The last CIK-FIA World KF Championship took place in the south of Italy on the La Conca International Circuit, a technical and physical track which is well-known to the big international teams. Seven years after the previous World Championship held in Muro Leccese, the track has lost none of its aura or its selectivity. In the presence of a large audience, which included former F1 driver Jarno Trulli, the Polish Driver Karol Basz received the deserved consecration of a career studded with remarkable performances but without frequent Trophies.
The contenders for the title were not lacking in 2015, starting with the Dane Nicklas Nielsen (Tony Kart-Vortex-Vega), the leader in Qualifying Practice. Very fast during the Qualifying Heats, Nielsen proved less dominant in the finals. Conversely, Karol Basz (Kosmic Kart-Vortex-Vega) was gaining performance progressively with beautiful determination and also gained the ascendancy over a trio of experienced British drivers, to win the Prefinal and Final successively with the assurance of a future champion. Only 9th after the Qualifying Heats, Jordon Lennox-Lamb (BirelART-Parilla-Vega), impressed by coming back to 2nd place in the Final ahead of Nielsen, while Tom Joyner (Zanardi-TM-Vega Racing) and Ben Hanley (Croc Racing Promotions-TM-Vega), respectively 4th and 5th, had greatly contributed to the intensity of the confrontation. Ranked 6th, the Dutchman Richard Verschoor (Exprit-Vortex-Vega) was the first representative of the younger generation.
At 24, the Polish Driver Karol Basz has long experience of the KF categories. Often as part of the major official teams, his progress has intensified over the years, especially in the last three. A Driver with a combative nature, Basz has always shown a strong motivation. He has been finally rewarded with a World Championship won after excellent driving on the La Conca circuit.
Karol, tell us what happened at this World Competition.
– During Qualifying, I made a small mistake on my last flying lap so that I could not get the time I was hoping for, but it was not catastrophic. Fortunately, everything went well in the heats where I won three wins in four races. I was pushed off the track in the second heat, but I was able to avoid spinning and I finished in 3rd position. The Prefinal went without a hitch with another victory that gave me the pole position for the start of the Final. The conditions had changed slightly, it was cooler, and my kart was slipping on the opening laps with new tyres. Tom Joyner took the opportunity to pressure me. My performance then returned and I took over the lead with my rivals behind. But I was not content, as I remembered losing a final here in 2013 as a result of a mechanical failure. I enriched the carburetion to avoid any problems and it was only after the finish line that I relaxed.
What will this World Championship will change for you?
– The win is obviously very important for me. I have been looking for a win at this level for a long time. The title of World Champion is the first won by a Polish driver and I am proud for my country. This is also the first world title for Kosmic, a fantastic team who did a great job all season. I owe them a lot. I have driven a KF since 2006, and it is now time to move on. I’m very tempted by the KZ, but also by racing in GT. We’ll see what the future holds but I am confident!
Name: Karol Basz
Nationality: Polish
Date of birth: 12/11/1991
Chassis: Kosmic Kart
Engine: Vortex
Team: Kosmic Racing Department
2015: CIK-FIA World KF Champion, 8th CIK-FIA European KF Championship
2014: 7th CIK-FIA World KF Championship
2013: 4th CIK-FIA World KF Championship, Winner of the CIK-FIA International Super Cup in KF, 4th CIK-FIA European KF Championship
2011: 5th CIK-FIA World KF1 Championship
Info CIK-FIA / © Photo KSP