In a successful summer, RFM won the FIA Karting European ??Junior Championship with Paul Aron while Harry Thompson became Vice-Champion in OK, followed by two DKM German Championships for Thompson in OK and Thomas Ten Brinke in OK-Junior. Kristianstad’s global meeting brought less overall satisfaction for the drivers of the British team. In the autumn, Ricky Flynn Motorsport returned to Italy for the three events of the WSK Final Cup. The weather deteriorated gradually over the weeks and the good weather at Lonato gave way to mixed weather at Castelletto before a wet weekend at Adria.
A new recruit to the team in OK-Junior, the Australian James Wharton immediately showed his speed at the wheel of an FA Kart / Vortex in RFM colours, especially during practice and the Qualifying Heats. He missed out on the Finals in the first two events, but learned from this and reached his first podium at Adria. He also posted the best result of the RFM drivers in the standings by finishing just in front of his team-mates Kai Askey and Thomas Ten Brinke, delayed several times by incidents in the decisive races. 6th at Lonato, Matthew Rees also had to contend with a few uncertainties later in the series, while Conrad Laursen was not always able confirm his form in the Finals. The latest newcomer at Adria, Singapore’s Christian Ho, took the measure of European racing. His qualification for the Final is a good sign.
Paul Aron took advantage of the Final Cup to take his first steps in OK alongside Harry Thompson and Zane Maloney. Quickly on the pace, he was particularly remarkable in the rain of Adria with amazing Qualifying Heats. Unfortunately, he was not able to finish the Final, along with Thompson, while Maloney was the only one to take the chequered flag.
“Everyone is already looking towards 2019,” said Ricky Flynn after the meeting at Adria. “It has been a long season with about 20 events on the programme and many test sessions. We have done a good job with our drivers who have all been able to complete top performances at one time or another. Nothing is ever finished and we must continue our efforts relentlessly. It is now a question of preparing for next season for both equipment and drivers, and to enjoy a well-deserved winter break.”
Info Kartcom / © Photo KSP – Guillaume Veuve