representing the team on the starting grid were Zdeněk Hamák, František Kaštovský, and Ladislav Tóth.
A Tough Qualifying and a Challenging Race Start
Qualifying didn’t go as planned for the team. The drivers struggled with the car setup and, above all, the unpredictable weather conditions throughout the session. Ladislav Tóth fought his way into the TOP 10, securing 8th place, followed by František Kaštovský in 10th place and Zdeněk Hamák just behind him in 11th place.
However, the first race started with misfortune when Zdeněk Hamák’s car was hit by a competitor, sending him into the barriers. This incident ended any hopes for a solid result in the opening race. František Kaštovský unfortunately faced technical issues and had to retire the car to the pits, while Ladislav Tóth managed to secure a respectable 9th place.
Improved Performance in the Second and Third Races
The situation improved in the second race, as JJ Racing Team steadily worked its way up the field, maintaining a solid race pace and competing for top positions. Zdeněk Hamák finished in 7th place, František Kaštovský in 10th, while Ladislav Tóth was forced to retire. The final and third race showed even further improvement, with Zdeněk Hamák finishing in an impressive 6th place, Ladislav Tóth in 7th, and František Kaštovský in 13th.
A Wet Track as the Decisive Factor
The entire race was marked by challenging wet conditions, requiring maximum focus and precise car control. Despite several setbacks impacting the overall result, JJ Racing Team managed to secure valuable points and gain crucial experience that will be key for the upcoming races. After the first round, Zdeněk Hamák holds 8th place overall, Ladislav Tóth 9th, and František Kaštovský 14th in the standings.
„It was an extremely demanding race due to the wet conditions. We had good pace, but unfortunately, we couldn’t put everything together and avoid mistakes. However, we have a solid foundation to build on, and we aim to deliver a stronger performance in the next race,“ summarized Zdeněk Hamák after the first round.
New Challenges Await in the Next Race
The championship is just beginning, and JJ Racing Team is ready to fight on. The next race takes place at Virginia International Raceway (USA) on February 4, 2025, offering another chance to showcase the team’s strength and potential. After reviewing race data and learning from this round, the goal will be better consistency, fewer mistakes, and a push for higher positions.
All races can be watched on O2 TV Sport or on the Twitch channel of the championship organizer, Proesport.cz.
Photo: iRacing