This year, the Winter Cup had to give up its usual spot at the beginning of the season to wait until mid-November on the South Garda Karting circuit in Lonato.

On Friday 14 May, 174 drivers from 42 countries took part in the Qualifying Practice for the first of the four 2021 FIA Karting European Championship - OK and Junior - events at the Genk circuit (BEL). The changing weather situation played a role in the overall standings, although the track remained dry apart from a short shower in the second timed OK session. Singapore's Askay Bohra took the Junior pole position and the American Ugo Ugochukwu took the top class.