2018 FIA Karting Best-Of: FIA Karting European Championship – OK – Janker wins his first title for Kart Republic

The 2018 FIA Karting European Championship – OK took place over four Competitions in Italy, Great Britain, Germany and France. The OK category continued to grow with more participants than ever before. Accessible from the age of 14 during the year, the top class of direct-drive karts gave rise to a good confrontation between Rookies and more experienced drivers. Unlike 2017, Hannes Janker, a seasoned contender, was crowned against the youngster Harry Thompson.

The new chassis brand from Dino Chiesa, Kart Republic, achieved its first success via a private German team, TB Racing. On the second step of the podium of the European season, the RFM team was ahead of the Italian team CRG SpA. The three Italian engine manufacturers shared the podium in the order IAME, Vortex and TM Racing. 81 Drivers were classified in the FIA Karting European Championship – OK.

Stanek makes a splash at Sarno (ITA)

Leader at the end of the Qualifying Heats on the circuit of Sarno (ITA), Roman Stanek (CZE – Kosmic / Vortex / B’stone) quickly recovered the lead of the Final against Pedro Hiltbrand (ESP – CRG / TM Racing / B’stone) and won his first victory at this level. Delayed in a Heat, Harry Thompson (GBR – FA Kart / Vortex / B’stone) confirmed his potential by climbing back up from 11th position and threatening Hiltbrand’s 2nd place at the finish line. Juho Valtanen (FIN – Kosmic / Vortex / B’stone) was 4th and Kas Haverkort (NLD – CRG / TM Racing / B’stone) 5th.

Travisanutto eliminated and Janker emerges at PFI (GBR)

On an opposite track to that of Sarno, Lorenzo Travisanutto (ITA – KR / Parilla / B’stone) and Danny Keirle (GBR – KR / Parilla / B’stone) competed for the lead of the Final, while Hannes Janker (DEU – KR / Parilla / B’stone) regained ground, followed by Hiltbrand. Keirle dropped back and Travisanutto crossed the finish line 1st before being disqualified for repositioning his front spoiler. Janker took his first victory against David Vidales Ajenjo (Tony Kart Racing Team) and Hiltbrand, the new leader of the Championship.

Decisive victory for Janker at Ampfing (DEU)

Qualifying Practice poleman and winner of four Qualifying Heats, Hannes Janker had to contend with Lorenzo Travisanutto, the indisputable leader of the Final until the finish line approached. Aware that he could no longer aim for the title, Travisanutto let Janker, also under in the KR colours, win in the final metres and take the lead in the Championship. Zane Maloney (BRB – Kart / Vortex / B’stone FA) had a good 3rd place ahead of team-mate Harry Thompson and David Vidales Ajenjo. Pedro Hiltbrand let slip precious points in 9th position.

Patterson victorious and Janker crowned in Aunay (FRA)

The young Dexter Patterson (GBR – KR / Parilla / B’stone) proved unbeatable on the circuit of Aunay-les-Bois within his new team. Harry Thompson and Nicklas Nielsen (DNK – Tony Kart / Vortex / B’stone) had to settle for the places of honour more than 6 seconds behind the winner. Luigi Coluccio (ITA – Birel ART / TM Racing / B’stone) stood out in 4th place ahead of Zane Maloney. Despite retiring from the race on the first lap, Hannes Janker won the title, while Pedro Hiltbrand could not maintain 2nd place in the Championship against Thompson’s return.

Info CIK-FIA / © Photo KSP