The FIA Karting World Championship – Junior gathered a record number of participants this year on the Swedish circuit of Kristianstad. From 21st to 23rd September, 113 drivers from 12 to 14 years of age, from 25 countries on five continents, competed for the greatest Competition of the season on the 1221m of the Åsum Ring track. After an intense clash for three days, Frenchman Victor Bernier was crowned FIA Karting World Champion – Junior against Italy’s Gabriele Mini’ and Brazil’s Gabriel Bortoleto.
The changing weather conditions enlivened the Competition immediately after Qualifying Practice, but good weather was back on the final day for the Final. In addition to the CIK-FIA President Felipe Massa, other former F1 Drivers were present in Sweden: Nico Rosberg and Giorgio Pantano in a professional capacity, Jarno Trulli and Juan Pablo Montoya as Drivers’ Fathers. On a technical level, seven different chassis brands finished in the top 10, a ranking shared by three engine manufacturers: IAME, TM Racing and Vortex. The manufacturer Vega was the only tyre supplier. A private team, VDK Racing, won in front of two factory teams, Parolin Racing Kart and CRG SpA.
Gabriele Mini’ (ITA – Parolin / TM Racing / Vega) took pole position in Qualifying Practice in front of Taylor Barnard (GBR – KR / Parilla / Vega) and Kai Askey (GBR – FA Kart / Vortex / Vega). Mini’ was then less comfortable on a slippery track and Barnard took the lead after the Qualifying Heats against Dino Beganovic (SWE – Tony Kart / Vortex / Vega) and Kai Askey. The 4th fastest in Qualifying, Victor Bernier (FRA – Kosmic / Parilla / Vega) finished 5th behind Gabriel Bortoleto (BRA – CRG / TM Racing / Vega), because of a badly-positioned front fairing penalty. Mini’ was in 7th place.
Bernier relentless in the Final
The conquest of the title remained very open at the start of the 21 laps of the Final. Barnard, Askey and Beganovic went first, but Bernier was not slow to get closer to the top three and go on the attack. After a great duel with Barnard, Bernier took the 1st place on lap 7. Bortoleto then overtook Barnard for 2nd position. Mini’ however finished the Race beautifully, passing Bortoleto two laps from the end to gain of 2nd place. Bernier managed his lead well and could enjoy a well deserved FIA Karting World Championship – Junior title. Barnard was 4th and Kirill Smal (RUS – Tony Kart / Vortex / Vega) was back in the top five after gaining ten places.
Info CIK-FIA / © Photo KSP