The Spaniard Pedro Hiltbrand this year finally received the just reward for his talent and efforts. After many seasons trying to reach the top, this time he has not done things by half by winning both the CIK-FIA European Championship, in the new OK category and the International Super Cup in KZ2, proving that his talent could be displayed in very different areas. We can compare this feat to that of Max Verstappen in 2013, the last driver to have taken kart titles in direct drive and gearbox.
Pedro, tell about the beginning of your career in karting?
– I made my debut very young in Spain. I was already very motivated because it was absolutely necessary that I learn to continue driving in competition. I was fortunate very early on to have effective supporters who believed in me. I have been able to participate in international competitions since 2009. In KF3, and then KF2 then there was a very high standardas I faced Max Verstappen, Esteban Ocon, Lance Stroll, Pierre Gasly and Charles Leclerc on track… a generation that is now at a high level in cars. I’ve always been a fast driver, but has been hard to achieve outstanding results.
Was 2016 the year itclicked for you?
– I would not quite say that. Last year I was already fighting for the European KZ2 title. I really was not far from the goal, but I lost time in a Qualifying Heat in the last round and finally I missed out by three points when I had completed two very good meetings before. This year my team (CRG) decided compete in OK for the European Championship. In the past, I preferred to race in KZ2 over KF, but the new OK changed my opinion. It is a very interesting category where we have a lot of fun. In view of the result, I have not regretted it!
Did your first international title win go as expected?
– The entire European Championship was not easy. On the one hand competition was increased and on the other I started with two retirementsat the firstroundat Zuera (ESP) where I am normally very effective. Fortunately, I won at Adria (ITA), finished 3rd at Portimao (PRT) and secured 2nd position at Genk (BEL) to take advantage in the standings over formidable opponents like Tom Joyner and Karol Basz. I will not deny that I felt an immense joy to have finally reached my goal!
And a month later, you win in KZ2!
– Yes, it was fantastic to win the KZ2 International Super Cup in Sweden. The weekend went perfectly from start to finish thanks to a very effective kart. Pole in qualifying, four wins in five heats, Prefinal 1, everything was in place. I lost some time sliding at the lights in the Final and I dropped to 3rd. But success was once again on my side and I was able to impose myself quite clearly against three other CRGs. A dream race and a second international win. I savoured the moment!
When I was young, I dreamed of Formula 1. But I love karting, I like working with all these great people that we need in the discipline. I am very happy to be a professional driver in karting, notvery many achieve it. I’m young, I still have great victories and titles to win before thinking about a conversion, but there is so much to do in karting I’m sure to find a place that suits me later.
Info CIK-FIA / © Photo KSP