In Italy, the final of the FIA European Karting Championships in the KZ, KZ2 and KZ2 Masters categories ended with a real plebiscite for Sodi chassis, the official team and the teams representing the French brand. Second in the KZ2 final ahead of team-mate Kasper Schormans, Matteo Spirgel is the new European KZ2 Champion. Senna Van Walstijn, who impressed throughout the weekend at the wheel of his Sodi-TM, finished runner-up in the European KZ Championship. A penalty cost Anthony Abbasse the title, runner-up in the European KZ2 Masters Championship. As for the teams, Sodikart leads the KZ Championship and 3rd in KZ2 Masters, while CPB Sport is leader in KZ2.
The Sodi chassis demonstrated its technical potential and competitiveness on the Val Vibrata circuit, with its heavy braking, fast sections and more technical corners, as well as tarmac with varying levels of grip depending on the tarmac joints. The challenge was high, but Sodikart rose to it with brio and success.
Another title for Sodikart and CPB Sport in KZ2
Spotted by CPB Sport and Sodikart less than three years ago, Matteo Spirgel was the hero of the European Championship. At both Alcaniz and Val Vibrata, the Frenchman showed himself to be fast, consistent and above all solid in the face of tough opposition that gave him no respite. "The driver I was fighting with for victory wasn't one of my direct rivals in the overall standings, so I preferred not to take any risks and to secure 2nd place in order to be crowned European Champion," admitted Matteo Spirgel with a great deal of maturity.
Dutchman Kasper Schormans, who set the fastest time of the meeting in KZ2, completed the day's podium, while moving up to 4th in the Championship. Jean Nomblot took a brilliant 6th place in the Final, while South African Nikolas Roos climbed back up to 16th.
Senna Van Walstijn (KZ) and Anthony Abbasse (KZ2 Masters) came close to the title!
The Sodi Racing Team, CPB Sport and Renda Motorsport enjoyed some emotional moments in the KZ and KZ2 Masters Finals. Van Walstijn and Abbasse both found themselves in the position of virtual European Champion. Senna Van Walstijn, who had the second-fastest lap times and was frequently the fastest driver on track in the premier class, finally finished runner-up, just a point behind the winner after some intense duels. Emilien Denner finished P9 after gaining 10 places, while Yohan Soguel (CPB Sport) finished P13.
In KZ2 Masters, Abbasse crossed the finish line in 3rd position, which was enough for him to take the European Champion title after his victory at Alcaniz. Unfortunately, the French driver from the Renda Motorsport team was penalised after the finish and dropped to 7th place, but saved his runner-up title. The two Leder brothers (CPB Sport), Grégory and Sébastien, were also in the top 16.
Comments from Paul Bizalion (CPB Sport)
"It was a great weekend for Sodikart, with another European Championship crown and a fine collection of podiums. The hard work paid off for the French factory, our technical staff managed by Florent Bizalion and our engine manufacturers: Sani Competition, Galiffa Kart and TM Kart. We placed three drivers in the top six in KZ2, taking home the title and the Team Championship for CPB Sport. Only the loss of the fastest lap in the Final by a few hundredths cost us the KZ crown, but we were on the podium for the third year running, while Sodikart led the team standings. Above all our overall performance, in Spain as in Italy, remains the most rewarding and that I wish to retain.”