Simić relentless even at Zolder, Šantić adorned with his first victory: reverse-grid drama concludes the second round

After a hot opener at Sachsenring, the championship in the A13 category of digital motorsport, held under the auspices of the Croatian Auto and Karting Federation (HAKS), has arrived at Zolder — a narrow, technical Belgian track with a rich history that has also hosted Formula 1. Throughout the evening, we were guided by Mali Baćo and Alma, who returned to the commentary booth after Sachsenring.

Qualifying: Simić and Šantić in their own league

The qualifying session wrote a familiar story. Renato Simić secured pole position ahead of Adrian Šantić and Zvonimir Kranjčec, with differences of just a few hundredths at the top. The first five or six positions once again belonged to Audi RS3s, while the fastest Cupra Leon was driven by Marin Boras (P10). From Hyundai Elantra, the best qualifier was Dubravko Bumbar (P8), a podium hero from the previous round.

Race 1: Controlled Simić, chaos behind him

The first 25 minutes had one unquestionable master. Simić made a clean start from pole and led from the first to the last corner. Matej Mikšić missed the start, just like at Sachsenring, and fell deep in the standings, while Kranjčec moved up to second place and immediately threatened Šantić.

Behind the leaders, a true Zolder battle erupted - a track that does not forgive and where every mistake is costly. The duel between the two Elantras, Bumbar and Volarević, particularly resonated, while Zvonimir Panian drove aggressively, overtaking through the chicanes. The middle of the pack was a long train of cars where positions changed with every braking.

There was no shortage of drama either: the storm that hit a large part of Croatia that evening knocked out three drivers simultaneously from the race - Bumbar, Smijulj, and Posavec - most likely due to an internet connection failure.

At the finish, Renato Simić took his third victory of the season, ahead of Kranjčec and Šantić; all three were in their own league, with a huge gap to fourth Igor Krstinić. Fifth was Mikšić, sixth Beluhan, and seventh place was claimed by Marin Fabijanić, who defended fiercely with his Hyundai.

The most beautiful moment of the evening, however, came after the checkered flag: Mario Đurina pushed Dino Tušek, who ran out of fuel, across the finish line with his own car - sacrificing his own position for the next race. A sports gesture to remember.

Race 2: Reverse grid, Boras's drama, and Šantić's first victory

The second race was held with a reverse grid - the top 15 from the first race started in the opposite order, so Dino Tušek came to pole, and the fast guys had to fight their way up from the back. The start was pure chaos: Marko Đurin took the lead, Mario Načinović retired in the first lap, and Kranjčec lost control and fell to the back - continuing a streak of bad luck for the crowd favorite.

In front, Marin Boras dictated the pace for a long time, bravely defending the lead in Cupri. But Zolder took its toll once again. Zvonimir Panian, who was driving brilliantly, dropped out due to a gearbox failure while battling at the front. Renato Simić started his charge as always - moving up from 15th on the grid towards the podium lap by lap. Igor Krstinić impressed with incredible reflexes, saving several seemingly lost situations, while Kranjčec fought back from the last position into the top 10.

The turning point came in the last few minutes. Boras's tires and pace gave way, and he was swallowed by the train of leaders; in a tight tussle and contact (which ended up under the scrutiny of the judges), he lost the deserved victory. Adrian Šantić seized the opportunity and recorded his first victory of the season, ahead of Simić and Matej Mikšić. Boras salvaged fourth place, Beluhan was fifth, and Kranjčec only managed to climb to ninth.

Standings: Simić pulls ahead, Šantić confirms form

With a victory and a second place, Renato Simić had almost a perfect evening and further solidified his lead in the championship. Adrian Šantić, with a third and a first place, positions himself as the main challenger, while Kranjčec - after triumphing last Wednesday - this time left without a significant haul. The season remains wide open.

Already next Wednesday, the third round is scheduled, the last before the summer break - the championship will then return in September with five more rounds to go. You can follow all races live on SIMmark's YouTube channel.