The European Championship CIK-FIA KZ, class drivers and professional teams, this year included three competitions organized on very different tracks. After opening the twisty Essay (FRA) by wet or cold weather, the route both long and fast Zuera (ESP) demanded other qualities, while the outcome was in midsummer on the famous circuit Genk (BEL) to the well-known complexity.
Superb course of Ardigo in Essay (FRA)
The Spaniard Jorge Pescador (Praga / Parilla / Vega) took advantage of his pole position Qualifying Practice to maintain the advantage in both the Qualifying Heats. Marco Ardigo (Tony Kart / Vortex / Vega) then asserted his dominance in the final stages by first winning the pre-final against the Belgian Rick Dreezen (Ricciardo Kart / Parilla / Vega). The French Jérémy Iglesias (Sodi / TM Racing / Vega) took control early in the final before giving in to Ardigo, indisputable winner and Flavio Camponeschi (CRG / Parilla / Vega), on the rise since his 21st lap, s ‘seized the second position before Iglesias. The Czech Patrik Hakek (Kosmic / Vortex / Vega) and Briton Ben Hanley (Croc Promotions / TM Racing / Vega) completed the top 5.
Zuera (ESP) Hajek and Iglesias approach
Hajek has achieved the grand slam since his pole position in Qualifying Practice. Leader at the end of sleeves Quailficatives, he also won the pre-final. Ardigo seemed able to win over a rise which he has the secret. However, things are not exactly place well. The second pre-final, Iglesias kept his place in the Final while qu’Hajek clinched a victory and Ardigo was satisfied with the 3rd place. Anthony Abbasse (Sodi / TM Racing / Vega) finished 4th and Bas Lammers (Sodi / TM Racing / Vega) took up 11 places to reach the 5th.
Game, set and match for Ardigo in Genk (BEL)
KZ winning the title was more tumultuous than expected. The leader Ardigo showed his superiority in the fastest time in Qualifying Practice then winning both the Qualifying Heats. Abbasse was ahead in the pre-final, however, and Hajek, 3rd, was still at that time a pretender possible for the title. Ardigo then took the lead again on Abbasse in Finale and Hajek could not do better than seventh. Simo Puhakka (CRG / TM Racing / Vega) joined the leading end of the race, but Ardigo controlled the situation. He won and the victory and the title of European Champion KZ, Hajek finishing second ranking 3rd and Iglesias.
Info CIK-FIA / © Photo KSP