From Mini Kart to 125cc, regardless of the category where Sodi was seen, the French make showed all its value on the top step of the podium. In Lyon, where FFSA Karting Grand Prix 2008 made its debut, Anthony Abbasse triumphed in KZ2, direct proof of the excellent performance of Sodi SR5 BV B8 chassis in 125cc gearbox categories.
After a fruitful experience in Italy at Winter Cup and WSK, Sodi Team went to Lyon for their debut in KF2, KF3 and KZ2 Championships of France. Exactly like last year, French chassis were everywhere in the large paddock of Saint Laurent de Mûre circuit. Pilots are really enthusiastic about this product performance and professionals find in Sodikart a dynamic, original and innovative partner.
Despite very poor weather conditions in the Rhône-Alpes region during Eastern week-end, Sodi SR5 chassis confirmed its competitiveness both in the dry and in the wet. Anthony Abbasse’s fantastic performance is proof of it, if any was needed. He won the pole in his group during official time qualifying, despite a soaking wet racetrack. During the day, racetrack conditions changed, but Anthony remained very competitive.
In the final – this time on dry tarmac – he soon took the lead of the race. After 23 laps, he won the race with almost three seconds of advantage, also thanks to its Sodi chassis. “This is my debut with a 125cc gearbox kart and it’s great to win so early in the season”, said multichampion of France. “I must say that my material helped me a lot. Foti Power TM engines worked perfectly. As far as my chassis is concerned, I had the same good performance as the model I use in KF1, with very powerful braking. The following day we took part in another race, as the new and original formula of FFSA Grand Prix requires. The racetrack remained wet throughout the day and I thought I could win again. Unfortunately, despite best time during practice and just when I was leading the final, I had a violent collision”. He started 33rd in the final, so Anthony knew that victory was gone, but he did not give up the fight and incredibly mounted up to 6th place, finishing 2nd in the provisional overall ranking of Championship of France.
“What happened to Anthony on Sunday is a pity, especially because the same thing happened to Alban Varutti, who could have climbed too onto the podium, remarked Team Manager Franck Le Beller. Having said that, the week-end was very positive. Pilots with Sodi chassis had brilliant performance in all categories, regardless of the team they were running for. For example, Paul-Loup Chatin obtained the best time in his group at his KF2 debut and Clément Bluy often took the lead of the group in this category. Pilots like Stephen Nuvolini in KZ2 and Nelson De Carvalho in KF3 obtained excellent results. FFSA Karting Grand Prix series began under the best auspices for Sodi”. |
