• Info: FIA Karting / Guillaume Alvarez
  • Photos: FIA Karting / KSP

The Wackersdorf circuit, which had not hosted an FIA direct-drive kart competition since 2012, has lost none of its sporting and spectator appeal. Some competitors struggled to regain their ease on the German track, while others took advantage of the opportunity to shine. Overtaking was particularly common throughout the weekend and the many spectators in front of their screens around the world enjoyed a first-class show. Fine weather was also on hand with clear skies and warm sunshine for the exciting races full of twists and turns.

At the end of his last Qualifying Heat on Sunday morning, Andrea Kimi Antonelli (KR/IAME) consolidated his domination and secured pole position on the starting grid for the Final of the FIA Karting European Championship – OK at Wackersdorf. Taylor Barnard (KR/IAME) was still leading the provisional Championship standings with an advantage of just three points and had to start from ninth on the grid.

The pressure was on Antonelli throughout the Final but he led from start to finish. Rafael Chaves Camara (Exprit/TM Racing) followed him closely as Barnard climbed up to fourth and then third and got closer. Camara had the fate of the Championship in his hands, but he was never able to attack the leader. With an indisputable victory 0.8 seconds ahead of the Brazilian, Antonelli was crowned European Champion. Barnard was then relegated to sixth place because of a front fairing in the wrong position at the finish and it was Marcus Amand (KR/IAME), after a very nice race, who climbed on the third step of the podium with the fastest lap. Luigi Coluccio (Kosmic/Vortex) and Juho Valtanen (KR/IAME) completed the top five in the Final.

“I had a perfect weekend, but it was never easy,” said Andrea Kimi Antonelli. “I had to concentrate hard in front of the constant threat of Camara. As the leader, I had to watch the condition of the track which was sometimes a little dirty after the fights and the minor exits from the track. I absolutely had to stay ahead of Taylor to win the title. I have to admit I was a little relieved when my lead increased during the last few laps. We will have to keep working hard to stay on top for the World Championships.”

Wackersdorf Final complete results

Final ranking of the FIA Karting European Championship – OK:

  • Andrea Kimi Antonelli (ITA) – 67 points
  • Taylor Barnard (GBR) – 65 points
  • Joe Turney (GBR) – 43 points
  • Nikita Bedrin (RUS) – 40 points
  • Rafael Chaves Camara (BRA) – 39 points

OK season complete standings

The drivers competing in the OK class will be back in action on November 6th to 8th for the FIA Karting World Championship at Portimao.

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