In Genk, the FIA Karting circus puts a final full stop to the most uncertain edition of the European Championship yet. The closure, and turning of the page, on the first part of the calendar represents a victory for the entire movement and a gratifying moment for the promoter and the FIA for having achieved the set goal: to protect the stage of the international event from the risk of contagion which would have meant further consequences, such suspending an already battered season. Although the anti-Covid regulations, such as the tight deadlines to present the outcome of the Covid-19 test, now necessary for FIA competitions, did demotivate several teams, who chose to desert the Belgian stage, putting the success of the event at risk, in the end, the show did go on, albeit with fewer participants than expected. Regardless of the absences, especially in the premier class, the “dirty dozen” was there, that is the championship’s top protagonists and the eligible candidates to conquer the title, well-characterized the last appointment and gave life to a heated battle, not at all obvious, and a final outcome that few had predicted on the eve.

QUALIFYING MILELL SURPRISE!

On Friday in Genk, after the incessant morning rain, a dry track for all the protagonists of KZ engaged in the fight against time. The first hit of the day was placed by Noah Milell (Tony Kart), surprisingly snatching pole position with the best lap in 51.606. Behind him by just 4/1000 was Stan Pex (KR), one of the few who know the Belgian track inside out. Third absolute time was by Marijn Kremers (Ricciardo Kart), ahead of Matteo Viganò (Lennox Racing) and Riccardo Longhi (Birel Art).

Due to the small group of participants, the program of the heats was also shortened, thereby establishing the grid for the final already by Saturday afternoon. Kremers put together a win and three second places. The reigning Dutch world champion won the pole of the final, also thanks to the misfortune of Milell and Pex who collided in the first heat. Both then redeemed themselves with the Swede of Tony Kart winning two out of three and the Dutchman’s result with two second places was equally brilliant. As for the two protagonists of the first round of Adria, a decidedly lackluster Saturday for Irlando, seventh on the grid, and Puhakka, in the eighth starting spot. Viganò with the tenth place seemed clearly out of the fight for the title.

FINAL KREMERS LIKE 365 DAYS BEFORE

At the start, it is Noah Milell who makes a tarmac- burning start that allows him to take the lead in the race. Position that fades immediately, however, as he has to yield to the winning onslaught of Kremers. For the first few laps, it was the Dutchman who managed the race and pace, taking with him a rival who, undoubtedly, had winning the race in mind, namely Stan Pex. The duel between the two rewards Pex, who takes the lead after just five laps with an inside pass. Kremers, in response, does not take up the challenge, maintains his position, thinking in terms of the championship standings. With the two in front on stand-by, focus shifts to Adrien Renaudin (Sodi Kart) and Jorrit Pex (KR) with the outgoing European Champion getting the better of the Frenchman, and immediately afterwards on the return of Irlando. The Apulian driver, after a complicated start, tried desperately to force his own pace, recovering positions by “taking down” in the order Viganò (then retired mid-race), Puhakka, and Renaudin. Meanwhile, at the top of the race, Stan Pex won the final ahead of Kremers in P2, the latter mathematically Champion of Europe by six points. The Dutchman had the merit of falling into the entry list after his previous commitments were canceled in Formula, leading one of the Birel Art brands to success, almost exactly one year after winning the World Championship. An incredible title, Kremers’, never victorious this season but as constant as a Swiss watch in Italy and Belgium, especially in the heats and in the race placings, remembering the fourth place of Adria. A statement that follows, too, from the winning push produced these past 2 years by the structure headed by Ronni Sala, which brings home yet another FIA title in the premier geared class.