FIA Karting – Friday: First 2019 European pole for Patterson and Antonelli

OK

The championship leader Dexter Patterson (KR/IAME) has entered his weekend in Kristianstad on the right foot by setting the fastest performance against the clock in the Senior category. With a lap completed in 50.328 seconds in his first Qualifying Series, the Scot took his maiden Pole position of 2019 in the European Championship. An early lead that he will try to convert into results in tomorrow’s Qualifying Heats. Second-fastest was his main rival for the title Lorenzo Travisanutto (KR/IAME). Winner of the second Round two weeks ago at Genk, the Italian only missed the overall pole for 0.011 seconds! Third in the current points rankings, Gabriele Mini’ (Parolin/TM) also showed a strong pace this Friday, only conceding 0.052 seconds to Patterson. Dino Beganovic (Tony Kart/Vortex) took the fourth-fastest performance for his return on home soil ahead of Axel Saarniala (Redspeed/IAME) and Kirill Smal (Tony Kart/Vortex).

Here’s Patterson’s comments at the OK Press Conference:

Junior

Andrea Kimi Antonelli (KR/IAME) set the reference lap time in the Juniors, locking up a lap of the Asum Ring in 52.247 seconds in the first Qualifying Series. Having set his first European Pole position of 2019, the Italian will try to put his performance to good use in the Heats. Tuukka Taponen (Redspeed/IAME) wasn’t far behind in second place, in front of Karol Pasiewicz (Luxor/LKE), Theo Wernersson (Tony Kart/TM), Kajus Siksnelis (Tony Kart/Vortex), and Nikita Bedrin (Tony Kart/Vortex). The current points leader Thomas Ten Brinke (FA Kart/Vortex) set the 24th-best lap time.

Here’s Antonelli’s comments at the OK Junior Press Conference:

Schedule

To follow the Qualifying Heats this Saturday, The RaceBox provides you with a special page including live timing and streaming, available tomorrow from 9:40 am!

Report: Guillaume Alvarez

Photos: Alex Vernardis