Created: 2026.03.24. 15:38
At a ceremony held at Széchenyi István University, the institution’s karting driver, Vilmos “Viló” Willisits, received the FIA President’s Medal, the most prestigious national award of the International Automobile Federation. Last year, he not only won in his category but also achieved the best overall result. Patrik Lipovics from Győr, who is already competing in Formula 4 this year, was also recognised.
Over the past two decades, Széchenyi István University has become Hungary’s most dynamically developing higher education institution with a focus on motorsport. Key pillars of this include its world-class student racing teams – such as Arrabona Racing Team, SZEnergy Team and SZEngine – its motorsport engineering master’s programme, unique in Central Europe, the Hungaroring External Department of Motorsport, as well as competitions organised with the University’s involvement, such as the Győr Rally. The competitiveness of the practical education provided by the institution is also demonstrated by the fact that its graduates now work for Formula 1 teams such as Mercedes and Audi.
The University’s motorsport division, Uni Győr WMS, has also achieved outstanding success, with its drivers winning numerous national and international accolades year after year. On 23 March, the team’s karting driver, Vilmos “Viló” Willisits, received the FIA President’s Medal at the University’s Győr campus. The award is based on an objective evaluation, as it is granted to the best junior, senior and female drivers according to the national karting rankings. The young athlete not only finished first in the junior category but was also the best overall karting driver in Hungary in the 2025 season.
The winner of the senior category was Patrik Lipovics from Győr, a driver for Hunok Motorsport, meaning that two of the three medals awarded to Hungary went to Győr. This year, the karting driver continues his career in Formula 4.
Attila Vinoczai, Head of the Sports Council of the Hungarian National Motorsport Association, karting drivers Patrik Lipovics and Vilmos “Viló” Willisits, and Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations at Széchenyi István University, at the presentation of the FIA President’s Medals in Győr (Photo: Máté Dudás)
“It is a great pleasure for us that both of them plan to continue their higher education studies at Széchenyi István University. I am convinced they are making an excellent decision, as our institution is committed to supporting dual career pathways, providing an environment where sporting performance and academic studies can reinforce one another,” said Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations of Széchenyi István University, at the ceremony. She added that karting is important for the institution as it forms the foundation of motorsport and serves as a key tool for talent development. She also mentioned the University’s Automotive Industry Research Centre’s electric bambini kart development programme, which connects sport with an interest in engineering and natural sciences even for the youngest age groups.
Vilmos “Viló” Willisits, karting driver of Uni Győr WMS, the motorsport division of Széchenyi István University, in action. (Photo: Klausz Photo)
Attila Vinoczai, Head of the Sports Council of the Hungarian National Motorsport Association, explained that in 2024 the FIA introduced a unified system to record the results of all competitions and drivers. Based on the national ranking established in 2025, the prestigious awards were presented for the first time, two of which were immediately won by the two talented young drivers from Győr. “Congratulations on the recognition, and I trust that they will achieve similar successes in the future,” he emphasised.
“I am very pleased to have earned the medal; we worked extremely hard for it throughout last year. This year, I would like to continue on this path, win championships and keep improving. I have already completed several races successfully, which makes me optimistic about the season as a whole,” said Vilmos “Viló” Willisits. He added that he is proud to have the support of Széchenyi István University behind him, which represents not only recognition but also significant professional support.
