The 2016 FIA European Truck Racing Championship (FIA ETRC) moves on to the Circuit Paul Armagnac in picturesque south-west France this weekend (11-12 June), for the latest exciting chapter in what has so far proved to be a captivating season.

The intensity of racing throughout the field has never been greater and the dry and wet running at the two opening rounds gave added spice to the exciting racing served up to the many thousands of FIA ETERC fans.

Nogaro will offer further challenges and plenty of action due to its tight and demanding nature. Who will reign supreme and dish up the tastiest results in one of France’s most revered culinary areas?

Lacko v Hahn round three
As the FIA ETRC family heads to France, just four point’s separate leader Adam Lacko and his nearest pursuer Jochen Hahn in the title chase. With 60 to play for at Nogaro, they will both be aiming for a set of results which enables them to pull away in the quest to become 2016 FIA ETRC champion.

Lacko, driving his No.55 Buggyra International Racing system Freightliner ‘FatFox’, and Hahn in his self-run MAN truck have been incredibly evenly matched so far. The two engaged in some spectacularly committed racing at Misano a couple of weeks ago and are sure to again be leading the way for maximum points at Nogaro.

Looking to challenge this Czech and German pair will be René Reinert and Norbert Kiss. Driving a Reinert Racing MAN and a Tankpool24 Racing Mercedes-Benz respectively, this pair of experienced truck racers showed flashes of superb pace last time in Misano.

On the entry list Team Schwabentruck’s Gerd Körber misses the French round, but the grid sees the return of Dutch driver Erwin Kleinnagelfoort in his distinctive Scania truck.

Click here for the entry list
Click here for the Nogaro timetable

Hometown heroes revel in local support
There will be much for the home crowd to cheer on at Nogaro this weekend as French entrant Lion Truck Racing comes to one of their two home tracks this season.

Anthony Janiec has had an excellent season so far, showing speed and flair at both the opening two rounds at Red Bull Ring and Misano. Janiec has had his fair share of drama and bad luck so far but converted his pace in to a fine result in race four at Misano when he took his instantly recognisable yellow MAN truck to third place.

Janiec was also involved in one of the closest battles of the season so far when he fought with René Reinert for position throughout the final Misano race. The two put on a thrilling display which could be reprised on the tight Nogaro track this weekend.

Force of Halm emerges
There was never any doubt about Steffi Halm’s skill and speed but still her performances in Misano surprised many, even herself to some extent.
A massive 35-point haul from the Italian weekend put Steffi in to an instant seventh place in the point’s standings and earned her even more respect from her competitors.

Steffi fever spread quickly with a big crowd of well-wishers at the Fan Village press conference after her second podium appearance in Misano. In addition to these eye-catching performances Halm also gathered many points for the popular WOW! Women on Wheels team, which she shares with Ellen Lohr.

Welcome to Circuit Paul Armagnac

• Circuit opened in 1960
• Re-named in honour of local driver Paul Armagnac who died in a sportscar crash at the 1962 Paris 1000kms.
• 3.636kms in length with 15 corners
• The circuit hosted the FIA European Truck Racing Championship for the first time in 1994

What happened last year?
Race 1: Adam Lacko
Race 2: Norbert Kiss
Race 3: Norbert Kiss
Race 4: Anthony Janiec

Guest Expert, former truck racer, Fabien Calvet says.......
“The Circuit Paul Armagnac is a real challenge for the truck racers. It is tight and technical and you need a very good rhythm going for it. There is a good overtaking point at the hairpin after the back straight. The track is full of character and popular as you always get a very enthusiastic crowd there.

“This small town in the southwest of France attracts many spectators passionate by decorated trucks; there will be 150 and more this year. Fans will also see the Trial Show and the parades in Nogaro town. It is a big attraction and a great atmosphere.”

How to follow the action
If you are not heading to Nogaro then get all the latest news, images and information at the official FIA ETRC website – www.fiaetrc.com

You can follow the race live at the FIA ETRC ‘Race Centre’ here with timing, text commentary and the special Truck Tracker to follow the action as it happens.

ETRC 2016 calendar dates:

Click here for latest championship points