The third round of the Champions of the Future Academy Program came alive this weekend at the historic Pista Azzurra in Jesolo, Italy. The classic 1,200-meter circuit, combining tight hairpins with quick directional changes, offered a true test of skills. Warm, dry weather on Saturday, with temperatures peaking around 30°C, created prime conditions for a packed day of action.
Saturday’s schedule consisted as always of Time Qualifying, two Qualifying Heats, and a Final for each class, delivering the first trophies of the weekend while also building momentum for a fresh slate of sessions on Sunday. With another round of qualifying, heats, and a second Final planned tomorrow, drivers will get a chance to test their skills on this iconic track.
Mini 60: Burgess Controls Saturday After a Fierce Fight
Zayne Burgess quickly emerged as the driver to beat, setting pole in Time Qualifying. He then kept that advantage in Heat 1 with a flag-to-flag win, but Niccolò Perico fought back in Heat 2 to deny Burgess a grand chelem, taking victory with a measured drive from P3.
In the Final, Burgess retook command in the final lap after a race long battle with Perico, bringing it home in P1 while also leading the U10 subclass. Zucchetto Lorenzo produced a strong performance to finish second after starting from seventh, and Mattis Brageot rounded out the podium in third. Perico had to settle for fourth after the intense scrap in the closing laps, but remains a threat going into Sunday’s renewed fight. Jan Gardzielik completes the top 5 after losing one place in the Mini 60 Final.
OK-N Junior: Kreeft dominates in the Final
The OK-N Junior class saw Didier Kreeft lay down a statement pole lap, edging Julia Angelard and Conor Clancy in an ultra-tight Time Qualifying. Clancy seized the opening heat with a confident drive, but Kreeft struck back in Heat 2 with his own win.
The Final showcased Kreeft’s composure as he led all 17 laps to clinch Saturday’s trophy. Clancy finished second after posting the fastest lap of the race, while Angelina Simons crossed the line third. Jan Michałeczko and Benjamin Westwood were close behind in fourth and fifth.
OK-N Senior: Woda Stays Cool in a Dramatic Decider
OK-N Senior qualifying went the way of Wojciech Woda in a group where the top ten were split by just two tenths. Woda carried that pace through Heat 1 to take victory, while Jacob Micallef fought back in Heat 2, putting himself back in the hunt.
The Senior Final turned into a thriller. Klara Kowalczyk grabbed the early lead, but soon Woda and Micallef took over the fight for first place, trading the top spot multiple times. In the closing stages, Woda executed a decisive overtake on lap 14 to move ahead of Micallef, then defended superbly to win by just 0.393s. Markas Silkunas climbed to third after a remarkable drive from 11th on the grid, while Ella Hakkinen and Klara Kowalczyk completed the top five.
With Saturday’s first finals complete, attention now shifts to Sunday’s program: new qualifying, new heats, and more trophies up for grabs. With experience and championship points already gained at this 61 year old track, this weekend will push every driver to the limit!
