FIA Karting: European coronations in sight in Sarno
The FIA Karting European Championship - KZ & KZ2 is preparing to crown the first champions of the season at its second event from 6th to 9th July 2023 on the Circuito Internazionale Napoli in Sarno in Italy, sponsored by Mondokart.com.
The current version of the Sarno track, which is 1,550m long, remains highly attractive to competitors who are used to epic battles punctuated by twists and turns. The points scored in Spain in the first event give an advantage to the best-placed drivers, but experience has already shown that the course of the second round can be decisive in the awarding of titles. So the tension will be at its highest throughout the race.
The weather expected at the foot of Mount Vesuvius is likely to be hot but not excessively so, with little risk of rain for the time being. Of the 130 drivers entered, 17 have been selected for this one-off event via the wild card system. Both the KZ and KZ2 categories will be equipped with LeCont 'Prime' tyres and 100% sustainable P1 Fuel will be used.
KZ: van Walstijn and Iglesias set to duel at the summit
The provisional standings in the FIA Karting European Championship - KZ put Dutchman Senna van Walstijn ahead of the winner of the first Final, Frenchman Jérémy Iglesias, who was crowned World Champion in 2020. They will be the logical favourites in Sarno, but their expected duel is likely to be decided by three drivers currently in the top five, with a deficit of around 20 points that could easily be recovered. To defend the Italian colours, Danilo Albanese and Matteo Vigano, the 2022 runner-up, will have to take into account the potential of Frenchman Emilien Denner. Lorenzo Camplese (ITA), Tom Leuillet (FRA) and Riccardo Longhi (ITA) are also in with a chance of a good result. Paolo Ippolito (ITA) and Stan Pex (NLD) have the potential to influence the final result.
Provisional FIA Karting European Championship - KZ standings before Round 2
1- Senna Van Walstijn (NLD) - 72 points
2- Jérémy Iglesias (FRA) - 70 points
3- Danilo Albanese (ITA) - 50 points
4- Matteo Vigano (ITA) - 48 points
5- Emilien Denner (FRA) - 48 points
KZ2: Slater ahead of Powell and Vasile
The young British driver Freddie Slater, aged just 14, has made his mark on the start of the season against much more experienced drivers. He leads the provisional standings in the FIA Karting European Championship - KZ2. His direct pursuer Alex Powell, in the colours of Jamaica, is also a precocious 15 year-old talent who is also at the forefront of the OK category. In 3rd place, the much more experienced Romanian Daniel Vasile is enjoying a remarkable return to form this season. Two other young talents complete the provisional top five, just a few points behind: Kean Nakamura-Berta (15) under British licence, 2021 Junior World Champion and 2022 OK European vice-champion, and Frenchman Matteo Spirgel (16) from a family of racers. In the provisional top 10, Tomass Stolcermanis (LVA) is also putting in a brilliant double programme in OK and KZ2. Jorge Pescador (ESP) is, at 33, one of the most experienced drivers in the field, while Cristian Bertuca (ITA) is, at 16, one of the category's hopefuls.
Provisional FIA Karting European Championship - KZ2 standings before Round 2
1- Freddie Slater (GBR) - 73 points
2- Alex Powell (JAM) - 66 points
3- Daniel Vasile (ROU) - 61 points
4- Kean Nakamura-Berta - 49 points
5- Matteo Spirgel (FRA) - 44 points
Provisional programme for the Sarno event
FIA Karting European Championship - KZ Mondokart.com Race of Italy
FIA Karting European Championship - KZ2 Mondokart.com Race of Italy
Friday 7th July
08:30 - 12:10: KZ/KZ2 Free Practice (3x10')
13:20 - 14:30: Qualifying Practice (6')
15:10 - 16:25: Qualifying Heats
Saturday 8th July
08:30 - 09:25: Warm-up (10')
09:30 - 16:20: Qualifying Heats
Sunday 9th July
08:00 - 08:40: Warm-up (10')
09:15 - 10:25: Super Heats
11:25 - 13:55: Finals