Rusek keen to ‘learn quickly’ in maiden campaign of Euro RX4

Rusek will be one of eight protagonists on the Euro RX4 grid in next month’s curtain-raising contest in Rīga (9-10 May), piloting a Rally4-spec Peugeot 208 in the new grassroots category for Polish outfit Automax Motorsport, with whom Damian Litwinowicz scooped the runner-up spoils in Euro RX1 last year. Her story is quite unusual.

The 36-year-old does not come from a motorsport background and did not start out like so many of her adversaries did in karting. Rather, her journey is a classic example of how chance can change the course of events.

A few years ago, Rusek was involved in a road car accident caused by a skid – an experience that ignited her desire to gain better control over a vehicle in challenging conditions. She duly travelled to Finland to train on ice tracks, which set her on the path to where she is now.

In 2025, the Kraków native joined forces with Automax Motorsport, going on to achieve success and podium finishes on the national stage in the Polish Rallycross Championship’s RWD Cup. She is aiming to continue her rapid career progression and development with the team in Euro RX4.

“I’m still a relatively inexperienced driver,” Rusek reflected. “This will be just my third season of racing, and my first in a front wheel-drive car – until now, I’ve competed exclusively in rear wheel-drive.

“I’m approaching the FIA European Rallycross Championship primarily as a new and valuable experience. I believe I learn quickly, and that is my main goal for the season ahead. By doing that, hopefully I can become a strong competitor.”

Following the opening round of the campaign at the historic Biķernieku trase in the Latvian capital, participants will go on to lock horns at Nyirád in Hungary (30-31 May), Höljes in Sweden (4-5 July), Mondello Park in Ireland (18-19 July), Lohéac in France (29-30 August) and finally Lousada in Portugal, where champions will be crowned on 12-13 September.