In 2018, the FIA Karting – KZ European Championship followed a format focused on two Competitions only, with no margin of error. Both Salbris (FRA) and Lonato (ITA) were sunny and hot but the hierarchy was very different from one Race to another and it was his consistency at the front that allowed Jorrit Pex to win his second European title, after the penalty imposed on Paolo de Conto in Italy. The two winners, Jérémy Iglesias and Fabien Federer, did not score many points apart from their wins.
Strongly involved in this category, the factories were however dominated by experienced teams such as CRG Holland for 1st place or SRP Racing for 3rd. Very well represented in quantity, engine manufacturer TM Racing also equipped the top three in the Championship, with its main rival, Vortex, taking 4th position. The KZ category was this year supplied with LeCont tyres.
Iglesias wins at Salbris (FRA)
Jorrit Pex (NLD – CRG / TM Racing / LeCont) clearly dominated the start of the French Competition with his pole position and three wins in the Qualifying Heats. In 2nd place, Fabian Federer (ITA – CRG / TM Racing / LeCont) was a little slow to start in the Final and delayed Marco Ardigo (ITA – Tony Kart / Vortex / LeCont), starting in 3rd position. Pedro Hiltbrand (ESP – CRG / TM Racing / LeCont) led most of the race before suffering a mechanical problem then Jérémy Iglesias (FRA – K Formula / TM Racing / LeCont) recovered the lead four laps from the chequered flag and was forced to resist Jorrit Pex who managed to contain the return of Marco Ardigo. Paolo De Conto (ITA – CRG / TM Racing / LeCont) finished 4th and Anthony Abbasse (FRA – Sodi / TM Racing / LeCont) 5th.
Final twists at Lonato (ITA)
Francesco Celenta (ITA – Praga / TM Racing / LeCont) was the fastest in the Qualifying Practice and Heats of the Italian Competition. Marijn Kremers (NLD – Birel ART / TM Racing / LeCont) followed him closely while Paolo De Conto was in 3rd position on the starting grid of the Final. After making a very good start, Jérémy Iglesias then lost many places while Celenta led. De Conto returned to the leader and overtook without hesitation before halfway. Celenta gave up later with a mechanical problem. De Conto crossed the finish line first and was already looking forward to winning the Championship. He was sanctioned later for his attack on Celenta and Federer was declared the winner against Kremers and Benjamin Hanley (GBR – Croc Promotions / TM Racing / LeCont). Ranked 5th behind Bas Lammers (NLD – Alpha / TM Racing / LeCont), Jorrit Pex had enough points to be crowned Champion.
Info FIA Karting / © Photo KSP