FIA Karting European Championship – OK/Junior: Guide to Round 3 at Wackersdorf

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

The FIA has adopted a new infection-control protocol adapted to the development of the COVID-19 pandemic to reinforce everyone’s safety and allow the smooth running of the competition. The role of the new measures put in place by the FIA was of great importance in reassuring the German authorities that the Wackersdorf competition could go ahead.

Both the results of the races as well as the final classification of the two Championships remain sufficiently uncertain to leave room for suspense. It should be remembered that only the two best results of the season, qualifying heats and finals, will be taken into account for the award of the titles. The field will also be strengthened by the entry of 38 additional drivers for this race.

Main info & figures

• Name: 2020 FIA Karting European Championship Round 3
• Federation: CIK-FIA
• Promoter: RGMMC Group
• Organizer: DMSW GMBH
• ASN: Deutscher Motor Sport Bund EV
• Classes: 2 (OK, Junior)
• Drivers: 215
• Tires: LeCont
• Engines: IAME, TM Racing, Vortex Engines

Circuit

The Prokart Raceland track, 1190-meter long, has a twisty layout requiring different technical and personal qualities to the two previous competitions.

• Name: Pro Kart Raceland
• Location: Wackersdorf, Bavaria (southeast Germany)
• Rotation: Clockwise
• Length: 1190 meters
• Width: 9-10 meters
• Corners: 14
• Straight lines: 4

Weather forecast

• Friday: Partly Cloudy, 20% precipitation, 68% humidity, 12-24°C
• Saturday: Mostly Sunny, 10% precipitation, 62% humidity, 12-27°C
• Sunday: Partly Cloudy, 10% precipitation, 56% humidity, 13-27°C

Classes & standings

OK

• Drivers: 65
• Age: From 14 years old (in the year)
• Chassis: CIK-FIA International homologation
• Engine: 125cc direct-coupled, 2-stroke, mixed-lubrication engine
• Cooling: Water
• Exhaust: one-design with power valve
• Carburetor: 24 mm butterfly
• Horsepower: 39
• Revolutions: 16000 rpm (limiter)
• Brakes: Single rear with hydraulic control
• Weight: Minimum 145 kg (driver included)
• No gear shifting, clutch, starter or battery
• Tires: LeCont (“prime”, medium)

Although British driver Taylor Barnard was undoubtedly the strong man of the OK category in Sarno by permanently staying in the first position, the young Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli impressed by moving up from fifth place in the final. Russia’s Nikita Bedrin confirmed his potential in a similar way, whereas Britain’s Joe Turney remained a consistent contender. Since the competition in Sarno was marked by numerous race incidents, it wouldn’t be surprising to see some strong comebacks by several drivers who did not do very well in Italy and who are determined to shine in the last European race of the season. This could be the case for the defending champion, Italy’s Lorenzo Travisanutto who has just changed team. The line-up will also be reinforced by the commitment of 17 additional drivers just for this race, among them British driver Callum Bradshaw.

Provisional standings before Wackersdorf:

• Taylor Barnard – 65 points
• Andrea Kimi Antonelli – 58 points
• Nikita Bedrin – 40 points
• Joe Turney – 37 points
• Laurens Van Hoepen – 24 points

Junior

• Drivers: 75
• Age: 12-14 years old
• Chassis: CIK-FIA International homologation
• Engine: 125cc direct-coupled, 2-stroke, mixed-lubrication engine
• Cooling: Water
• Exhaust: One-design without valve
• Carburetor: 20 mm butterfly
• Horsepower: 29
• Revolutions: 14 000 rpm (limiter)
• Brakes: Single rear with hydraulic control
• Weight: Minimum 140 kg (driver included)
• No gear shifting, clutch, starter or battery
• Tires: LeCont (“option”, hard)

After his overwhelming victory in Sarno, the American Ugo Ugochukwu has a seven-point advantage on his direct rival, Finland’s Tuukka Taponen, followed immediately after by Arvid Lindblad of Great Britain. The title of 2020 FIA Karting European Champion – Junior will be decided between these three drivers in Bavaria. As in OK, several excellent opponents might join the battle for the final victory, which promises to be exciting. 21 new drivers have registered as wild cards for this competition.

Provisional standings before Wackersdorf:

• Ugo Ugochukwu – 55 points
• Tuukka Taponen – 48 points
• Arvid Lindblad – 44 points
• Valerio Rinicella – 30 points
• Freddie Slater – 26 points

Last FIA Karting races for direct-drive classes at Wackersdorf

2019 FIA Karting Academy Trophy – Round 1:

• Polesitter: Christian Ho (Exprit/Vortex) – 51″224
• Heats leader: Robert De Haan (Exprit/Vortex)
• Final winner: Robert De Haan (Exprit/Vortex)

2012 CIK-FIA European Championship KF2 – Round 1:

• Polesitter: Michael Waldherr (RK/BMB) – 48″883
• Heats leader: Max Verstappen (Intrepid / TM)
• Race 1 winner: Charles Leclerc (ART GP / Parilla)
• Race 2 winner: Max Verstappen (Intrepid / TM)

How to follow the meeting?

A live page will be at your disposal from Friday to Sunday, including live timing and live streaming (on Saturday and Sunday). Reports and results will be published on this website on a daily base.

Main schedule

Useful documents

• Full meeting schedule
• Full entry-list for OK and Junior
• Covid-19 plan

2020 FIA Karting calendar – OK/Junior

Check out our full international karting calendar here.

You may also be interested in:

• Junior – Round 2: Strong win by Ugochukwu, Slater and Lindblad on the podium
• OK – Round 2: Faultless victory for Barnard!
• OK/Junior – Round 2: Electric atmosphere in the Heats at Sarno
• OK/Junior – Round 2: British pole positions for Barnard and Dodds at Sarno

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