Points leader Norbert Kiss is set to take another step towards his fifth title. A 54-point gap over his nearest rival means that only a combination of bad luck and his competitors’ excellent form in the second part of the season can deny the Hungarian ace championship victory.

The battle for second is incredibly close, with just 24 points between Jochen Hahn, Sascha Lenz and Antonio Albacete.

All three will be looking out for wins and podiums on Czech soil as the battle between Hahn and Albacete for the highest number of podium appearances in the history of FIA ETRC continues.

The upcoming round also sees a familiar face rejoining the pack as the 2017 champion and multiple race winner at Most, Adam Lacko is set to make his return to the Goodyear FIA ETRC grid in his trusted Freightliner.

André Kursim currently sits fifth in the championship, 17 points ahead of Steffi Halm. The latter of the two have been enjoying a close midfield battle with Jamie Anderson over the course of the season, with both aiming to claim sixth in the championship.

Advantage is with Halm at the moment, with Anderson being disadvantaged by missing the opening round of the season held at Misano. The sole female driver in the field also took her second podium of the season at her home event, at the Nürburgring, to strengthen her position and currently enjoys a 13-point advantage.

The on-track action begins on Friday with the all-important qualifying session taking place in the afternoon rather than on its usual Saturday morning slot.

Follow the action live via the official Goodyear FIA ETRC YouTube channel.