The ceremonial awards gala for the FIA Central European Championship champions for the 2024 season was held in Pezinok near Bratislava. This notable event was attended by champions from all categories and disciplines across Central Europe. Among the crowned champions was the only Serbian racing driver, Uroš Brkić, who won this hill climb championship for the third year in a row. During the 2024 season, Brkić competed across Europe and the region in the prototype category with his Norma M20F, representing Serbia in the best possible way. In addition to the championship awards, the event was attended by delegations from nearly all motorsport federations in Central Europe. Immediately prior to the ceremony, a meeting was held at which new regulations were adopted and the race calendar was confirmed. Within the hill climb regulations, significant changes were introduced after a long period of stability. Namely, in Category 2, which includes prototypes and formula cars, new rules will be applied. From the 2025 season, formula cars and prototypes will compete together, but will be divided into four classes based on the FIA performance factor calculation, taking into account factors such as vehicle weight, engine displacement, gearbox type, aerodynamics, as well as many other key parameters. After the awards ceremony, Uroš Brkić announced his plans for the upcoming season:
“Twenty-one full competitive seasons, for the fourth time I am among the winners of the CEZ championship, for the third time consecutively. At first glance, from this distance, when I look at it now, it seems to me like it was a relatively easy path. But then I stop and think about these numbers and realize how much effort, work, sweat, money, and many other material and immaterial resources were invested, and I see that it really was not such an easy path – but it is certain that I enjoyed every moment and continue to enjoy it. Like anyone who enjoys what they do, I always strive for new challenges and new ideas, and that is actually what makes you persevere in something. Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of my sponsors, club, friends, and family, and I take this opportunity once again to sincerely thank them for being with me. What is important to mention is that for the past two years there has been talk that the rules would change, and we as a team prepared for that, and I hope we have a significant and competitive response for the season ahead, which I hope we will discuss further before the season. We are all entering these regulations for the first time and it is too early to make predictions, but many things will probably become clearer in the first races,” said the Serbian motorsport ace.
This event once again confirmed the importance of the CEZ championship and hill climb racing in the region. It is expected that the new regulatory changes will bring additional competition and much closer performance levels among the cars, while teams and drivers eagerly await the start of the season in the new format.