It has been a full programme this Saturday, September 8th at Genk (BEL) with no less than 25 Qualifying Heats and two historic kart demonstrations. The many well informed spectators were divided between the main stand and the periphery of the circuit to enjoy the intensity of the races. There was good weather for this important day, even though some clouds reduced the sunshine at the end of the afternoon. Present since the Friday, CIK-FIA President Felipe Massa enjoyed the sporting show while continuing to refine his knowledge of karting during numerous interviews with the various stakeholders.
On the track, battles followed relentlessly in the three categories in contention, including twists with significant consequences for the outcome of the three Competitions. Eight Qualifying Heats will take place on Sunday morning, before revealing the 34 Finalists at around 13:00, while the Finals will take place between 13:50 and 16:10.
Academy: Navalon Boya takes the lead
The four Qualifying Heats of the FIA Karting Academy Trophy enabled the points leader to take the lead. After setting the 4th fastest time, Jose Maria Navalon Boya (ESP) then took two victories, against one for Guilherme A. De Figueiredo (BRA) and another for Kobe Pauwels (BEL), his direct rivals. The poleman Isidro Callejas Gomez (ESP) was tied with Craig Tanic (FRA) to complete the top five. Some penalties delayed other protagonists such as Suleiman Zanfari (MAR) and Sami Meguetounif (FRA).
Hajek wins twice in KZ
Four Qualifying Heats were also run on Saturday in the FIA Karting World Championship - KZ. Patrik Hajek (CZE) is back in 1st place thanks to his two excellent wins. Meanwhile, Rick Dreezen (BEL) returned from 8th to 2nd place ahead of Marijn Kremers (NLD), with one win each. Jorrit Pex (NLD) made a solid run to finish 4th in front of Simo Puhakka (FIN). The poleman Fabian Federer (ITA) lost ground due to a missed start in the last race, while Pedro Hiltbrand (ESP) impressed with top performances the same as those achieved by Paolo De Conto (ITA). Victim of a collision, Benjamin Hanley (GBR) fell back significantly from the top five.
Vigano remains the master of KZ2
A brilliant poleman, Matteo Vigano (ITA) achieved a perfect score in the Qualifying Heats of the FIA Karting International Super Cup - KZ2 at Genk, with five great victories. Among the rivals, the vagaries of racing caused drama throughout the 17 races of the day. Adrien Renaudin (FRA) returned from 6th to 2nd place ahead of Emil Skaras (SWE). Giacomo Pollini (ITA) and Daniel Bray (NZL) followed in the top five while Gaetano Gomes E.S. Di Mauro (BRA) jumped from 21st in Qualifying. Despite two victories, Alexander Schmitz (DEU) dropped to 14th position due to a mechanical problem, followed by a few points by Maximilian Paul (DEU) and Jean Nomblot (FRA).