Saturday of the 2025 FIA Karting European Championship at Campillos unfolded under a cloud-covered sky, with a little rain, still offering perfect racing conditions for what proved to be an intense day of Qualifying Heats. With Sunday’s Super Heats and Finals now in sight, the pressure is on, as every driver is pushing to secure their place at the top of the leaderboard in the final, and the racing definitely reflects it! Familiar names solidified their front-running status, but not without a few surprises and comebacks from emerging contenders along the way.

OK: Battig and Ramaekers share front-row bragging rights

In the OK category, Friday’s momentum continued into Saturday. Chiara Battig (ITA), who had already impressed by topping Friday’s Qualifying Practice, once again emerged as the strongest contender during today’s heat races. She now secures pole position for tomorrow morning’s Super Heats A. As in Friday’s session, she was closely shadowed by Thibaut Ramaekers (BEL), who continues to pose a serious threat heading into Sunday, who will start from pole for the Super Heats B. Behind them,  James Anagnostiadis (AUS), deserves a mention for his charge up the ranks after a tough qualifying session that left him 25th, now firmly back in the top 5. Thomas Pradier (FRA), and Dries Van Langendonck (BEL) complete the top five after a consistent string of results.

Junior-OK: Baglin bounces back to the top

In the OK-Junior category, it was Noah Baglin (GBR) who rose to the occasion, making a big move after climbing to the top of the classification today.  After not featuring at the very top of Friday’s timing sheets, Baglin delivered an impressive performance to take pole for tomorrow’s Super Heats A. He is followed by Bosco Arias (ESP), who will start from pole at the Super Heats B, followed by yesterday’s pole-sitter, Iskender Zulfikari (TUR), Henry Domain (GBR), and William Calleja (AUS), rounding out a fiercely competitive top five.

All eyes on Super Heats and finals

With the Qualifying Heats now complete and rankings confirmed, all eyes turn to Sunday’s decisive showdown. The accumulated results from the past two days have set the starting grids for the Super Heats, where every grid spot could make the difference between glory and heartbreak.

Sunday will begin early with the Super Heats, followed in the afternoon by the Finals. The weather forecast remains favorable, meaning strategies and racecraft are unlikely to be disrupted by changing conditions.