KARTCOM News #35 ( english version ) by KARTCOM News

#35 SUMMARY 004 005

Flying Finn 100 - 100 karts for young Finns Homologation of the 2018 Minime and Cadet chassis Hadrien David, Tricolour! Jean-Claude Sanchez passes away 2018 Winter Series in Florida with the Rok Cup Kees van de Grint - The Åsum Ring is a great place! First electric karting championship with Electric GT Niagara Speedway under construction The test days for the 2018 French Junior Championship are full Doriane Pin - Significant progress in the French Junior Champ. Team Kart Pro Racing and KPR engines at the top

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KSP GRAND INTERVIEW

ITW - Claude Gripon

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NEWS 2018 FFSA KARTING CALENDAR

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2018 FFSA Karting Calendar FFSA Karting engines 2018-2022 A fine Belgian Championship rewards Franck Chappard Victor Bernier: the revelation of French karting is on the march 2018 dates of the ACI Italian Karting Championship Parolin starts strong in 60 Mini The final of the Belgian Karting Championship in video New village at Angerville 2017 Calendar

EDITORIAL NEWS

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INTERNATIONAL WACKERSDORF WORLD KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP

NATIONA LOHÉAC FRENCH

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INTERNATIONAL

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Alaharma - European Championship Alahärmä - Academy Trophy Kristianstad - European Championship Assen - European Championship Wackersdorf - World Championship Wackersdorf - International Super Cup

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PRODUCTS

ALPINESTARS FLEXFIT Cap ALPINESTARS Driven T-Shirt MEKAONE seat cushion kit

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CARS

The French F4 Championship gets the FIA F4 car for 2018 Magny-Cours - French F4 Championship

NATIONAL

Saint Amand - French National Championship Saint Amand - French Cup Lohéac - French National Championship Croix en Ternois - French Long Circuit Championship Croix en Ternois - French Cup Val d'Argenton - National Series Karting

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VIDEO

IAME - New visual identity and new website The Flying Finn 100 Race Kristianstad - CIK-FIA Academy Trophy Alahärmä - European OK-Junior Championship

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AL C H NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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CARS THE FRENCH F4 CHAMPIONSHIP GETS THE FIA F4 CAR FOR 2018

PRODUIT MEKAONE SEAT CUSHION KIT

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EDITORIAL

KARTCOM NEWS #35 A BUSY SUMMER IN 2017 A

part from a short break in August, karting was busy during the summer. The CIK-FIA European Championship returned after a long absence in Finland, a country of enthusiasts. The Alahärmä circuit generated many positive reactions from the participants, infusing a spirited rhythm to the competition thanks to a fast, winding and undulating track creating a spectacle. The venue itself was quite stunning, in the middle of a large amusement park. It should be noted that the two winners, Sami Taoufik and Jonny Edgar, were the future European Champions in OK and OK-Junior. The final European meeting took place its the wake, at Kristianstad the following weekend. The welcome and organisation of the Swedes did not drop in intensity, but it was the weather made it difficult with capricious rain disrupting the competition. None of the 2017 European Champions was able

to shine on the Asum Ring, leaving room for four new winners. Finlay Kenneally managed to win in OK, Jack Doohan made a strong impression in OK-Junior, Patrik Hajek brilliantly won KZ and Adrien Renaudin was the star of a KZ2 Final raced on slicks on a very wet track. The European KZ2 Championship did not reveal great talents, as Leon Köhler has not yet been able to show his full potential, but the other categories have crowned very convincing drivers like Sami Taoufik in OK, Jonny Edgar in OK-Junior, the revelation of the year, and Paolo De Conto, unbeatable in KZ at the wheel of his CRG / TM. KZ enjoyed a resurgence of participants in early September at Wackersdorf for the World Championship and the final battle between De Conto and Anthony Abbasse kept the suspense going to the end. The Italian imposed himself again, but the French-

man, barely recovered from his wound at Oviedo, gave him a hard time. The KZ2 Super Cup also put on a show, breaking entry records. The recovery of Alex Irlando and his bold pass on Benjamin Persson at the last corner will be a lasting memory. In France, the summer was also well filled with Louis Iglesias' double French Cup and Championship in Minime, the superb victory of the Martiniquais Craig Tanic in Cadet, Sami Meguetounif in National and the conclusion of the French Junior Championship to the benefit of Pierre-Louis Chovet. The coming month will be filled with high-level sporting events, starting with the highly anticipated OK and OK-Junior World Championship in Great Britain at the PFInt'l circuit.

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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

FLYING FINN 100 :

100 KARTS FOR YOUNG FINNS

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Alahärmä hosted the European Championship weekend on 23rd July, an opportunity for the Flying Finn 100 project to reach its peak. Thanks to the support of many partners, 100 karts have been delivered to allow the young Finns to compete. F1 drivers Mika Häkkinen, Kimi Räikkönen, Valtteri Bottas and Heikki Kovalainen are among the supporters of the AKKMotorsport Finnish ASN project.

he 100 Karts were presented to the public on 21st July on the startline of Alahärmä in the presence of FIA President Jean Todt, AKK Motorsport President Juhani Pakari and his sales manager Tatu Lehmuskallio as well as two great Finnish drivers, Toni Vilander and Simo Puhakka.

NEWS

Info FFSA

FFSA HOMOLOGATION PROCEDURE FOR

THE 2018 MINIME AND CADET CHASSIS The FFSA has launched the homologation procedure for the 2018 FFSA Minime and Cadet chassis, with the following timetable: - Filing of the dossier: no authorisation will be issued beyond Friday 22nd December 2017. - Inspection visit: the inspection deadline is Friday 23rd February 2018. - Approval: The deadline for approval is Wednesday 28th February 2018.

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To obtain the specification of the homologation procedure, please contact the Karting Service TÃ©l. : 01 44.30.24.27 / Mail : hreino@ffsa.org

NEWS

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Info FFSA © Photo KSP - Guillaume Veuve

HADRIEN DAVID, TRICOLOUR ! A talented driver who has been noticed ever since his debut in Minikart, 13-year-old Hadrien David has achieved impressive performances at the national level, making his mark on the Minime and Cadet categories. The winner of the French Minime Cup in 2015, the French Cadet Championship and the French Cadet Cup in 2016, the journey the young Charentais has made since his first license at ASK Royan in 2012 is impressive.

oining the FFSA Academy 10-15 Programme in 2016 and now a member of ASK Brétigny, Hadrien David, who has raced this year on the international circuit, shone at the meeting at Le Mans. Finishing 2nd in the third round of the OK-Junior European Championship in the Sarthe, the Royan native impressed and his constant progress logically opens the doors of the FFSA French Espoirs Karting team. "Yvan Muller, the captain of the French team, and myself, had been watching Hadrien closely since the beginning of the season and noticed his rise in power. We hoped that he would make it happen in the OK-Junior European Championship. His very good 2nd place at the Le Mans meeting confirmed what we expected and we therefore wanted him to join the FFSA Espoirs Karting Team to accompany him throughout this season," explained Christophe Lollier, the National Technical Director of the FFSA.

Hadrien David will reinforce the ranks of FFSA Team France Espoirs Karting and will represent the tricolour in OK-Junior World Championship alongside Théo Pourchaire, Dylan Léger and Sami Meguetounif, who were selected earlier in the year. This new quartet will continue to benefit from the federal framework, and in particular the support of the FFSA Academy, the national training centre based at Le Mans. Created at the dawn of the 21st century to accompany the best karting drivers to the highest level, FFSA Team France Espoirs Karting has welcomed some of the best French drivers in the discipline, some of whom have taken the plunge into car racing, such as Loïc Duval, Jules Bianchi, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. The 2017 FFSA Team France Espoirs Karting is made up of Hadrien David, Dylan Léger, Sami Meguetounif and Théo Pourchaire. Hadrien David, 13 years old. Born on 26/02/2004 Licensed by ASK Brétigny (Ile-de-France Karting League) 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 2015

Cadet - French Champion Cadet - Winner of the French Cup Cadet - Winner of the NSK Championship X30 Cadet - Belgium Champion Minime - Winner of the French Cup Minime - Winner of the NSK Championship Minime - Winner of the Rotax Challenge 3rd in the French Minime Championship

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

JEAN-CLAUDE SANCHEZ PASSES AWAY After a long illness, Jean-Claude Sanchez died on Thursday 3rd August 2017 at the age of 68 years.

warm character with a gravelly voice, JeanClaude lived his passion for karting intensely for more than 50 years. His father had created Lavelanet's first track before he built the current circuit himself along with his brother, encouraged by Norbert Pradines. In particular, he was a driving force behind the development of the X30 categories in France, where the first international finals - the Bruno Grana Trophy - were held at Lavelanet before becoming the IAME International Final. Very attached to the human convivial aspect of this sport, he was able to motivate a faithful team of devoted volunteers. President of KCPOM, then President of the KRC Midi-Pyrénées for more than 10 years, he accepted the post of President of the National Commission of Karting of the FFSA following the resignation of Jean-Pierre Deschamps. In the end, he was not able to complete his mandate or carry out projects that were close to his heart. The KSP-Kartcom team extends its sincere condolences to its family and friends.

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NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Frédéric Billet

2018 WINTER SERIES IN FLORIDA WITH THE ROK CUP After the Florida Winter Tour (Rotax and Rok) was stopped by Maxspeed at the end of the 2017 season, Tom Kutscher's team took over the formula by announcing two rounds and four races next winter in Florida. The first round of this Winter Series will take place on January 13th and 14th, 2018 at Homestead and the second round on February 10th and 11th at Ocala. MG Tires will be the official partner for the tyres under the brand Evinco, and the Brazilian manufacturer also has the mission to motivate the drivers from the country to participate in this mini-championship.

pparently, Tom Kutscher's SKUSA had the idea of bringing together the X30 Challenge and Rok Cup competitors in the series, but the agreement could not be completed between the Italian engine manufacturers IAME and Vortex. The Winter Series will be co-organised by the staff of the Rok Cup USA, trained by Maxspeed, for the usual categories of the Rok Cup.

SUPERKARTSUSA.COM

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KEES VAN DE GRINT

THE ÅSUM RING IS A GREAT PLACE!

Swedish journalist Mikael Persson interviewed Kees van de Grint for the Kristianstadsbladet newspaper on Sunday (30th July) at the Åsum Ring where the final event of the 2017 CIKFIA European Championships was held. Here is a translation:

s long as Kees van de Grint has a say in the CIK-FIA, international competition will have its place at the Åsum Ring, near Kristians-

tad.

The CIK-FIA is chaired by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Isa Al Khalifa. But the influence of Kees Van de Grint, the Dutchman who bears the title of Vice-President, is far from negligible. When Kees says something people tend to listen to him. He has vast experience and a great knowledge of motor sport. He spent seven seasons in the Formula 1 world as the head of Bridgestone competition, which led him to work with Michael Schumacher, among others. "When FIA officials offered me the opportunity to collaborate with them, they were very surprised when I chose karting," said Kees van de Grint, when we met him at his Åsum Ring office.

Kees van de Grint is simple and direct. What he says about the Kristianstad Karting Klubb and the Åsum Ring is what he really thinks, and not what the local press wants to hear. "It's a unique site with a very efficient organisation that fits perfectly with the spirit of karting, and sport can express itself in an intense way, because the driver is the determining factor. Often the European circuits put their commercial interests first. At Kristianstad, the balance remains very favourable to racing.” Kees assures that the Åsum Ring at Kristianstad will host other international competitions in the future, without being able to announce when for the moment. "For the 2018 CIK-FIA races, we have already chosen the circuits where we want to go, but at the moment we are in the negotiating phase for a new promoter of the CIK-FIA events, so it would not be right to announce yet. We will not be able to announce anything until 21st August, when

the call for tenders will be closed. We will need more time in early September. One thing is certain, however, Kristianstad's Åsum Ring is now one of the classics, so you can quote me on that." Kees also met Lars Åkerman personally, an important figure in the Swedish sporting world, the President of the Football Club of Kristianstad. "Two photographers who follow karting competitions around the world have rented a room at our home in Tosteberga for the past four years, and it was thanks to them that I discovered karting," Lars Åkerman said. "This year I met Kees' son, a talented young Dutch footballer who was spotted by PSV Eindhoven, and I think I should have him sign a contract with Kristianstad FC," Lars said.

READ THE ARTICLE

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo DR

FIRST ELECTRIC KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP WITH ELECTRIC GT Electric GT is the first zero-emission GT championship that will debut in November on the Paul Ricard circuit. The cars of this innovative series are the EGT Tesla V2.0 derived from the Tesla Model S most powerful version, P100 DL. In racing configuration, the beast develops 778 hp, optimised for runs of 90 km with a maximum speed of 250 km / h and fabulous torque. The 0 to 100 km / h is time is 2.1 seconds.

fter the inaugural round in France on the Paul Ricard circuit on 25th and 26th November 2017, the championship will continue in 2018 in Portugal, Italy, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Spain. Some of the biggest names in motorsport have already joined the list of EGT drivers: Tom Coronel, Alex Premat, Kevin Ceccon, Olivier Lombard, Stephen Cox, Ricardo Teixeira ... A karting championship will be launched in parallel to detect the young talents likely to participate in Electric GT. Between 12 and 20 drivers will be able to compete from the opener at Paul Ricard. These are of course 100% racing electric karts. As for the car, the perfor-

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mances announced for the kart are mind-boggling. Power of 50 hp, top speed of 150 km / h, 0 to 100 km / h in three seconds, this is far from leisure karting. All information is available at www.electricgt.co.

WWW.ELECTRICGT.CO

NEXT APPOINTMENTS ON TRACK 30 SEPTEMBER / 1 OCTOBER 2017 27th TROFEO D’AUTUNNO, 1. ROUND NATIONAL RACE - ENPEA 7.8 OCTOBER 2017 27th TROFEO D’AUTUNNO FINAL NATIONAL RACE - ENPEA 11.14 OCTOBER 2017 ROK CUP INTERNATIONAL FINAL INTERNATIONAL RACE 20.22 OCTOBER 2017 DKM – GERMAN KART CHAMPIONSHIP INTERNATIONAL RACE 27.29 OCTOBER 2017 46th TROFEO DELLE INDUSTRIE INTERNATIONAL RACE

South Garda Karting

ren

ine

ctrlmelazeta

Lonato del Garda (Brescia-Italy) www.southgardakarting.it info@southgardakarting.it Tel. +39 030 9919958

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo DR

NIAGARA SPEEDWAY

UNDER CONSTRUCTION Located on the edge of the Niagara Falls on the American side, the Clifton Hill Resort offers many attractions to the tourist families who visit this iconic site in great numbers. A kart track will be ready in the autumn. However, it is more entertainment than leisure. The first surprising point, the "drivers" do not wear helmets. The "karts", single or twin-seaters, inspired by the origins of karting rather than by the latest advances in technology, are equipped with roll hoops and seat belts. The characteristic fairground track will include a kind of ramp like those of the car parks before diving onto a descent like a giant slide.

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ther sites are built in this vein like that of Branson in Missouri. No less than 14 different tracks with evocative names are on offer to a wide audience: Heavy Metal High Rise, Wild Woody, Lumberjack, Road Course, or Classic Go-Karts in the picture below. American participants enjoy themselves on these kartingrides, shown by their smiles. Although some of them still exist in Europe, these 60s-style attractions have given way on the old continent with highly developed, more speed

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

THE TEST DAYS FOR THE 2018 FRENCH JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP ARE FULL The success of the 1st edition of the French Junior Championship was obviously noticed by many competitors, both drivers and parents. The FFSA Academy turnkey formula has proved its worth at all levels in 2017 with rigorous organisation, reliable and fair equipment, and attractive prizes. The 2018 season is already under preparation with four test days open to all scheduled on the Le Mans track.

he dates scheduled for the start of the school year have attracted much interest, so much that the FFSA Academy has had to add two more days for November.

OPENING OF TWO NEW DATES FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER > WEDNESDAY 22ND NOVEMBER > WEDNESDAY 29TH NOVEMBER Therefore it is urgent to contact Arnaud Sepval at FFSA High Level Pole Mail : asepval@ffsa.org / Tél. : 06.32.03.39.83

TO RESERVE A TEST AT LE MANS NOW.

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ENERGY POWER www.energycorse.com

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Guillaume Veuve

DORIANE PIN

SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN THE FRENCH JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP The record of the only female driver in the 2017 French Junior Championship highlights an interesting aspect of the detection and training formula of the FFSA Academy. In the Minime category, Doriane Pin had the ambition to advance against facing a field of highly motivated boys, and this is what happened this season.

t 13 years old, Doriane arrived in the French Junior Championship after an unusual path. She had started in Ufolep on four-stroke karts before joining the FFSA competitions in early 2016 in Minime. Her speed and determination soon allowed her to fight in the leading group of several national events. During the preliminary tests at Le Mans, she was won over by the performance of the FFSA Academy's Exprit / Vortex, while her father appreciated the turnkey, equitable and financially risk-free formula, as well as the rigorous French Junior Championship. Determined not to be impressed by the 19 boys on the grid, Doriane immediately showed her speed by posting the second fastest time of the first event. The continuation of the competition saw ups and downs without

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weakening her will to shine. Thanks to the advice of the coaches of the FFSA Academy, Doriane channeled her energy little by little and the last meeting saw a greater regularity in her performances. Her retirement in the Final at the beginning of the season cost her dear in the classification of the Championship, but she finished the year in 10th rank having twice managed to finish in the top five and once 6th. "If I'm satisfied with Junior this year, it's mainly because I've made a lot of progress," said Doriane. "I would have liked to get better results, but I was delayed several times by a lack of experience. At first I wanted to be ahead at all costs and had to learn to manage my races more efficiently with the help of the coaches. Otherwise, it was a real pleasure to race these powerful machines and fight against very good drivers in an excellent atmosphere. I'm looking forward to a second season with victory as a goal!" Doriane managed to be noticed in the French Junior Championship after coming out of the Minime category. As her experience grew in several areas, her confidence increased. She participated in the French OKJunior Cup at Le Mans and is now ready to try her luck in international competition in parallel with a second year in the French Junior Championship.

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

TEAM KART PRO RACING AND KPR ENGINES AT THE TOP The Kart Pro Racing Team and KPR engines are at the top of the French hierarchy during late summer! The national victories and titles came weekend after weekend without any hitch despite 18 weeks of nonstop competition.

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fter a stunning 2016 season in Rotax Max with several European titles and podiums, Dominique Chech's KPR team is now producing an exceptional 2017 season in more ways than one. Indeed, the team is a quadruple French Champion in 2017 and double winner in the French Cup with Rotax engines and has started learning about the X30.

The results are already creditable and demonstrate, once again, the seriousness and rigour of the team, both on the choice of drivers, the Sodikart / Redspeed chassis and their development, as well as the heavy engine development undertaken this winter.

Dominique, since 2013, you have made your team one of the most titled in France, in Cadet, KFS, National, Rotax, DD2 and X30, with more European and World podiums in Rotax. What are your goals for the years to come? - First of all I would like to thank each member of the team, from the drivers to the mechanics, not to mention the parents and the partners. I have already

had several contacts, and discussions for 2018 are underway, but for now absolutely nothing is decided. One thing is certain: in France we will continue in the categories in which we committed ourselves in 2017 with the same programme and the same objectives.

Does the future of KPR include the international scene in the CIK-FIA categories? - Yes! In parallel with our programme in France, I would like to go to the next level in OK / OKJ, but for that, all the factors need to be gathered ... It is essential to have the total support of a chassis manufacturer as well as the assurance of being able to use factory engines with the latest developments. It is also necessary to find drivers who can afford their ambitions, as well as an experienced and talented international driver. One must be realistic, such a project cannot be realised without these elements, because it is totally impossible to win on the world stage without having all the cards in hand. With the experience I gained in F1, I know how difficult it is to succeed at this level. If I decide to take this course, it is because we have the means to succeed. It is possible to combine our forces with those of another team with the same ambitions in order to share testing and racing programmes. Here too, we are in discussions with valuable collaborators and we are continuing to think of several solutions without hurrying ...

KART-PRO-RACING.COM

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet

2018 FFSA KARTING CALENDAR The office of the FFSA National Karting Commission has just validated the calendar of 2018 karting events, except for the French Junior, Superkart and Endurance Championships. At the national level, next season will start in May, with the months of March and April being reserved for the organisation of the League Championships, an essential step to be able to participate in the French Championships in most categories.

12th -13th May Lavilledieu (07)

French Women's Championship, French Senior Cup, Master and Gentleman

21th-22th juLY Soucy (89)

French Cadet Championship, French Cup for Minime and OK-Junior

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19th-20th May Lédenon (30)

French Long Circuit Championship 1/3 KZ2, KZ2 Master and KZ2 Gentleman

25th-26th août

new Senior category will be introduced for drivers from the age of 14 onwards, along with its Master and Gentleman versions. The French OK Championship will be held as a single meeting at Varennes sur Allier at the end of the season, while a special Youth event will be held at Soucy in July with the French Cadet Championship and the Minime and OK-Junior French Cups. Entries will open in early 2018 on ffsakarting.org. View the press release in pdf format below.

9th-10th juNE Ancenis (44)

French Handikart Championship, French Cadet Cup

25th-26th août

FFSAKARTING.ORG

7th-8th juLY

Anneville (76) French National Championship, French Cup for KZ2, KZ2 Master, KZ2 Gentleman

6th-7th octobER

Mirecourt (88)

Croix en Ternois (62)

Varennes /Allier (03)

French Minime Championship, French National Cup

French Long Circuit Championship 2/3 KZ2, KZ2 Master and KZ2 Gentleman

French Champ. for KZ2, KZ2 Master, KZ2 Gentleman, French OK Championship

14th-15th juLY Angerville (91)

French Senior, Master and Gentleman Championship

10th-11th nov. Pau (64)

French Long Circuit Championship 3/3 KZ2, KZ2 Master and KZ2 Gentleman

NEWS Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo DR

FFSA KARTING ENGINES 2018-2022 Following the tenders received during the summer, the FFSA has made its choice concerning the engines for the federal categories during the period 2018-2022. The main concern of the Federation was to choose engines capable of meeting the expectations of all the competitors and to reinforce the interest in the French Championships, French Cups and League Championships.

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MINIME : IAME GAZELLE 60

The FFSA gave considerable thought before choosing the new engine of the category for young drivers. It was a question of choosing a simple and efficient engine that is the most economical possible to facilitate the transition from the French Karting Schools and to develop access to competition, essential at this level for the future of karting. The IAME Gazelle 60 has been chosen for its very good value for money. It is a small 60cc air-cooled engine equipped with a centrifugal clutch which is started with a manual starter. This engine has largely proved itself on a large scale in several countries, including the United Kingdom. The machined block with a cylinder capacity well suited to the category offers a great ease of driving, and maintenance simplified by the absence of electric starter, battery and wiring harness. It will be equipped with a diaphragm carburetor with safe adjustment. Economical to purchase, this engine will also be equal in on the track.

NEWS

CADET : ROTAX 125 MINI MAX

To everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s satisfaction, the Rotax 125 Mini Max will be renewed in its current version to maintain stability in this very dynamic category. The only change, is that it will be possible to equip it with the new Evo cylinder for greater homogeneity of performance. This choice makes it possible to preserve the existing fleet and to use, via an affordable conversion kit, the engines from the old Minime category. It should be noted that France is the only country where power reaches 16.5hp for the 10-13 age bracket, which prepares young people very well for moving on to higher categories.

NATIONALE : ROTAX J125 MAX

As in Cadet, the National category retains the engine which has facilitated its success for many years. It will also be possible to equip this engine with the new Evo cylinder, guaranteeing greater sporting equality. The evolutionary design of the Rotax engine offers the possibility of using ex-Minime or Cadet units to race in National in a cheaper way.

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SENIOR : IAME X30

The newly created federal category Senior will be accessible to drivers aged 14 years or more. There will be a Master class from 32 years and Gentleman from 45 years. The IAME X30 engine has been chosen to power these three age groups. This engine, which has brought success to the brand name for more than 10 years, offers the benefits of a true racing engine of a simple and proven design, with a wide range of uses and performance fairness. Quality after-sales service will be provided by the French importers IAME France and Action Karting.

These new engines will be used in the federal events from the beginning of the 2018 season for a duration of five years.

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

A FINE BELGIAN CHAMPION FOR

FRANCK CHAPPARD

This year, Franck Chappard took part in a double programme in the OK European Championship and X30 Senior on a Redspeed chassis. To accompany him to the heights he trusts the renowned Belgian team VDK Racing. For his first senior season, among the experts in international karting, he immediately showed great speed and his ability to fight in the pack progressed significantly. However, race incidents and technical breakdowns occurred with disarming regularity, depriving him of the results he deserved.

y winning the 2017 Belgian Championship, which took place over three events with X30 Senior engines, Franck revealed his full potential. He continuously held the lead of the classification before imposing himself by more

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than 20 points ahead of his closest rival. Competition has always been very high among the 67 participants, but Franck has shown consistency at the front, whatever the circumstances. After starting with pole position at Mariembourg, he finished 2nd in the Final, 0.184'' from the winner. Qualifying was more complicated at Spa Francormchamps, but Frank recovered very strongly in the heats to return to 4th position in the Final. He was only two points behind when he reached Genk for the Final and was delayed in Qualifying. In spite this Franck climbed from 16th to the 4th thanks to two wins in three heats. To win his title, he was on the Final podium behind two very experienced drivers. Thanks to this deserved success with VDK Racing, Franck has taken an important step in his personal journey, which will allow him to approach the next big event of the OK World Championship with additional confidence. The latest news is that the first preparatory laps at the PFI circuit have been very encouraging ...

NEWS

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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Guillaume Veuve

VICTOR BERNIER, THE FRENCH KARTING REVELATION IS ON THE MOVE

The 2017 season is not over yet, but we already know that Victor Bernier's sporting record will be largely positive. The transition from his great performances in Cadet last year was accomplished perfectly during a well filled programme. At only 13 years old, Victor took advantage of his rookie status to significantly increase his experience while scoring leading results.

he new FFSA French Junior Championship constituted the main element of this year. A well-designed one-make challenge, the formula managed by the FFSA Academy kept all its promises. Victor was able to take advantage of the wise advice provided by the various coaches to progress, particularly with regard to the analysis of his races. Often at the front of the competition despite the very high standard, his progress was not as radiant as he hoped because of some incidents on the track. Fortunately, he was able to show his true potential in the last event at Saint-Amand by winning a magnificent Final victory. Victor missed the top three of the championship by just a point. He enjoyed the concept so much that he could well take again the start of this Junior Championship in 2018, with greater ambitions ...

sisted and coached by Florian Cador, Victor showed his skill in front of big fields of experienced contenders. He won the Final of the French Rotax Challenge at Ancenis and became Vice-Champion of France inatLohéac in the presence of the top drivers in the category. Victor also won the first two events of Stars of Karting as well as the NSK at Salbris. No doubt, 2017 marks an important turning point in the young driver's career. Three major events await Victor to finish the season, which marks an important turning point in his career. He will be looking for a good result at Val d'Argenton in the NSK, where he is in 2nd place in the provisional ranking in National. He will then participate in his first World Championship, in the OK-Junior category in England at the PF International circuit. The Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals at Portimao will be the perfect ending to the year for the best Rotax drivers from around the world, competing on equal terms. Victor (above on the top of the Junior podium at SaintAmand), thanks his partners, who have contributed to his tremendous progression: Mega Games, Extreme Limit, Patrimony and Immobiller, and welcomes his new supporter City Kart. Victor is proud to wear the colours of his new partners at the two major international events awaiting him, and for the 2018 season, which promises to be filled with pleasant surprises.

At the same time, Victor successfully competed in several national competitions. With Bertrand Péchon's Team PB Kart, using MSR-powered engines, and as-

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo SportInPhoto

PAROLIN

STARTS OFF STRONG IN 60 MINI

KARTCOM NEWS #34

This year Parolin Racing Kart has launched in the very competitive 60 Mini category. The debut of the Romano d'Ezzelino brand in the young drivers category was immediately successful. Gabriele Mini won the two major championships of the season at the wheel of his Mini Opportunity 60 chassis. Winner of the WSK Super Master Series at the beginning of the season, he confirmed his form by winning the ACI Karting Italian Championship.

t gives us great satisfaction to have dominated the 60 Mini category with our factory team as soon as we arrived," confided Marco Parolin. "To win in Italy, where the competition is the toughest, we could not hope for better! Gabriele Mini has shown incredible consistency at the forefront of every race he has competed in the most competitive category. We congratulate our driver and do not intend to finish there." In 10 race weekends at the highest level of 60 Mini, WSK and ACI combined, Gabriele and his Parolin chassis took seven pole positions, seven 1st places at the end of the heats, 11 podiums and four wins. Achieving so many good results on the ground confirms Parolin’s quality of production in the eyes of all. Beyond Italy, the Italian chassis have also shone in Scandinavia, Mexico and the United States. After winning the Rok Cup USA in Mini, Parolin also hopes for great performances in Las Vegas at the SuperNationals. "This year was very positive for us in Mini," Marco Parolin continued. "This gives us the opportunity to showcase our products in other categories and develop our overall strategy in competition. We will continue our collaboration with Gabriele Mini in OK-Junior next year and increase our involvement in Mini through the official team, as well as the satellite teams. This will allow us to assign different tasks to each of us, from the training of beginners, an essential element for the youngest, to the support of the most seasoned in the struggle for victory. We have definite ambitions in the short and medium term in South America, the Middle East and Asia."

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet

The dates of the 2018 ACI Italian Karting Championship The dates of the 2018 ACI Italian Karting Championship are set. Seven meetings are scheduled for next season, with a maximum of five events per category.

29 APRIL 27 MaY 10 JuNE 01 JuLY 29 JuLY 26 AUGUST 07 OctobER

NEWS

Info KARTCOM

THE FINAL OF THE BELGIAN KAR The Belgian Karting Championship reached its climax at Genk on 19th and 20th August. A successful event for 178 drivers, which you can relive thanks to RACB Sport, with videos for each category.

X30 SUPER SHIFTER AND X30 SHIFTER

PLAYER VIDEO

KARTCOM NEWS #34

Of the 52 (!) entered in X30 Senior at Genk for the final round of the Belgian Championship, two were particularly distinguished: Félix Wargé and the returning Sébastien Bailly. Although they finished in this order, it was Franck Chappard who won the crown with panache by finishing on the lowest step of the podium. Watch the video here.

X30 JUNIOR

There was a transfer of power in X30 Super Shifter at Genk. The Belgian Champion in 2016, Thierry Delré won the last event of the year while Roy Bakker, 2nd in the Final after a good recovery, took the crown. In the X30 Shifter, Corentin Grégoire confirmed his dominance by remaining unbeaten. Watch the video here.

X30 SUPER SHIFTER + X30 SHIFTER

X30 SENIOR

The last event of the Belgian Karting Championship in X30 Junior was not without suspense. Vlad Lomko won the title despite all the efforts of Elie Goldstein. But by winning a very competitive Final, Xavier Handsaeme also made a strong impression. See the video here.

CLICK ON A BLOCK TO LAUNCH THE VIDEO

X30 SENIOR

X30 JUNIOR

X30 CA

M - FrĂŠdĂŠric Billet

RTING CHAMPIONSHIP ON VIDEO X30 CADET

X30 MASTER

What suspense! The last meeting of the Belgian Championship for X30 Cadet at Genk was incredibly intense. Jarno Sutens won, Johan Sinty won a fourth national title and Noah Maton was far from unworthy! Watch the video here.

Throughout the Belgian X30 Master Championship, Fabio Kieltyka and David Jacobs stayed back to back. Before the last race of the season, the winner of the Final would be champion. An ideal scenario for lovers of suspense! Watch the video here.

MINI

X30 SUPER

The long-awaited final match between Kimmy Abraham and Bart Ploeg unfortunately did not take place during the last race of the Belgian Mini Championship. The Dutchman suffered a technical problem on the first lap, so Kimmy Abraham easily headed for the title. But behind him, it was lively! Watch the video here.

Already champion of Belgium in 2015, Ulysse De Pauw gained a second amply deserved national title at Genk in the X30 Super category. Although he won the last event of the season, he had to fight in the Final! Watch the video here.

ADET

MINI

X30 MASTER

X30 SUPER

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Jean Christophe Bourlat © Photo Michel Guignard

THE ILE DE FRANCE KARTING LEAGUE TESTS A STAND VILLAGE IN ANGERVILLE The 2017 season was completed in the regions, giving way to the national competitions which will now see much activity this autumn. The Ile de France Karting League celebrates its Champions and is already preparing for 2018 with new projects.

RESULTS OF THE 2017 ILE DE FRANCE CHAMPIONSHIP On the 3rd and 4th of September, the last round of the Ile de France Karting League championship took place at Angerville with highly disputed titles, a coefficient of x1.5 being applied to the results of this last evet. In Minime, the crown was decided between Maxens Verbrugge and Valentin Hervas. In a fierce duel throughout the weekend, they let Clément Outran dominate, the title finally returning to Verbrugge. In Cadet, three drivers stood out in the provisional standings: Matteo Spirgel, Michal Kupczyk and William Nicouleau. They were the fastest along with Sacha Maguet. Winner of the Prefinal, 2nd in the Final, Spirgel won the title ahead of Nicouleau. In France, Camille Prouteau confirmed his leadership position. The title was secure in the Prefinal and he received a nice reward as he will be invited to a test in F4! The outcome in KZ2 was very tight. Adrien Renaudin, the provisional leader, won the Prefinal, but was rushed at the beginning of the Final and had to give up. The Championship then depended on the results from his opponents. Against all odds, it was Wilfried Martins, the winner of the Final, who won the crown. In KZ2 Master, Antoine Poulain preceded Émilien Grosso and became

KARTCOM NEWS #34

the winner in 2017. The podium in the Rotax Max Championship was the same as last year, but in reverse order, Jean Nomblot titled this time ahead of Marc Cammarata and Romain Jaloux. It was not the weekend for the provisional leader in DD2, Charly Hipp. Although Lucas Joly, Mickael Dauphin and Andew Williamson were the fastest, the first regional title in this category went to Hipp.

A NEW VILLAGE IN THE HEART OF THE PADDOCK The Ile de France Karting League previewed the installation of a village of multi-use tents erected by the company Centhor. The aim was to offer additional structures to the competitors, but also a VIP area used by the team SG Driver's, and a lounge-office for officials of the League. These tents were equipped with shelves, light, carpet, video connected to the live timing and included a security service. This initiative is intended to be offered at various regional and national competitions for competitors and exhibitors, in order to make the paddock more attractive.

CALENDAR

CALENDAR » SEPTEMBER 24/09 Castelletto - Rotax Euro Challenge 24/09 PF Inter. - World Karting Championship

DD2 / Rotax Senior / Mini Max / DD2 Master / Rotax Junior OK / OK-Junior

» OCTOBER 01/10 Barcelone - Championnat de France 01/10 Le Mans - Endurance Championship 08/10 Val d'Argenton - Championnat de France 08/10 Dijon - Championnat de France 15/10 Le Mans - IAME International Final 15/10 Le Castellet (Cars) - Champ. de France 22/10 Lonato - Deutsche Kart Meisterschaft 29/10 Le Mans - European Championship 29/10 Le Mans - Championnat de France 29/10 Lonato - Trofeo delle Industrie

F4 OK KZ2 Gentleman / KZ2 Master / OK / KZ2 Superkart X30 Junior / X30 Super Sport / X30 Super Pro / X30 Mini / X30 Super Shifter / X30 Senior F4 OK / OK-Junior / KZ2 Superkart Superkart OK-Junior / Mini Rok / OK / KZ2

» NOVEMBER 05/11 Angerville - Champ. de France (Endurance) 05/11 Pau Arnos - Championnat de France 05/11 Adria - WSK - Final Cup 11/11 Portimao - Rotax Challenge Grand Finals 12/11 Adria - WSK - Final Cup

KARTCOM NEWS #34

KZ2 (Long circuit) / KZ2 Master (Long circuit) / KZ2 Gentleman (Long circuit) 60 Mini / OK-Junior / OK / KZ2 DD2 / Micro Max / Mini Max / Rotax Max / DD2 Master / Rotax Junior 60 Mini / OK-Junior / OK / KZ2

Â© Photo KSP P

Philippe KalmĂ¨s

INTERVIEW

Coup d'Essay: master shot for

Claude Gripon Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

Claude Gripon is an emblematic President of the Normandy Karting League, and is also a key figure in French karting. A passionate karting enthusiast for more than 40 years, he was behind the creation of the circuit of Essay - Aunay les Bois, which hosted the World Championship for KF and KF-Junior in 2014. Always working, solidly surrounded by a faithful team of volunteers, Claude Gripon always has a new project in his pocket. Claude, how did you get the karting bug? - I've always been attracted to motor sport. A motorcycle accident prevented me from participating in the Volant Winfield that I had bought myself with my first salary as a teacher. I then met a kart driver who let me try his machine and it was love at first sight. I received my first license in 1969 and I have never stopped since.

KARTCOM NEWS #32

And racing? - After some seasons in training, I needed to try the adventure of racing. With the help of my father, I started in National 2 at the regional level and then in the French Championship. In the 1970s, racing was affordable when we did everything ourselves. at Laval, for the French Championship, I had a big lead when the brake hose dropped ... I have excellent memories of that era when I was racing with, or rather against, Gilbert Danonnay, Gerard Boulineau, Philippe Flandrin, etc. It was rough, very rough even, on track, but also very friendly off it.

How did you get to the other side of the fence? - Family life, a house, all this was no longer compatible with racing. For a long time I was a Race Director and a Sporting Commissioner in parallel with my involvement in the Club de Flers. I found several favourable echoes in around 1995 when I revealed my ambition to create a modern karting circuit in the Orne. First it was necessary to federate the small clubs in the region, which was easy enough, to concentrate all support on a single entity.

And so that was the Essay karting circuit? "It was not that simple! First we created the K61 club and advanced the track project thanks to the involvement of passionate industrialists such as Yves Madeline. After two years of research, we found a favourable view from the mayor of Aunay les Bois, attracted by the idea of setting up a mechanical centre in Basse-Normandie with the proximity of the Rallycross circuit at Essay. The community was involved in the project, as well as another industrialist, Michel Quincé. The European Union also helped alongside the Lower Normandy region. The circuit was created in 1998. First we wanted to build a large circuit of 1200 m in length, and especially 8 m wide, which was very wide at the time. But we already had international ambitions, which facilitated the process.

Was the 2014 World Championship a consecration? - That was our goal! We did not reveal it straight away, but it was very clear to the whole team. In 20 years, we

have organised 29 French Championships, three European Championships and two World Championships. It was unimaginable at first in this area! So yes, the 2014 World Championship was a real consecration. I would like to thank all the volunteers involved in the history of K61 and the circuit. Without them, none of this would have been possible.

Yet the story did not finish after 2014? - Well no! We hosted a European race in 2016 and we have other hopes at this level. I want to ease off the throttle, but I do not want to hand over before having a new surface at Essay. It will be done in 2018. I do not plan to leave then, but to take some distance and give the keys to the younger generation.

Is your future linked to Karting? - I succeeded Paul Pican to the Presidency of the Normandy League and I am part of the office of the National Karting Commission of the FFSA. By dint of thinking about the future of karting, I have come to ask myself, when I allow myself at a moment of pessimism, whether it is possible to find a solution to relaunch the discipline. I have worked with pleasure under the chairmanship of Patrick Caron, Jean-Pierre Deschamps and JeanClaude Sanchez, with active committees that reflect and work hard, but no one has been able to find a satisfactory solution to reduce the costs of competition and fill the grids. I do not think I have a miraculous solution, just a few ideas that I would like to advance. The pattern of the races should undoubtedly be reviewed, starting later and running less. The complexity of the era has also affected our sport. We cannot prevent people who have money setting up very good teams with quality technicians. One can only be admiring of certain achievements. On the other hand, we must fight to facilitate access to competition for the greatest number. The idea of a real second division in which more talents could develop pleases me. I am not alone in thinking that it would be good to bring together the stakeholders of Karting in France around a round table. This may help to focus more on the medium and long term.

INTERNATIONAL

VERY ATTRACTIVE MEETING IN FINLAN

KARTCOM NEWS #34

EUROPEAN CHAMP. OK-OKJ 4/5, ALAHÄRMÄ

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

CIK-FIA

PROMOTER

WSK Promotion

LOCATION

Powerpark, Alahärmä - 1326 m

DATE 22nd and 23rd July 2017

ENTRIES 124 drivers - 2 categories • 100th anniversary of Finland • Exceptional venue • Quick and selective track in the middle of an amusement park • Spectacular races Breathless rhythm • Good weather • Edgar boosts his lead in OK-Junior • Taoufik takes the lead in OK

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

INTERNATIONAL

OK - junior

A decisive victory for Edgar J

ack Doohan (FA Kart / Vortex) marked the start of the meeting by dominating Harry Thompson (FA Kart / Vortex) and Jonny Edgar (Exprit / TM). But Edgar managed to win in the Final ahead of Thompson while Ilya Morozov (Tony Kart / Vortex) took 3rd position at the finish. Hadrien David (Zanardi / Parilla) finished 5th behind Doohan. This victory allowed Edgar to make the break in the championship.

KARTCOM NEWS #34

Provisional ranking of the OK-Junior European Championship after 4 out of 5 events 1 2 3 4 5

Edgar Thompson David Muth Lulham

94 pts 70 pts 59 pts 53 pts 42 pts

INTERNATIONAL

Taoufik at the controls P

edro Hiltbrand (Tony Kart / Vortex) took the lead over Paavo Tonteri (Tony Kart / Vortex) on pole position with Pavel Bulantsev (Tony Kart / Vortex) in 3rd place. But Sami Taoufik (FA Kart / Vortex) managed a bold start from 7th on the outside line and then resisted Tonteri and resumed the lead after an attack from Bulantsev. Hiltbrand came to join them on the third step of the podium. Nikki Kruetten (FA Kart / Vortex) was 4th in front of Tonteri. Taoufik's victory allowed him to take the lead in the provisional ranking, while David Vidales (Tony Kart / Vortex) and Theo Pourchaire (Kosmic / Vortex) failed to shine.

KARTCOM NEWS #34

Provisional classification of the European Championship OK after 4 events out of 5 1 2 3 4 5

Taoufik Hiltbrand Vidales Pourchaire Bulantsev

64 pts 56 pts 52 pts 51 pts 51 pts

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #34

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

RFM

TAOUFIK WINS IN OK, JUNIOR PODIUM FOR THOMPSON RFM's performance has been formidable in the fourth and last-but-one round of the 2017 European Championships on the formidable Finnish track of Alahärmä. P1 and P4 in OK, P3, P4 and P7 in OK-Junior are the results obtained by the drivers from the British team and its FA Kart / Vortex karts in the far North of Europe. Taoufik and Thompson's situations are favourable for winning the two European titles which will be decided at Kristianstad (SWE).

illy, winding, but very fast, the Alahärmä circuit presents very special conditions with a bridge and banking. The possibilities for overtaking were rare, and the competition promised to be tough. Jack Doohan started a breathtaking meeting in OK-Junior. He set the fastest Qualifying time, won three of his four heats and took pole position on the starting grid of the Final. Leader for more than half of the race, Jack fought for the win until the penultimate lap, but had to settle for 4th place on the line. Harry Thompson closely followed his Australian team-mate during Qualifying and in the heats at the end of which he was 2nd. Delayed in 5th position halfway through the Final, Harry did not give up during the final laps to succeed in getting on the third step of the podium.

Although Zane Maloney had two beautiful heats in 2nd place, it was in the Final that he produced his best effort with a gain of six places to finish 7th. Despite a top 10 on the clock and a victory in a heat, Zak O'Sullivan did not reach the Final, while Paul Aron achieved some good performances for his debut with the team. Prior to the last European competition of the year, to be held this weekend in Sweden, Thompson climbed to 2nd place in the provisional ranking, Doohan made a spectacular seven-place leap to 8th place, Maloney is 11th and O'Sullivan 13th. Sami Taoufik did even better in Finland following a superb result at Le Mans (FRA), taking an amply deserved win at the end of an exemplary Final. Quick in Qualifying with the 2nd fastest time, Sami encountered a few minor problems in the heats and started from 7th position in the Final. He made an extraordinary start and was at the very front of the race. Joined by two serious opponents, he took part in a superb battle to the end of the race to cross the finish line as a great winner. He also took the lead of the European Championship. Niki Kruetten completed a superb performance by returning to 9th after the heats after his 16th in Qualifying and caught up with the leading group in the Final to finish 4th.

RICKYFLYNNMOTORSPORT.CO.UK

INTERNATIONAL

HANDSAEME wins the 2017 edition 59

KARTCOM NEWS #34

CIK-FIA ACADEMY TROPHY 3/3, ALAHÄRMÄ

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

CIK-FIA

PROMOTER

WSK Promotion

LOCATION

Powerpark, Alahärmä - 1326 m

DATE 22nd and 23rd July 2017

ENTRIES 44 drivers - 1 category • 100th anniversary of Finland • Exceptional venue • Quick and selective track in the middle of an amusement park • Competitive races • Another a new winner • Handsaeme constantly at the forefront • Weather rather mild, but not too hot

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #34

ACADEMY TROPHY

Victory for Melo D. Porto and title for Handsaeme F

rancisco Melo D. Porto (BRA) was the strong man of the Finnish weekend by winning from Timed Qualifying to the Final. Xavier Handsaeme (BEL) tried to steal 1st place, but to no avail. This did not prevent him from winning the Trophy. Tijmen van der Helm (NLD) went up to 3rd place after missing out in Qualifying, Gabriel Nord (SWE) and Dylan Léger (FRA) completed the top five.

Final ranking of the Trophée Académie 2017 1 2 3 4 5

Hansaeme (BEL) van der Helm (NLD) Melo D. Porto (BRA) van Vugt (NLD) Meguetounif (FRA)

63 pts 49 pts 43 pts 40 pts 39 pts

INTERNATIONAL

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

POSITIVE RESULTS IN ACADEMY TROPHY FOR THE YOUNG FRENCH DRIVERS

KARTCOM NEWS #34

On the superb but difficult Finnish circuit of Alahärmä, the races proved challenging due to the difficulty of overtaking and rising through the pack. Faced with a very high standard of competition, the members of the federal collective gave their maximum to fulfill their mission. The assessment of this weekend in Northern Europe is encouraging for the detection and training policy set up by the FFSA.

he four drivers of the France FFSA Espoirs Karting team were faced with rough race conditions at the CIK-FIA meeting at the Alahärmä circuit. Among the youngest, the Academy Trophy finished with 5th position for Meguetounif and 8th for Léger, very honourable results for drivers starting off in international competition against sharp opponents. "We are slightly disappointed that the final podium of the Academy Trophy escaped Sami Meguetounif," declared National Technical Director Christophe Lollier. "But the overall performance of the two French drivers involved in the competition remains very positive. Our policy of choosing very young drivers and accompanying their international debut remains perfectly current. They often have to cope with more experienced and more highly trained drivers, which is good for their development, even if it is sometimes difficult. By finishing 5th and 8th among the 51 competitors of the Trophy, Sami and Dylan met our expectations."

Dylan Léger scored his best performance of the season in Finland, starting with 7th in Qualifying. He progressed to 6th place in the heats and finished in the top five of the Final with the third fastest time. Sami Meguetounif could not find a clear lap in his fast-paced Qualifying Practice. However, he climbed from 23rd to 14th position in the Qualifying Heats, then reached 9th place in the Final before falling back after contact. Hadrien David confirmed his progress in the European Championship for his first season in the OK-Junior category. Constantly at the front and not making mistakes, Hadrien showed remarkable solidity during the fierce battles, succeeding in pulling out the performance needed with great lucidity. 2nd at Le Mans, he finished 5th with the third fastest time in the Final in Finland on a track he did not know. This good performance moved him up from 4th to 3rd place in the provisional classification. Hampered by a complicated OK Qualifying where he only set the 13th fastest time, Théo Pourchaire started the CIK-FIA European Championship Final. He could do no better than 10th at the finish, but preserved his chances of podium by moving to 4th place in the European competition. "We have two chances of a European podium at Kristianstad (SWE) next week," explained Christophe Lollier. "We are counting on our two representatives not to miss this opportunity to compete well in the European Championship. They both have the capacity and we trust them to achieve their goal."

INTERNATIONAL

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

THE REVELATION OF THE 2017 KARTING ACADEMY TROPHY Suleiman Zanfari, the first Moroccan driver to be entered by the Royal Moroccan Automobile Sport Federation (FMRSA) in the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy, has just concluded this international competition as one of the top 10 young talents from around the world, with a leading performance, dedicating him, at just 12 years of age, as a revelation of the season. This first success at a high level now opens the way to a promising international career. Suleiman had not yet reached the age of 12 when he took up the challenge, as the youngest of the 51 drivers involved, from 39 nations on five continents. The CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy gives equal chances to the young hopefuls of the world at the wheel of onemake karts, close to those of the OK-Junior category. The Exprit chassis are equipped with Vortex engines randomly drawn and regularly exchanged in order to guarantee the greatest possible sporting equality. The standard of this competition was particularly high in 2017 with the presence of drivers experienced at a high level. Three events were on the programme at famous European circuits: Genk in Belgium to start with, then France at the track of Le Mans and finally the formidable Finnish track of Alahärmä.

KARTCOM NEWS #34

Proud to wear the colours of Morocco, the driver from El Jadida was immediately on terms with the best. In Belgium, the first meeting was marked by the number seven, with Suleiman already running in the top 10 of the category. 7th in Qualifying, he continued in 7th place at the end of the Qualifying Heats before finishing 8th in the Final, placing him 7th in the provisional ranking of the Trophy. The French round did not bring him luck, but allowed him to reveal his true nature as a fighter. Starting from a distance on a track with varying grip, Suleiman came back in the heats after his first effort failed. However, he took the measure of the Le Mans circuit during the Final by incredibly returning to the top five. He fought with courage in the pack to maintain his rank, before retiring with honour after an unsportsmanlike attack. The last meeting of the season took place in Finland on the redoubtable Alahärmä track, both fast and twisty, a true benchmark for the drivers. Suleiman revealed his potential by achieving the fastest time of his group, which gave him the 2nd place in the Qualifying Heats. For the first time in such a good position, he kept the rhythm in the top three of the heats thanks to his speed and his combativity. The Final saw him again fight with his elders and support the comparison with the best in the top four until the finish. The last laps were more difficult to manage, but Suleiman finished bravely in 7th place.

"At the time, I was very disappointed to have missed the podium in Finland," confided the young Moroccan. "But my entourage helped me to accept it and to rejoice in the performances I obtained this year in the Academy. I loved racing equally against my opponents. It was an incredible experience. Finishing 9th out of 51 in the overall standings of the Trophy is a fine result. I learned a lot in this Trophy and I am proud to have achieved some great feats. Other pages will now open before me and I intend to create victorious ending to this beautiful adventure." Still in the breach, Suleiman will take part in his first race in the OK-Junior European Championship this weekend in Sweden on the Kristianstad circuit.

INTERNATIONAL

SUSPENSEFUL EUROPEAN FINAL IN SWEDEN

KARTCOM NEWS #34

EUROPEAN CHAMP. OK/OKJ 5/5 KZ 4/4 / KZ2 3/3,

KRISTIANSTAD

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

CIK-FIA

PROMOTER

WSK Promotion

LOCATION

Asum Ring, Kristianstad, Suède – 1221 m

DATE 29th and 30th July, 2017

ENTRIES 183 drivers - 4 categories • Grand Final of the European Championships • Thrilling Finals and new winners in the 4 categories • Beautiful performances by Doohan and Kenneally • Renaudin untouchable in the Final • TM dominates KZ2 • Very small field in KZ • Finals complicated by changing weather

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #34

OK-JUNIOR

DOOHAN finally wins, Edgar ensures the title

ack Doohan (FA Kart / Vortex) took the lead in winning all three heats and then won the final on a wet track. Jonny Edgar (Exprit / TM) finished 2nd before being demoted to 4th position for a dislodged spoiler and it was Harry Thompson (FA Kart / Vortex) who took 2nd podium in front of poleman Hugo Sasse (CRG / Parilla), while Kas Haverkort (CRG / Parilla) finished 5th. Edgar won a well-deserved European Championship in front of his compatriot Thompson, and Doohan finished the season in 3rd place.

Final standings of the OK-Junior European Championship 1 2 3 4 5

Edgar Thompson Doohan David Muth

113 pts 99 pts 71 pts 67 pts 53 pts

INTERNATIONAL

KENNEALLY

winner, Taoufik Champion

fter Lorenzo Travisanuttoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pole position (Zanardi / Parilla), Finlay Kenneally (Tony Kart / Vortex) took the lead in the heats. On rain tyres on a drying track, he resisted Karol Basz (Kosmic / Vortex) to win the Final. Travisanutto ended up taking 3rd place ahead of Dennis Hauger (CRG / Parilla). Sami Taoufik (FA Kart / Vortex) managed the tricky situation perfectly to win the title with his 5th position. Clement Novalak (Tony Kart / Vortex) moved up 21 places to finish 8th, Theo Pourchaire (Kosmic / Vortex) finished 14th, David Vidales (Tony Kart / Vortex) 18th and Pedro Hiltbrand (Tony Kart / Vortex) retired.

KARTCOM NEWS #34

Final standings for the European OK Championship 1 2 3 4 5

Taoufik Bulantsev Travisanutto Basz Kenneally

80 pts 67 pts 66 pts 63 pts 60 pts

INTERNATIONAL

Victory

FOR HAJEK

, De Conto already titled 73

KARTCOM NEWS #34

lready assured of the title, Paolo De Conto (CRG / TM) did not push too hard at Kristianstad. Marijn Kremers (Birel ART / TM) dominated the category in both Qualifying and the heats, but was less comfortable in the rain in the Final. Patrik Hajek (Kosmic / Vortex) beat Bas Lammers (Sodi / TM), giving him 2nd place in the championship, while De Conto climbed to 3rd place on the podium ahead of Kremers and Jorrit Pex (CRG / TM ).

Final standings of the KZ European Championship 1 2 3 4 5

De Conto Hajek Kremers Lammers Stan Pex

100 pts 80 pts 74 pts 71 pts 59 pts

INTERNATIONAL

KZ2

RENAUDIN

wins a crazy Final, Kรถhler is crowned

KARTCOM NEWS #34

om Leuillet (Sodi / TM) shone at the start of the meeting, confirming his pole position by keeping 1st place in the heats against Riccardo Longhi (BirelART / TM) and Matteo Vigano (Tony Kart / Vortex), while Alex Irlando (Sodi / TM) qualified 13th after last place in Qualifying. But the Final shook everything, as it took place on slicks on a track made very slippery by a downpour. Most favourites dropped out while Adrien Renaudin (Sodi / TM) was leading a celebration. The winner by more than 5 '' despite a spoiler penalty, he eliminated many drivers by lapping them. Max Tubben (CRG / TM) finished 4th with a 26-place gain in front of Maximilian Paul (DR / Modena), Gaetano Gomes Di Mauro (CRG / TM) took 2nd place against Martijn Van Leeuwen (Energy / TM). Only 14th, Leon Kรถhler (Tony Kart / Vortex) became European Champion followed by Paolo

Final standings of the European KZ2 Championship 1 2 3 4 5

Kรถhler Ippolito Irlando Vigano Leuillet

47 pts 42 pts 42 pts 41 pts 39 pts

Ippolito (Lenzo / LKE) and Irlando.

INTERNATIONAL

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

RFM

AGAIN AT THE EUROPEAN PEAK IN OK AND OK-JUNIOR

KARTCOM NEWS #34

A tough weekend in Sweden completed a very complicated 2017 European Championship season. But the relentless work done by the British team once again proved to be effective both technically and in driver development. The reward came at the end of the effort with the title of European OK Champion clinched by Sami Taoufik and the two places on the OK-Junior podium taken by Harry Thompson and Jack Doohan.

RICKYFLYNNMOTORSPORT.CO.UK

icky Flynn Motorsport's FA Kart chassis powered by Vortex engines, from the workshop of the Danish tuner One Engines, have a reputation for performing well in all circumstances. The results of the RFM drivers are there to confirm it with an unusual consistency. However, it is also the long-term work of training and preparing young champions that makes a difference, which is additional asset included in the RFM service. At the end of July, the Kristianstad track hosted the final round of the CIK-FIA European Championships. So we were expecting epic battles and weather variations, and that's what we got. Sami Taoufik arrived in Sweden as the leader of the OK category after his fine performance at AlahĂ¤rmĂ¤. The goal was to control his opponents to win the title. Fast, but focused on his mission, the young Moroccan kept the rhythm on all occasions, from his 4th in Qualifying until his beautiful 5th place in the Final with the second fastest time on rain tyres on a drying track. The score was enough to be crowned 2017 European Champion. His team-mate Nikki Kruetten dropped back in Timed Practice and did not qualify for the Final due to several ups and downs. Jack Doohan did not repeat the same misadventure as in Finland. Very incisive in the Qualifying Heats, the Australian was the solid leader at midday on Sunday. The grip was limited by a downpour before the start of the Final with did not hamper Jack's enthusiasm, and he immediately took off to take a great victory. He also won three heats, while Harry Thompson completed the team's success by taking 2nd place, both drivers being credited with the fastest time of the race. Zak O'Sullivan had some problems in his last two races, but managed to gain 14 places to finish in the top 10 of the Final. Paul Aron completed two beautiful heats and took a 22nd place finish, while Zane Maloney seemed less at ease than usual. Preparation for the World Championship will now consume all the energies of RFM, especially as the 2017 world event will take place on British ground at the circuit of PF International on the weekend of 23rd and 24th September.

INTERNATIONAL

DOUBLE FOR EL

IN THE NETHER

KARTCOM NEWS #34

LKMANN

RLANDS

CIK-FIA EUROPEAN CHAMP. SUPERKART 2/3, ASSEN

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

CIK-FIA

LOCATION

TT Circuit Assen De Haar - 4555 m

DATE 5th and 6th August, 2017

ENTRIES 37 pilots - 1 category • Spectators still numerous at Assen • Elkmann triumphs over Kout • Jost returns to the forefront • De Brabander delayed by mechanical troubles • Double victory for Ford in single cylinder • Increased entries

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo Mediasuperkart Eric Sévère

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #34

eter Elkmann (Anderson / VM) literally crushed his opponents in Qualifying, outpacing Adam Kout (MS Kart / DEA) and his followers by more than 1.5 ''. Fortunately, Kout reacted at the start of Race 1 by passing Elkmann as Jost approached. Elkmann had to pull out his biggest game to overtake Kout, and Jost took advantage of it to take 2nd place shortly thereafter. Liam Morley (Anderson / DEA) passed Daniel Clark (Anderson / VM) for 5th place. Elkmann gradually pulled away in Race 2, while Jost again closed up to Kout and took the 2nd position. Morley finished 4th and Guido Kleinemeyer (PVP / DEA) 5th. Elkmann thus widened the gap in the provisional ranking of the Championship with 76 points against 57 for Morley and 52 for Kout. Jost (50 pts) came back to 4th place in front of the unfortunate De Brabander (41 pts). Jordan Ford (Anderson / DEA) was also a two-time winner in the Single Cylinder Superkart Cup against Gavin Bennett (Anderson / DEA) and took the lead in the provisional standings with 84 pts. Bennett is 2nd with 73 points, Paul Platt (PVP / Gas Gas) in 3rd place with 70 points.

INTERNATIONAL

DE CONTO DOUBLES THE STAKE

KARTCOM NEWS #34

WORLD KZ CHAMP. WACKERSDORF

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

CIK-FIA

PROMOTER

WSK Promotion

LOCATION

Prokart Raceland, Wackersdorf - 1220 m

DATE 6th to 10th September, 2017

ENTRIES 43 drivers - 1 category • Return of the World Championship to Germany after 40 years • Very successful meeting • 5 different winners in the 6 races • Tight fight in the Final • De Conto P1 and Abbasse P2 as in 2016 • Beautiful participation from Ronnie Quintarelli • Domination by TM Racing in number and performance Meeting 100% Bridgestone • Rainy weather on Saturday afternoon, drying rack on Sunday morning

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #34

CRG AND De Conto take the title again T

he story was not the same this year in Wackersdorf. Having barely recovered from a shoulder injury following his Oviedo accident last June, Anthony Abbasse (Sodi / TM) nevertheless began with pole position in Qualifying Practice before keeping the lead of the Qualifying Heats ahead of JĂŠrĂŠmy Iglesias (Formula K / TM) and Patrik Hajek (Kosmic / Vortex). Paolo De Conto (CRG / TM) had already shown his potential by returning from 14th to 4th place. Iglesias and Hajek dashed off at the start of the Final, but crashed shortly afterwards. Abbasse recovered the 1st place until De Conto passed him on the 8th of the 26 laps. The Frenchman followed the Italian to the end, without being able to attempt a single attack. De Conto won his second consecutive World Championship three tenths ahead of Abbasse after being more threatened than he was 2016. Although short of training because of his LMP2 career in WEC, Ben Hanley (Croc Promotions / TM) made a solid 10-seater climb to reach the third step of the podium ahead of Jorrit Pex (CRG / TM) and Simo Puhakka (Kosmic / Vortex). The best time was from Jordon Lennox-Lamb (Tony Kart / Vortex) who finished at the gates of the top 10 behind Marco Ardigo (Tony Kart / Vortex).

INTERNATIONAL

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

WAS IN SIGHT OF THE WORLD TITLE AT WACKERSDORF

KARTCOM NEWS #34

Success did not come at the end JĂŠrĂŠmy Iglesias and his Formula K / TM's formidable performance at the World KZ Championship last weekend at Wackersdorf. He was the leader of the top category at the start of the Final, and deserved to defend his chances until the end of the 26 laps of the race. There were many in the community who wanted to see him win the World crown as a reward for his great talent.

verything had started very well for the driver from Aubagne and he completed superb qualifying heats. Twice 2nd and once the winner, Jeremy climbed from 6th in Qualifying to 2nd position putting him on the front row for the Final. On Sunday afternoon, he was the fastest in the early stages and took the lead in the World Championship.

"With the very good performances we had achieved so far, I felt I had a very good opportunity to capture this World Championship," explained Jeremy. "I had already managed a good part of the challenge by taking the lead of the Final on a track where passing is not easy. Thanks to the work of the Formula K team on the chassis and of Franco Drudi on the TM Racing engine, my equipment was on top form and I was in a good rhythm. Unfortunately, at the start of the second lap, my tyres had not yet reached the right temperature and I was slightly slowed down on the left side of the track. I started again, but Hajek, who was following me, thought he could pass me before the next right. The place was not ideal for this and we crashed. I think he could have waited until he was in a better position to attempt an attack if the situation presented itself. The result was that he retired and I had to give up a little later because of damage."

JEREMYIGLESIAS.COM

INTERNATIONAL

IRLAND 91

KARTCOM NEWS #34

INTER. SUPER CUP FOR KZ2 WACKERSDORF

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

CIK-FIA

PROMOTER

WSK Promotion

LOCATION

Prokart Raceland, Wackersdorf - 1220 m

DATE 6th to 10th September, 2017

ENTRIES 113 drivers - 1 category

TRIUMPH FOR

DO & SODI

• Record number of entries • 21 highly contested heats • Longhi dominates the start of the weekend • Tight fight in the Final between Persson, Irlando and Longhi • Sodi's first victory in this world competition • Domination by TM Racing in number and performance • 100% Bridgestone meeting • Numerous spoiler penalties • Rainy weather on Saturday afternoon, drying track Sunday morning

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

INTERNATIONAL

The irresistible rise OF

IRLANDO W

ith so many drivers at the start, the competition was intense for three days. Riccardo Longhi (BirelART / TM) was undoubtedly the fastest from pole position in Qualifying to the many Qualifying Heats (six per driver) with five wins and three fastest laps. Alex Irlando (Sodi / TM) was penalised in the last heat which put him 6th while Benjamin Persson (CRG / TM) accompanied Longhi to the front row at the start of the Final, followed by Marco Zanchetta (Maranello / TM) ), gaining seven places, and Daniel Stell (Mach 1 / TM). Persson was leading the Final in front of Longhi and Zanchetta while Irlando was already 4th. He quickly gained ground to reach 2nd position on lap 5. Persson saw his lead of 1.7'' melting over the laps, Irlando joining him 10 laps from the finish. The Italian tried to attack the Swede without success. It was only on the last lap that Irlando took advantage of a mistake made by Persson, who closed the doors too late, to boldly pass him at the last corner. With the fastest lap in the race, Irlando won the International Super Cup for KZ2 by 49 thousandths of a second, while Longhi remained 3rd. Francesco Celenta (Praga / TM) finished 4th in front of Zanchetta and Nicolas Gonzales (Maranello / TM) finished as the top Frenchman in the 8th place, Oliver Rasmussen (Kosmic / Vortex) took 24th in front of Hubert Petit (Sodi / TM) and Alexandre Arrue (Sodi / TM).

KARTCOM NEWS #34

INTERNATIONAL

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

BIREL ART

LEADING PERFORMANCE AND WORLD PODIUM AT WACKERSDORF

KARTCOM NEWS #34

The performance of Birel ART at the World KZ Championship and the KZ2 International Super Cup was another success. Riccardo Longhi dominated in KZ2 before concluding on the podium, while Marijn Kremers played a leading role among the elite of KZ and finished 6th in the world.

Alexander Dahlberg had shown good potential, starting with a top 10 in Qualifying. Delayed more often was fair in the heats, he nevertheless qualified for the Final, but had to retire before he could defend his chances. In a rare competition in Europe, the Australian Troy Loeskow (Ricciardo Kart) qualified 23rd for the Final. The Czech Dominik Javurek from the Joka Racing team made a fine recovery from 32nd in Qualifying to 12th position.

A very promising young Dutch driver, Marijn Kremers defended the colours of Birel ART brilliantly in the World KZ Championship. After 2nd fastest in Qualifying, he was in the top five of the heats. Challenged at the start of the Final, Marijn got the maximum out of his equipment to return to 6th position on the finish line. Despite a disappointing Qualifying, Rick Dreezen (KSW Birel ART Austria) managed to gain 14 places in the Final to finish 15th.

he biggest CIK-FIA event for the gearbox karts was particularly intense this year at Wackersdorf in Germany. The large number of participants, the winding Bavarian track and the changing grip in the rainy periods were very selective. The new 2018 Birel ART chassis, in combination with the excellent TM engines from the factory in KZ and the Daldosso KZ2 engines, allowed the drivers to express their talents to the fullest. Riccardo Longhi long maintained the hope of a victory in the KZ2 International Super Cup. Setting the pace with pole position in Timed Practice, the young Italian took five wins and a 2nd place in the many Qualifying Heats. He stayed in the top three in the Final, but could not find the opening on his rivals despite his great speed. The lap record holder of the event, Longhi climbed to the third step of the podium, the best result of his career equaling the performance of Menno Pauw in 2014 at Sarno.

Rubens Barrichello had participated last year in World KZ with the Birel ART Racing Team. At Wackersdorf, another great name of motorsport, the 1999 European Champion and double vice-World Champion Ronnie Quintarelli was back in service. "Along with my GT career in Japan with Nissan, I've always kept in touch with karting. When Birel ART and TM Racing offered me the chance to compete in the World Championship, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. I was lacking a few days of testing with the current tyres, much harder than the special tyres that I used at the time and which are still used in Japan. I also had to get used to the detachable spoilers. I gradually returned to the pace and I was able to regain eight places in the Final, and was delighted with this beautiful experience with a professional team like Birel ART." The head of the racing team, Rickard Kaell Franchini took stock of this World Championship: "No doubt, the performance was there at Birel ART this weekend at Wackersdorf. Longhi was certainly in a position to win the KZ2 Super Cup after a perfect start of the event. The race decided otherwise in the Final, but there is no doubt as to the level of competitiveness of our equipment. Similarly, Kremers was also among the fastest in KZ and had plenty of time in the top three. Even though a win escaped us, we were able to demonstrate very convincing potential this season, which enables us to rely on a solid base to do even better next year."

INTERNATIONAL

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

SODIKART'S

KZ2 WORLD VICTORY AND KZ VICE WORLD CHAMPION TITLE The world's biggest KZ and KZ2 event confirmed the remarkable performance of the Sodi chassis at the highest level. Alex Irlando won the KZ2 International Super Cup, while Anthony Abbasse, just recovering from injury, climbed to 2nd place on the podium of the World KZ Championship.

KARTCOM NEWS #34

he Sodi drivers were satisfied with this weekend in Germany. The French chassis, present in numbers, demonstrated remarkable competitiveness in the face of benchmark international competition. Whether with the Sodi Racing Team, the CPB Sport satellite team or with private teams, Sodikart has taken another step towards the summit of racing in the presence of the top 160 drivers in the world. The French brand continues to strengthen its reputation among international competitors, as shown by a strong participation of 16 drivers from nine nations.

WORLD VICTORY FOR IRLANDO IN KZ2

The Italian driver from the Sodi Racing Team, Alex Irlando, has been up to the challenge. With the 7th fastest time among the 118 participants in Qualifying for the KZ2 Super Cup, he crossed the finish line first five times in a row in the Qualifying Heats. A penalty in the last race unfortunately prevented him from starting on the front row for the Final. Despite this handicap, Irlando quickly rose from 6th to 2nd position and attempted several attacks on the leader. He managed to win at the final corner of the final lap in a breathtaking finish. Irlando therefore gave Sodikart its first world victory in KZ2. Among the ten other Sodi drivers in the category, there was no shortage of achievements. The young Israeli Ariel Levi of the CPB Sport team caused a sensation by starting with the 3rd fastest time in Qualifying. He stood at the edge of the top 10 at the end of the heats, but had to retire too early in the Final. A privateer, Hubert Petit attracted some attention by winning his last Qualifying Heat before reaching 12th position under the chequered flag of the Final. An unhooked spoiler relegated him to 25th place. The Lithuanian Rokas Baciuska (CPB Sport) finished a very consistent performance in 16th place. Delayed by a transponder problem in one heat, Alexandre Arrue (CPB Sport) returned to 26th in the Final. Other fine performances could not materialise in the intensity of the fighting on the track.

ABBASSE WITHIN THREE TENTHS OF THE WORLD TITLE

Anthony was the most formidable of the protagonists of the competition, starting by taking the pole position in Qualifying Practice. Leader at the end of the heats, Anthony started from pole position for the Final. Despite an eventful start, he was able to fight for victory against the outgoing champion. The gaps were tiny between the two rivals and unfortunately the Sodi driver did not find the opportunity to take 1st place. He nevertheless took a second consecutive title of World Vice-Champion, a real achievement under the circumstances. Sodikart has ensured another exceptional result with an uninterrupted presence on all the KZ podiums of the season. Dutchman Bas Lammers competed in the top 10 before giving up in the Final following a crash. Swedish Douglas Lundberg (CPB Sport) continued moving up to gain eight places to finish 7th in the Final. Mechanically, the close collaboration between Sodikart and TM Racing has borne fruit, whether with the engines directly from the factory under Franco Drudi, or those from other tuners such as Galiffa Kart . In attendance at Wackersdorf, Sodikart President Bertrand Pignolet did not hide his enthusiasm: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The victory of a Sodi at the world level is all the more important as it was in a category that is both popular and accessible for many enthusiasts. To win, Alex Irlando used, as required by the KZ2 regulations, a strictly standard chassis. On the sporting side, it is a great reward for the enormous work done by the team and its manager Julien Dexmier, but also by the factory and all the staff who ensure daily production of very high quality. The enthusiasm for the Sodi Racing range of chassis is growing both in France and abroad and I can assure you that the best is yet to come!â&#x20AC;?

Injured during the European race at Oviedo, Anthony Abbasse did not think, a few weeks before the event, he would be able to take the start of this World KZ Championship.

NATIONAL

Tanic, Bernier & Chovet the heroes of Berry

KARTCOM NEWS #34

FRENCH CHAMP. FOR CADET AND JUNIOR 5/5,

SAINT-AMAND

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

FFSA

LOCATION

Circuit inter.de Saint Amand - 1037 m

DATE 29th and 30th July, 2017

ENTRIES 114 drivers - 2 categories • Success for Cadet with 94 entries • Tanic the star of the weekend • Closing competition of the first season of FFSA Junior • 1st win for Bernier • Junior title for Chovet • Animated Races • Faultless Organisation • Warm and sunny weather

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Guillaume Veuve

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CRAIG TANIC CADET 101

KARTCOM NEWS #34

causes a sensation

fter testing in a car park on Martinique, Craig Tanic (Birel ART / Rotax) bluffed the metropolitans from Qualifying onwards by taking pole position. Marcus Amand (Zanardi / Rotax) took the lead in the heats, but Tanic took the win

on the last round of Final 1, while Luis Cavaco (Zanardi / Rotax) was back in 3rd place. The positions were reversed in the trio in the lead on Final 2 which was won by Cavaco ahead of Tanic and Amand. Decisive for the award of the title, Final 3 opened with a dramatic turn: a scramble eliminated Cavaco and delayed Amand. Tanic had only to secure a great victory to become French Champion. Mathys Jaubert (Zanardi / Rotax) captured 2nd place in both the race and the championship, while Amand managed to return from 87th position to take the third step of the overall podium.

Ranking of the 2017 French Cadet Championship 1 2 3 4 5

Tanic Jaubert Amand Pelet Cavaco

287 pts 225 pts 223 pts 200 pts 198 pts

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JUNIOR

BERNIER

wins at last while Chovet is crowned 103

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he FFSA Academy onemake Exprit / Vortex karts entered the track for the last time of the season at Saint-Amand. Dylan LÃ©ger achieved pole position and continued on his way by winning both heats and Prefinal ahead of

Reshad De Gerus and Ugo Gazil. Leger still dominated the start of the Final, but sank before mid-race and Gazil took the lead. Starting from 6th place, Victor Bernier climbed up like a rocket and took 1st place with three laps to go. While Bernier celebrated his first victory in Junior, PierreLouis Chovet was on the podium behind Gazil to celebrate his title of French Junior Champion. William Bertrand beat Reshad De Gerus in the top five, Sami Meguetounif having been delayed by an incident.

Final classification of the 2017 French Junior Championship 1 2 3 4 5

Chovet Meguetounif Bertrand Gazil De Gerus

210 pts 157 pts 143 pts 138 pts 131 pts

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Info KARTCOM - Renaud Didier Â© Photo KSP - Guillaume Veuve

ON THE FINAL PODIUM OF THE FRENCH JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

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We have talked a lot about race management and strategy and this has helped him to progress in a field composed of several drivers who have recently participated in major events and international races."

A WELL-CONSTRUCTED RACE

At Saint Amand, Ugo Gazil faced this fifth and final event of the French Championship with a mind of conqueror. To start with, he set the 5th time in Qualifying, his best qualification of the season in Junior. He drove perfectly for 3rd and 4th place finishes and managed to progress even further in the Prefinal hierarchy, crossing the finish line in 3rd place. As often, he made an excellent start and quickly found himself in 2nd place. Ugo Gazil even managed to lead the Final for several laps, before securing the 2nd place in the Championship.

In 2017, Ugo Gazil embarked on the challenge of participating in the new French Junior Championship, with the goal of finishing in the top five at the end of the five meetings organised between March and the end of July. Constantly at the forefront against drivers often more experienced than himself, the young 14-year-old from Lyon surpassed his expectations by taking the third step of the final podium thanks to the round at Saint Amand Montrond: 5th in Qualifying, 4th in the heats, 3rd in the Prefinal and 2nd in the Final!

he work and effort from Ugo Gazil since the start of the season continue to pay off. "Ugo has again moved up a level, which is very positive," confirms his coach Didier André. "He reaps the fruits of his investment and validates everything that we have put together so that he can achieve the level of performance he has at present.

"His excellent physical condition allowed Ugo to keep up a very high pace to the end," continued Didier André. "He was able to plan his race in order to be there during the important moments of the meeting."

NEW AMBITIONS

"I am very happy with this result and proud to finish on the podium of the first edition of this French Championship, which marks a new beginning for the Junior category," added Ugo Gazil. "I would like to thank the FFSA Academy, the National Technical Director Christophe Lollier and all the staff for their perfect management of the equipment, which is identical for everyone. It is a very formative competition thanks to the sporting fairness which is de rigueur, and I would like to congratulate the winner, whom I will be racing against again later in cars! A big thank you also to my coach Didier André and his organisation DADD (Didier André Driver Development) for everything he taught me." Ugo Gazil will now be able to devote himself to his second objective of 2017, the French National Championship at Lohéac on 26th and 27th August. Subsequently, a few more surprises could be added to Ugo's programme ...

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Deserved succe

107

Iglesias Ju

KARTCOM NEWS #34

ess for

unior

FRENCH MINIME CUP

SAINT-AMAND

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

FFSA

LOCATION

Circuit inter.de Saint Amand - 1037 m

DATE 29th and 30th July, 2017

ENTRIES 46 drivers - 1 category • Beautiful demonstration Jeremy Iglesias’ nephew • Animated races behind the leader • Faultless organisation • Warm and sunny weather

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

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MINIME

LOUIS IGLESIAS from start to finish

ith his perfect performance, Louis Iglesias (OTK / Rotax) took any hope of victory away from his opponents at Saint-Amand. Poleman, winner of his three heats, then of the Prefinal and the Final, he was undoubtedly the boss of the 2017 French Minime Cup. The suspense was concentrated on the places of honour. His main rival, Jules Caranta (OTK / Rotax) had to return from 45th place following a disqualification in Qualifying. Jimmy Hélias (Birel ART) was 2nd in front of Théophile Nael (OK1 / Rotax) at the end of the heat, while Guillaume Bouzar (CRG / Rotax) was 2nd in the Prefinal. Augustin Bernier (CRG / Rotax) made his mark on the second step of the Final podium. 3rd on the finish line, Nael was disqualified and Caranta recovered 3rd place in front of Hélias and Mathys Cappuccio (OTK / Rotax).

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Iglesias & Me

CON

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eguetounif

NFIRM IN BRETAGNE

FRENCH CHAMP. FOR MINIME AND NATIONAL LOHÉAC

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

FFSA

LOCATION

Circuit du Clos d'Ahaut - Lohéac - 1250 m

DATE 26th and 27th August 2017

ENTRIES 112 drivers - 2 categories • Double victory for the Southern drivers and the Kart In Pro team • Return to Lohéac • Good general behaviour of the drivers • Two Rotax engines offered by raffle • Competitive races • Demanding track • Warm and sunny weather

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

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MINIME

IGLESIAS WINS

at the end of the 3 Finals

ules Caranta (OTK / Rotax) took the lead in the Qualifying Heats ahead of team-mate Mathys Cappuccio (OTK / Rotax), Jimmy Hélias (Birel ART / Rotax) and Arthur Raphanel (Birel ART / Rotax), the defending champion returning to 3rd position in front of Théophile Nael (OTK / Rotax). Relatively quiet until then, Louis Iglesias (OTK / Rotax) was more incisive on Sunday morning and managed to step up to 3rd position behind Cappuccio and Caranta in the first Final. Iglesias won the battle of Final 2 against Caranta, Nael and Capuccio. At the start of the third and last Final, the title was far from being decided. Iglesias, Cappuccio and Caranta took turns in the lead of the race and we needed to wait until the last corner for the title to take shape. Iglesias managed a superb pass, Cappuccio resisted Caranta's re-

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turn at the last corner and the podium of Final 3 also reflected that of the championship. Iglesias was the winner and French Champion, Cappuccio 2nd and Caranta 3rd. Nael followed in 4th position in front of Clément Outran (Birel ART / Rotax).

Classification of the 2017 French Minime Championship 1 2 3 4 5

Iglesias Cappuccio Caranta Nael Outran

277 pts 255 pts 245 pts 210 pts 189 pts

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NATIONALE

MEGUETOUNIF dominates National

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ami Meguetounif (Exprit / Rotax) scored the fastest time of Qualifying ahead of Arnaud Malizia (Sodi / Rotax) and Victor Bernier (Kosmic / Rotax). This trio remained in the lead, Meguetounif in front, followed by Bernier and Malizia, then Rehane Gany (Kosmic / Rotax) and LĂŠonie Claude (Tony Kart / Rotax). Meguetounif won the first two Finals with a comfortable lead while Antony Billout (Tony Kart / Rotax) was back in the lead. Alexandre Jenouvrier (Tony Kart / Rotax) was also in the top four ahead of LĂŠonie Claude. While the title went to Meguetounif, Billout performed well during Final 3 which he won on the track before being disqualified for being underweight.

Final ranking of the 2017 French National Championship 1 2 3 4 5

Meguetounif Bernier Jenouvrier Reboul Claude

306 pts 255 pts 210 pts 189 pts 184 pts

Sami Meguetounif thus became French National Champion with three victories, while winning the classification of the best Rookie. Victor Bernier became vice-Champion in front of Alexandre Jenouvrier.

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Sonic drivers ON TOP AT LOHÉAC

The performances of three drivers from Team Sonic Racing Kart were very convincing at the end of August at Lohéac. Mathys Cappuccio and Jules Caranta fought hard to win the Minime title while Alexander Rousseau-Ricci had a remarkable run in the top 10 of the French National Championship.

ven though we did not get a title this weekend, our efforts have been rewarded with very good performances," confided Sébastien Caranta. "Thanks to the long hours spent on the test bench, we can offer very competitive engines to our customers. Intense work is the only secret of our success in this regard. The training of the drivers, in particular thanks to sharing data and video, creates an excellent dynamic in the team and allows each driver to progress in each race. I want to congratulate Mathys for his fine performance in Minime and Alexander for his rapid progress in National." Since his last competition, Alexandre Rousseau-Ricci has made a spectacular leap forward. Always motivated, now he knew how to moderate his passion to gain efficiency. In particular he made solid qualifying runs in the top five to return to the 8th position while the battles were not lacking in intensity around him. He kept up the

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momentum in the three Finals and concluded the difficult French National Championship with a remarkable 8th position, making the team proud. Physically well prepared, Alexandre was able to build a very effective rapport with his mechanic and take advantage of data acquisition to take the next step by managing his races better and better. Congratulations! In Minime, Team Sonic Racing Kart placed its two drivers on the podium of the French Championship. Starting from his 11th position in the Qualifying, Mathys Cappuccio made a fine effort to return to 2nd place in the Qualifying Heats, while Jules Caranta took the lead. Very determined, Mathys won Final 1 in front of his teammate at the end of a very disputed race. After his 4th place in Final 2, he finished with a 2nd position closely defended in Final 3 and thus became vice-champion of France. Jules was always impressive and secured two more results in the top three by fighting bravely against opponents older than himself, finally climbing onto the third step of the podium. "The OTK chassis has proved its great potential in Minime in the top four places of the Championship," said Sonic's boss. "I would also like to thank Thierry Plantevin and his company A3PI for their wonderful collaboration with us on seats. He is a true expert on seats on whom we can always count."

SONICRACINGKART.COM

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David, Fonten

the top fina

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nille & Feix

alists in the heat

FRENCH LONG CIRCUIT CHAMP. 2/3,

CROIX EN TERNOIS

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

FFSA

LOCATION

Circuit de Croix en Ternois - 1900 m

DATE 26th and 27th August , 2017

ENTRIES 57 drivers - 3 categories • 19th edition of the Trophée des Nations • 2nd of the three events on the calendar in 2017 • Entries down slightly • Little mechanical breakage • Picot well placed for the title in KZ2 • The KZ2 Master Championship remains open • Advantage Portmann in KZ2 Gentleman • High temperatures on Sunday • French Superkart Cup and TTI Long Circuit Trophy complete the programme

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KZ2

PAUL DAVID'S surprise win

ix drivers were ahead at the start of the weekend, Johan Renaux (CRG / Vortex), Hubert Petit (Sodi / TM), Nelson Bondier (Tony Kart / TM), Pieter Carette (Tony Kart / Vortex), Paul David (BirelART / TM) and Nicolas Picot (Tony Kart / Vortex). The Qualifying Heats had three different winners. Petit prevailed in front of Renaux while the Israeli Ariel Levi (Sodi / TM) was in 3rd position. Renaux, Bondier, Petit and David headed the Final, Picot returning from the back of the grid after his retirement in the Prefinal. Petit and Bondier crossed the finish line in the first two places, but they were later demoted for passing under the yellow. The victory therefore came back to David who had surprised Renaux while Picot finished 3rd by more than three seconds.

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Mission accomplished for

FONTENILLE KZ2 MASTER

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or the over 32-year-olds, Vincent Fontenille (CRG / Vortex) and CĂŠdric Spirgel (BirelART / TM) took the measure of their opponents in the heats. Yoann Sanchez (Sodi / TM) and Jean-Philippe Ligier (BirelART / TM) were in front of Yannick Savard (Sodi / TM). Fontenille was ahead of Spirgel in the Prefinal and Sanchez was back in 3rd position while Savard pushed to return after a capricious start. Spirgel led a quartet at the start of the Final consisting of Fontenille, Sanchez and Ligier. Fontenille got the better of them out of the last corner and took it ahead of Sanchez and Spirgel. Savard climbed to 4th ahead of Thomas and Armand Bailly (BirelART / TM).

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KZ2 GENTLEMAN Success for

FEIX B

enoit Portmann (BirelART / TM) has a good run in the Championship in the 45 and over category, even though he was dominated by FrĂŠderic Feix (RK / Parilla), the winner of the Final after an excellent start.

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Total

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FRENCH SUPERKART CUP CROIX EN TERNOIS

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

FFSA

LOCATION

Circuit de Croix en Ternois - 1900 m

DATE 26th and 27th August, 2017

ENTRIES 17 drivers - 1 category • 19th edition of the Trophée des Nations • Small but strong foreign presence • Scorching temperatures on Sunday • Exhibition of British Superkarts

l domination by

e Brabander

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SUPERKART

annick de Brabander (MS Kart / VM) took pole position in front of Alexander Sebastia (Anderson / DEA) and Priscillia Speelman (MS Kart / VM). The two heats saw De Brabander escape in front of Sebastia, who was delayed. Speelman gave up 3rd place to Ricardo Van Dijk (MS Kart / VM) in Race 1, but took it back in Race 2. De Brabander took off again in the Final. Several retirements marked the race and Speelman was on the second step of the podium ahead of Van Dijk. Kevin Ranoarimanana (MS Kart / DEA) finished 4th and the 1st French after SĂŠbastia stopped a lap from the finish.

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Tough competition at Val d'Argenton to end the 2017 NSK

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NATIONAL SERIES KARTING 3/3 VAL D'ARGENTON

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

3MK Events

LOCATION

Circuit Inter. du Val d'Argenton - 1284 m

DATE 15th to 17th September, 2017

ENTRIES 138 drivers - 9 categories • 3rd meeting of 2017 NSK • 1st visit to Val d'Argenton • Fresh and sometimes rainy weather • Races with twists and turns • Several penalties • Tough battles for titles • Big atmosphere at the podiums • Eight tickets offered for the Rotax • World Final at Portimao

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MINIME VICTORY AND CROWNING

FOR NAEL A

S he did at Round 1, Théophile Nael (OTK - TLA) dominated throughout the weekend with pole position and his undisputed victories in the Prefinal and Final. It was Jules Caranta (OTK - Sonic Racing Team) who gave him the lead, but Clément Outran (Birel ART - JHM) took 2nd place on the podium ahead of Arthur Raphanel (Birel ART - VG Racing 13). With his excellent performances during the weekend, Nael won the NSK title in front of Caranta and Delaunay, earning his ticket to Portimao.

Ranking of the 2017 NSK season in Minime 1 2 3 4 5

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Nael Caranta Delaunay Bouzar Bernier

431 pts 406 pts 329 pts 328 pts 324 pts

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CADET

MARCUS AMAND UNBEATABLE

arcus Amand (Zanardi - PB Kart) again dominated the category with remarkable ease. Apart from a mistake without great consequence in the Prefinal, Marcus has won everything far ahead of his opponents. It rained on Sunday and Enzo Caldaras (Zanardi - KER Competition) was the best of the rest in the Final to take 2nd place in front of the amazing Florian Rousseau-Ricci (OTK - Sonic Racing Team), a driver to be followed. William Nicouleau (OTK - Matec CompĂŠtition) had a remarkable weekend that brought him 2nd place overall, while Eliott Vayron (Zanardi - CBK) ended on a positive note in the top five and the podium of the season.

Ranking of the 2017 NSK season in Cadet: 1 2 3 4 5

Amand Nicouleau Vayron Caldaras Rousseau-Ricci

489 pts 398 pts 359 pts 331 pts 313 pts

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Ranking of the 2017 NSK season in National 1 2 3 4 5

NATIONALE

MALIZIA MALIZIA FINALLY REWARDED WITH A GREAT VICTORY

BERNIER TAKES THE LEAD

ompetitive from start to finish, poleman Arnaud Malizia (Sodi - Trèfle Racing) dominated the final stages to take a very good victory on difficult terrain. After chaotic heats, Léonie Claude (Tony Kart - CBK) adjusted the situation remarkably on Sunday in the rain with 14 places gained in the Prefinal and 2nd place with a further five positions gained in the Final. Very steady, Victor Bernier (Kosmic - PB Kart) took the podium in the Final to win in both the overall standings and the rookie standings of the season. Arthur Roche (Kosmic - PKS) finished 4th. César Gazeau (FA Kart - RM Concept) made an excellent start to the meeting before losing time in the Prefinal, but he returned 5th in the Final with the best lap in the race. With Bernier having already won his ticket for the World Final, Camille Prouteau and Hugo Vair took advantage to invite themselves to Portimao.

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Bernier Prouteau Malizia Condé Vair

411 pts 392 pts 388 pts 337 pts 315 pts

Ranking of the 2017 NSK season in National Rookie 1 2 3 4 5

Bernier Vair Masson Gazeau Roche

447 pts 411 pts 382 pts 361 pts 356 pts

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ROTAX MAX BEAUTIFUL CONFIRMATION

FOR NOMBLOT

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ean Nomblot (Sodi - KPR) first built his victory by taking the lead before winning the Prefinal and Final. Antony DuguĂŠ (Kosmic - Sonic Racing Team) took advantage of his skill in the rain to get the better of Arnaud Sarrazin (Sodi - PKS) in the final stages. Marc Cammarata (Sodi - KJC) and Bastien Borget (Kurb by MD Consulting) followed each other in the top five after some good fights. Already qualified for Portimao, Nomblot allowed Sarrazin to also take a place for the Rotax World Final.

Ranking of the 2017 NSK season in Rotax Max 1 2 3 4 5

Nomblot Sarrazin Cammarata Borget DuguĂŠ

456 pts 440 pts 359 pts 359 pts 350 pts

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ROTAX MASTER

BERTEAUX WINNER AND BOURDON CHAMPION G

uillaume Berteaux (Tony Kart - Kartagene) gave everything to get his ticket to Portugal, but his Final victory was not enough, partly because of his 4th place in the Prefinal. Matthieu Bourdon (Redspeed) managed the competition perfectly, winning in particular the prefinal. His 3rd place on the Final podium was enough to open the way for the Rotax Grand Final. Nicolas Poulain (Tony Kart - LMC) performed very well, especially in the rain, and finished 2nd in the Final. Franck Lavergne (Sodi by MD Consulting) took 4th place while Christophe Capitaine (Tony Kart - ASMS 91) was in the top five.

Ranking of the 2017 NSK season in Rotax Max Master 1 2 3 4 5

Bourdon Berteaux Poulain Camus Lavergne

451 pts 434 pts 421 pts 362 pts 340 pts

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DD2 / DD2 MASTER

JOLY HIPP

IN DD2 AND

IN DD2 MASTERS

ucas Joly (Ricciardo - MD Competition) sometimes tempted fate before being crowned in DD2. Pierre-Alexandre Pennequin (Sodi-Kurb by MD) won the Final and Vincent Brunerie (Ricciardo-Kurb by MD) finished 3rd on the Val d'Argenton podium but Andrew Williamson (FA Kart - DSS) retained 3rd in the championship. Charly Hipp (Sodi - Kurb by MD) focused on the fight that led him to 3rd place in DD2 despite his status as a Master. He of course dominated DD2 Master.

Ranking of the 2017 NSK season in DD2 1 Joly 2 Pennequin 3 Williamson

461 pts 443 pts 437 pts

Ranking of the 2017 NSK season in DD2 Master 1 Hipp 2 Brunet 3 Lemoine

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496 pts 406 pts 306 pts

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KZ2 TARGET REACHED FOR

VALENTE E

n the presence of a plateau extended by the preparation of the next French KZ2 Championship, clashes were not lacking at Val d'Argenton. After pole position from Nathan HĂŠdouin (FA Kart - SF Automatech), Adrien Renaudin (Sodi CPB Sport) started a long duel with Enzo Guibbert (Exprit - Portars Racing). Yet Enzo Valente (Birel ART - MGT) surprised everyone by winning the Prefinal and Final in the rain. Renaudin took 2nd place against Paul David (Birel ART - DK Racing), Guibbert finishing 4th in front of the amazing Ariel Levi (Sodi - CPB Sport). After finishing 2nd in the Prefinal, Gabin Leuillet (Sodi - CPB Sport) was strangely excluded from the Final. The winner of the season, Valente won a participation in the next Winter Cup at Lonato.

Ranking of the 2017 NSK season in KZ2 1 Valente 2 Carbonnel 3 Probst Collomp

467 pts 393 pts 328 pts

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KZ2 MASTER

BAILLY WINS THE FINAL

VALLAR THE SEASON

rĂŠgory Guilvert (BirelART - Sprigel Racing Team), Yoann Sanchez (Sodi - CPB Sport) and Bruno Benabent (Sodi - Wernert Kart) at the front at the beginning of the weekend. Jean-Philippe Ligier (BirelART - Sprigel Racing Team) won the Prefinal in front of Thomas Bailly (Sodi - Team BKR) and the order was reversed for the Final while the favourites were delayed. Damien Vallar (BirelART - Sprigel Racing Team) won the title with his 3rd place at the end of the season and won a factory TM Racing engine.

Ranking of the 2017 NSK season in KZ2 Master 1 Vallar 2 Poulain 3 Girardet

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374 pts 350 pts 306 pts

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The Champio the FIA F4 ca 155

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The training centre of the French Federation of Motor Sport (FFSA) has acquired the new FIA single-seaters. The FFSA Academy is continuing its efforts to continue the development of the French Championship in the highly competitive F4 market next season.

he French F4 Championship is a key element of our high-level circuit policy. Organised through our federal training centre based at Le Mans, this championship benefits from the loyal support of Renault and has seen the development of many famous drivers now racing internationally. Unique in its genre, combining financial accessibility and sporting equality, our French F4 Championship continues its momentum by acquiring the F4 FIA for next season" said Nicolas Deschaux, President of the French Federation of Motor Sport. On the sporting side, French F4 will offer the French and foreign drivers a championship directly managed by the Federation, fully integrated in the international points scale, and on an identical basis for all drivers. The latter will benefit in addition from the supervision and infrastructure of the FFSA Academy based at Le Mans. From a technical point of view, all the cars will be managed in a homogeneous way, with the support of the supervising teams, the student mechanics from the FFSA Academy and the Lycée Le Mans Sud, thus enabling all drivers to compete on an equal footing .

e French F4 onship gets ar for 2018

From a financial point of view, the FFSA Academy's fees for French and foreign drivers will favour accessibility and will be the most competitive on the market in 2018. The Federal Training Center will continue to grant a prize of € 100 000 excluding tax to the winner of the Championship. Finally, in terms of training, the Fédération and Renault have committed themselves to go even further than 2017. At the end of each season, Renault will evaluate the top three drivers of the French F4 Championship. One of them will have access to the Renault Sport Academy, allowing them to continue his sporting development in the best conditions, with a view to progressing to Formula 1. All of the young single-seater drivers will continue to benefit from supervision by engineers from the Formula Renault 2.0 teams.

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Beautiful ascen

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nt by Milesi

FRENCH F4 CHAMP.

5/7, MAGNY-COURS

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

FFSA Academy

LOCATION

Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours - 4411m

DATE 8th to 10th September, 2017

ENTRIES 16 drivers - 1 category • FFSA Academy Championship • New more efficient F4 • Changeable weather • Three new winners: Klein, White and Milesi • Noah Watt racing in this meeting • Junior Karting Champion Pierre-Louis Chovet's F4 debut • The fight for the title tightens between Rougier and Martins • Next meeting in Barcelona from 29th September to 1st October

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tuart White scored the fastest time of the Qualifying sessions ahead of Victor Martins and Charles Milesi. But Marvin Klein took advantage of the fight between his rivals to make a superb climb from 5th to 1st place and won on rain tyres on a still slippery track. Arthur Rougier was fighting for the win with Martins taking 2nd place on the podium while Milesi was back in 3rd position ahead of Rougier and Chevalier. The early leaders of Race 2, starting from a reverse grid, did not manage to retain their advantage. White thus ensured his first victory in front of Milesi, well recovered from 8th place. Hugo Chevalier defended his 3rd place skillfully against attacks from Rougier. Florian Venturi finished 5th. After a fine battle with White, Martins could not resist the return of Milesi who won his first single-seater victory in a spectacular manner. In 3rd, White managed to hold off Chevalier, while Rougier finished 5th.

Provisional classification of the 2017 French F4 Championship after Magny-Cours 1 2 3 4 5

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Arthur Rougier Victor Martins Charles Milesi Pierre-Alexandre Jean Stuart White

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219 points 191 points 118 points 110 points 104 points

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RISES TO THE CHALLENGE AT MAGNY-COURS IN F4 Charles Milesi’s consistent work has just been rewarded by a superb meeting in the French F4 Championship at the circuit of Magny-Cours. With three podiums in a row, 3rd, 2nd and finally 1st, Charles has continued the good performances over several weekends in his first season in single-seaters. Now 3rd in the provisional ranking of the FFSA Academy, he will enjoy a loaded race schedule in the coming weeks to confirm his new maturity in motorsport.

fter several more convincing races in Formula Renault 2.0, Charles Milesi returned to the wheel of his F4 on September 9th and 10th at the fif-

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th event of the French F4 Championship. He started by posting the 3rd fastest time of Qualifying Practice. "I could have done even better and even have taken pole position, but a slight misunderstanding with my team cost me a few tenths of a second,â&#x20AC;? said the young driver. In Race 1, Charles moved up from 4th to 3rd position, although his potential would have allowed him to get a better result. He was confident after the analysis of his performance, and he took the wheel with the morale of fighter on Sunday morning for Race 2. He lost a little time in the brawl of the first laps, but noticeably increased the pace to regain several places and finish a few lengths from the winner with an excellent time. The victory had not disappeared by far and Charles was determined to seize his chance during the last race of the weekend. He went on the attack as quickly as possible to join 2nd place and to pursue the leader Victor Martins. He was both incisive and sure of the fast lines and managed to take the lead to secure his second victory in the French F4 Championship, with the fastest time of the race. "It was not the perfect weekend, but it was not far away! I felt more and more confident and was able to give my best in the last race. Beyond the victory, it's a very nice feeling! I train a lot on the physical level and I prepare for the races very seriously with Julien Abelli of Simumotion. Seeing all this work beginning to bear fruit is excellent encouragement for a repeat." Undoubtedly started with a positive dynamic, Charles intends to continue in this manner next weekend in the Northern European Cup for FR 2.0 at the NĂźrburgring circuit with the R-ace GP team.

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VIDEO

PLAY

VIDEO

IAME

NEW VISUAL IDENTITY AND NEW WEBSITE

RACE

Y A L P

THE FLYING FINN 100 RACE

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RACE

CIK-FIA KRISTIANSTAD - ACADEMY TROPHY

O E D I V Y RACE

ALAHÄRMÄ - OK-JUNIOR EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

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