Strong Season Opener for Antonio Albacete with Double Podium Finish

1^st Race Misano, Italy | 30-31^st May 2026

Antonio Albacete and the team enjoyed a strong start to the 2025 season of the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship, securing two podium finishes, valuable championship points, and fifth place in the overall standings after the opening round.

The weekend began with an impressive qualifying performance, as Antonio secured P3 in the season's first qualifying session. In Race 1, he made an excellent start, moving up to P2 and maintaining the position for half of the race. Unfortunately, contact from Jochen Hahn, who braked too late and collided with Antonio, cost him valuable track position. Hahn received a five-second penalty for the incident, while Antonio crossed the finish line in P4.

Following the race, officials called a drivers' meeting due to the unusually high number of penalty markers that had been hit throughout the race. Multiple penalties were issued, resulting in a major reshuffle of the classification. Antonio was ultimately classified in P8, which secured pole position for Race 2 under the reverse-grid format.

Starting from pole, Antonio led the race for a significant period and delivered another outstanding performance. Only reigning champion Norbert Kiss was able to find a way past, leaving Antonio to secure a well-deserved P2 finish and the team's first podium of the season.

Day two started just as strongly, with Antonio once again qualifying in P3. In Race 3, he produced another excellent drive to claim P3 and secure a second podium finish of the weekend. The final race of the event saw Antonio finish in P5, adding more valuable points to the championship tally.

At the conclusion of the opening round, Antonio and the team leave with fifth position in the overall championship standings. Just as importantly, the truck completed the weekend without any major damage, allowing the team to immediately focus on preparations for Round 2 in Slovakia next weekend.

The team was also delighted to host guests from BPW Italy and Nissens throughout the event. Both partners enjoyed an exciting race weekend, experiencing the unique atmosphere of the paddock and grandstands while witnessing a successful start to the season.

With two podium finishes, strong championship points, and excellent pace throughout the weekend, the team heads to Slovakia full of confidence for the next round of the championship.