Wrist injury forces Mat’o Homola out of TCR Europe

Janík Motorsport’s Mat’o Homola has had to call time on his TCR Europe campaign with immediate effect due to nursing a long-term injury.

The Slovakian, currently 14th in the standings with one podium finish achieved in the reversed-grid race at Spa-Francorchamps, revealed the news on his Facebook page after Janik had announced that team principal Václav Janík would be driving at Monza this weekend in Homola’s place.

“I need to cancel my TCR Europe campaign,” Homola said. “For three months I have torn ligament in my right wrist. At that time doctors suggested immediate operation, but I postponed it after the season.

“Unfortunately, it is getting worse and after doctor checked last week, the doctor forbids me to race to not have long-term problems in case of crash.

“Because of that I put my health as a priority, to not risk as before and that’s why I will not compete in last rounds of TCR Europe. I have planned operation, that I try to move even sooner. Thanks to my partners for the support and understanding. Keep crossed fingers to my team in Monza.”

After Monza, the TCR Europe season concludes at Barcelona on 14-16 October. Should Homola be able to schedule his wrist surgery to take place before then, then he may have a possibility of getting back in his Hyundai Elantra N before the end of 2022.

Alongside TCR Europe, Homola has also raced part-time in the TCR Eastern Europe Trophy this year and came sixth in the standings with two wins from four races.

Janik has also been keeping race sharp in TCR Eastern Europe, racing an i30 N rather than an Elantra, and after missing the opening round he came fourth in the standings.