Buzet once again proved that it lives and breathes motorsport. The legendary Most – Peničići track welcomed more than 15,000 spectators and over 220 drivers from 17 countries, and the conclusion of the 44th Buzetski Dani – European Hill Climb Championship will be remembered for its duration, its incredible atmosphere, thrilling runs, and champions who once again confirmed their status.
Merli Remains King of the European Hill
In the overall standings of the European Championship, the winner was, as expected, Christian Merli (ITA, Nova Proto NP01), once again proving why he is called the King of the European Hill. Merli set a total time of 4:16.159 over two runs, with Frenchman Kevin Petit (Nova Proto NP01) breathing down his neck, just 0.230 seconds behind. Third place went to Joseba Iraola Lanzagorta (ESP, Nova NP01) with a gap of 3.010 seconds. The crowd rewarded every run with thunderous applause, because on Buzet’s 5,001 meters, differences measured in hundredths of a second mean only one thing – a world-class spectacle.
Pereković Defends Croatian Throne and CEZ Title
On the national level and in the Croatian Championship, Domagoj Pereković (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IX) was once again unrivaled. With the fastest single run time of 2:29.101 and a combined time of 4:58.399, averaging 120.667 km/h, Pereković confirmed his status as the untouchable king of Buzet’s and Croatia’s hills.
Behind him, Filip Magdić (Gibson RME) took second place, 12.579 seconds adrift, while third went to reigning European Category 1 champion Matija Jurišić (Peugeot 308 1.6 TCR), 13.985 seconds behind, with an average speed of 115.265 km/h.
Pereković also dominated the CEZ Championship, once again standing on the top step of the podium. Second was Vladimir Stanković (Wolf GB08 Thunder) with a minimal gap of 0.945 seconds, while third was Szymon Piekos (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO), 3.231 seconds behind.
Slovenians and Historic Cars Shine in Buzet
In the Slovenian Championship, the winner was the experienced Milan Bubnić (Lancia Delta HF Integrale) with a total time of 5:07.845, ahead of Matevž Čuden (Porsche GT3 991.2) and Anže Dovjak (Hyundai i30 TCR).
Spectators were particularly delighted by the entrants of the FIA Historic Hill Climb Championship, where Italian Peiro Lottini (Osella PA9/90) triumphed with a combined time of 5:15.894. Second was Austrian Harald Mossler (Daren MK3), followed by Italian Alessandro Bertanza (Lucchini SN86).
Side Events – A Festival for All Generations
Beyond the fierce on-track battles, Buzet lived a rich program all weekend. Porsche Club Adria thrilled visitors with demo rides along the Most – Peničići track, while a special highlight was Juraj Šebalj, who took the lucky prize game winner for a ride in his brand new Toyota that he will race at the upcoming Rally Dakar.
Spectators also enjoyed concerts, a gastro corner, and an old-timer exhibition, while younger visitors were captivated by ForSTEM LEGO workshops and the Formula Student Alpe Adria program, showcasing that the future of engineering in Croatia is built on solid foundations.
A City that Lives for the Race
With the support of more than 250 people in the organization, technically flawless track preparation, and close cooperation with the police, fire brigade, and medical services, Buzetski Dani once again confirmed its status as the best-organized race in Croatia and one of the best hill climb events in Europe. During these days, Buzet once again breathed as one – the audience, volunteers, hosts, and citizens of the entire town gave the race its unique rhythm and proved that this is an event that goes far beyond sport.
The 44th Buzetski Dani will be remembered as a weekend of top-level racing, testing of mental and physical endurance, brilliant champions, and an atmosphere that each year secures Buzet’s place on the European map of motorsport centers.
The 45th Buzetski Dani – European Hill Climb Championship will take place from 18 to 20 September 2026 in Buzet, on the Most – Peničići track (5,001 m, 32 corners).
Save the date and be part of the greatest motorsport spectacle in this part of Europe – a festival of motorsport that brings together the best drivers, thousands of spectators, and an atmosphere only Buzet can provide. See you on the track!