O'Play set for decisive European hillclimb showdown in Slovenia

The 32nd GHD Ilirska Bistrica hillclimb in Slovenia this Sunday could prove decisive in the 2026 European Mountain Championship prototype category, with O'Play entering the competition in Group P3 for the first time this season. The driver, piloting a Nova Proto NP03 fielded by CR Corse with an Aprilia naturally-aspirated 1100cc engine, had previously competed in Group P2 due to inconsistent grid sizes in P3, accepting a significant power disadvantage of around 200 horsepower against direct rivals.

With both prototype groups now confirmed for the Ilirska Bistrica event, O'Play will face direct competition from Austrian drivers Christian and Sigrid Eva Ferstl in their Tatuus Master S2000 machines, as well as Marietto Nalon in a Dallara Nissan Formula. The 5010-metre course features a 206-metre elevation gain and average gradient of 4.2 per cent, divided into three distinct sections: a fast opening stretch to the first hairpin, a sequence of medium-speed curves and four consecutive hairpins, and a final acceleration zone. The layout demands precise line work and careful management of track edges throughout.

O'Play claimed the Category 1 (closed cars) continental title at Ilirska Bistrica last year. This season's Category 2 competition remains wide open, with the outcome far from certain heading into the penultimate round of the championship.