Intense competition ahead at Adria
The Adria circuit in Italy will host from 13th to 15th August 2021 the second event of the FIA Karting European Championships - KZ & KZ2 after which the two European titles will be awarded, as well as the second of the three event of the FIA Karting Academy.
The Venetian track is known for its fast and rolling 1,302m track with wide asphalt clearances, where overtaking is not always easy with gearbox karts. Adria's facilities are very popular, especially its fully concreted paddock. At this time of year, temperatures could well be high and the risk of thunderstorms cannot be overlooked.
The FIA European Karting Championship - KZ & KZ2 consists of two events and all results are counted towards the titles, with no room for error. While close battles are expected, strategy will play a big part in the outcome of the competition. With one more event to go, the FIA Karting Academy Trophy will come to a conclusion later in Sweden at Kristianstad in early September, but the points scored in Adria will be decisive. Almost 180 drivers from 54 countries are expected to attend the Italian event, the largest country with almost a quarter of the total field.
KZ: Longhi and Denner aim for the title
The Wackersdorf event showed that Riccardo Longhi (ITA) and Émilien Denner (FRA) were neck and neck in the FIA Karting European Championship - KZ. Both men know the Adria circuit well and their thirst for victory should ensure a top quality sporting confrontation. However, it would only take a poor performance by one of them for a rival to take the laurels. Alex Irlando (ITA), Stan Pex (NLD) and Pedro Hiltbrand (ESP) are well placed for this. We shouldn't forget two contenders, Marijn Kremers (NLD) and Francesco Celenta (ITA), who didn't succeed in Wackersdorf and who are determined to take over their role in the leading group. The data is not as simple as it might seem and nothing is decided yet. The event will also see the KZ debut of the recent FIA Karting European Champion - OK, Andrea Kimi Antonelli (ITA).
Provisional standings of the 2021 FIA Karting European Championship - KZ before the second round in Adria.
1- Riccardo Longhi (ITA) 34 points
2- Émilien Denner (FRA) 30 points
3- Alex Irlando (ITA) 22 points
4- Stan Pex (NLD) 15 points
5- Pedro Hiltbrand (ESP) 14 points
KZ2: Advantage van Walstijn
With more than 100 drivers taking part in Adria, the FIA Karting European Championship - KZ2 will have an intense finale. First of all, it will be necessary to go through the Qualifying Phases, which consist of 15 heats, five for each competitor, without any problems in order to be one of the 36 finalists. The risk of setbacks is high and a strategic view of the race will undoubtedly be required to reach the final goal. Senna van Walstijn (NLD) scored maximum points in Germany, which gives him a theoretical advantage for the Italian competition. However, his closest rival Giacomo Pollini (ITA) is close enough to be a serious threat. The chances of Laurens van Hoepen (NLD), Leonardo Marseglia (ITA) and Paavo Tonteri (FIN) should not be forgotten.
Provisional ranking of the 2021 FIA Karting European Championship - KZ2 before the second round in Adria.
1- Senna van Walstijn (NLD) 35 points
2- Giacomo Pollini (ITA) 29 points
3- Laurens van Hoepen (NLD) 24 points
4- Leonardo Marseglia (ITA) 18 points
5- Paavo Tonteri (FIN) 18 points
Decisive event in the Academy
With its three events, the FIA Karting Academy Trophy is taking a different approach to the Adria competition. If Reno Francot (NLD) wins in Italy, it will be difficult for his rivals to challenge him for the title in Sweden. His direct pursuers must score significant points to block his way. As the races in this category can be extremely competitive right up to the finish, the show promises to be intense throughout the Italian event and surprises are not unlikely.
Provisional standings for the 2021 FIA Karting Academy Trophy before the second round in Adria.
1- Reno Francot (NLD) 35 points
2- Salim Hanna (COL) 28 points
3- Bart Harrison (GBR) 19 points
4- Dion Gowda (SGP) 18 points
5- Caleb Gafrarar (USA) 15 points
The provisional programme for the Adria event
Friday 13th August
09:00 - 16:20: Free Practice KZ/KZ2 (3x15') Academy (3x20')
16:35 - 18:00: Qualifying Practice (8')
Saturday 14th August
09:00 - 10:25: Warm-up (10')
10:30 - 17:20: Qualifying Heats
Sunday 15th August
08:00 - 09:25: Warm-up (10')
09:30 - 11:25: Qualifying Heats
13:45 - 16:10: Finals