2015 CIK-FIA Best-Of: Camponeschi takes control in KZ

The outcome of the 2015 CIK-FIA European KZ Championship was clear as its winner was already named after the first two Competitions. Victorious in Italy and Spain, Flavio Camponeschi had accumulated the maximum points before the conclusion in Belgium, thanks to the dropped scores regulation. The fight for 2nd place proved tighter between Ben Hanley and Marco Ardigo, the Italian eventually taking the advantage over the Briton. Jérémy Iglesias created a surprise by winning at Genk and took 4th ahead of Patrik Hajek.

Camponeschi wins the first round at Sarno (ITA)
While the World Champion Marco Ardigo (Tony Kart-Vortex-B’stone) monopolised 1st place until the Prefinal, his team-mate Flavio Camponeschi (Tony Kart-Vortex-B’stone) managed to win the Final, while Ben Hanley (Croc Racing Promotions-TM-B’stone) took 2nd position. Patrik Hajek (Praga-Parilla-B’stone) finished 4th in front of Jérémy Iglesias (Alpha-Racing-B’stone TM), very consistent at the front. Rick Dreezen (Ricciardo Kart-Parilla-B’stone), the outgoing European champion, retired early in the race.

… And secures the title at Zuera (ESP)
Marco Ardigo and Flavio Camponeschi still held the lead in KZ in Spain during a long duel which was increasingly tight and resulted in victory for Camponeschi in the Prefinal and Final in front of his team-mate. Benefiting from a penalty for Jordon Lennox-Lamb (BirelART-B’stone-Parilla), Ben Hanley was again on the podium. Anthony Abbasse (Sodi-TM-B’stone Racing) and Patrik Hajek (Praga-Parilla-B’stone), 4th in the standings, were also highlighted during the Competition. With two victories, Camponeschi was already assured of winning the Championship.

Iglesias wins at Genk (BEL)
The last of the three Competitions saw an even fiercer fight. Flavio Camponeschi began with pole, and Simo Puhakka (CRG-Maxter-B’stone) took over control at the end of the Qualifying Heats. Then Jorrit Pex (Intrepid-TM-B’stone Racing) won the Prefinal ahead of Marco Ardigo. However Jérémy Iglesias (Sodi-TM-B’stone Racing) was in the lead of the Final despite the return of Rick Dreezen at the end of the race. Camponeschi again fought his team-mate Ardigo to reach 3rd place, but penalties for Dreezen and Camponeschi for detached front fairings gave 2nd place to Ardigo and 3rd to Ben Hanley.

Vice-World Champion in KZ last year, in 2015 the Italian Flavio Camponeschi managed to dominate his main rival who is also his team-mate and his role-model, Marco Ardigo, during the CIK-FIA European KZ Championship. A very fast driver, and holder of an impressive record, Camponeschi now has a major crown in the premier class of modern karting.

What is your analysis of the 2015 European Championship?
– The competition was very tight and the entire Championship proved difficult. I am fortunate to be part of one of the best teams in the field, the Tony Kart Racing Team, whose experience and quality of work are unanimously recognized. In KZ, performance is now very tight between the protagonists, but I was able to benefit from very competitive equipment in all circumstances.

When was the title decided?
– I managed a great first race at Sarno, but it was Zuera that marked the turn of the Championship. We knew that victory in Spain would be decisive for winning the title. I gave everything to win the Final: drive 21 laps with Ardigo in my wheeltracks is a difficult challenge that I am pleased to have succeeded in.

Is winning in KZ the ultimate achievement?
For me, Marco Ardigo is the best Driver in the field. His experience and motivation make him a particularly tough opponent. One can always learn from a great champion like him. Last year at the World Championship in Sarno, I was very close, but managing the race perfectly made a difference. This year I progressed in this area and it is a great source of pride for me to have been able to outstrip him to win the European Championship.

Flavio Camponeschi
Nationality: Italian
Date of birth: 22/02/1992
Chassis: Tony Kart
Engine: Vortex
Team: Tony Kart Racing Team

2015: CIK-FIA European KZ Champion
2014: CIK-FIA Vice-World KZ Champion
2012: CIK-FIA World KF1 Champion
2011: 3rd CIK-FIA World KF1 Championship
2009: 5th CIK-FIA World Super KF Championship
2008: CIK-FIA European KF2 Champion
2007: 3rd in the CIK-FIA World KF2 Cup
2005: Italian ICA-Junior Champion

(Extract from 2015 CIK-FIA Best-Of)

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