After the festivities taking place in the rain at Monaco, the question was what would happen in the KF3 final? Needless to say it would not be easy, even with suitable tyres. After several test laps, the start was given, Anthoine Hubert (Tony Kart / Vortex) and Dennis Olsen (Energy / TM) were on the front row. But given the number of karts who went off the track (here contained by Tec-Pro barriers), the race was immediately stopped.
It was restarted an hour later after the KZ2 final. The start was under yellow flags and slow signs for more safety. The difficult section after the pool was protected by the yellow flags and no overtaking was allowed. Anthoine Hubert retained his leading position from Dennis Olsen on lap 1, but he took the advantage as soon as possible and attacked Hubert. Charles Leclerc (Sodi / Parilla) was passed by Nicolas Gonzales (Mirage / TM) for 3rd place. Olsen, with impressive ease, pulled away significantly. Set-up and tyre pressure were crucial in the precarious grip.
Hubert and Leclercs battle was now over, while Pierre Gasly (Sodi / Parilla), remained in the pack, back in 9th position. Alexander Albon (Intrepid / TM) edged closer to the top 10. Leo Roussel (Sodi / Parilla) and Remy Deguffroy (Tony Kart / Vortex) were no longer on the track. Leclerc attacked Olsen on lap 7 to take the lead. He was one of the few drivers to lap in 58” at this time. Gasly, in 7th, set the fastest time before Leclerc replied. Gustav Koch Malja (Tony Kart / Vortex) was on Gonzales’ bumper, followed by the Estonian Hans Villemi (Birel / Parilla).
Leclerc celebrated his lead in the race: he was getting faster lap after lap, 3” and 6” from Olsen and Hubert. With all the ups and downs, it was surprising that the race was only halfway complete. Koch Malja recovered slowly but surely on the 3rd place of Hubert, while Gasly rose to 5th position. Albon also came back strongly in the 7th and 6th place. Gasly set the fastest lap then Leclerc replied again. Gasly attacked and passed Malja Koch, then started on his friend Hubert. There were 4 laps to go. Albon was within the top 5.
Two laps from the finish, and Albon and Gasly took Hubert who dropped to 6th. Victory went beautifully to Charles Leclerc by 7.8” ahead of Dennis Olsen and Pierre Gasly who managed to climb the third step of the podium.
Info Kartcom with Kartlink / © Photos KSP