Ardigo the master

At the Varennes-sur-Allier (F) circuit, the Italian Marco Ardigo (Tony Kart-Vortex) took pole position for the final of the KZ1 World Cup while his usual opponents have all met with more obstacles. Therefore the outsiders are ready to ambush.

After qualifying, we anticipated a duel between the Tony Kart and CRG factories during the heats. But the harsh race and weather conditions have decided otherwise… Spearheading the “green” charge, Marco Ardigo (Tony Kart-Vortex), already fastest in testing, is the only one to take advantage of the weather at the International Circuit de Varennes Brun Jean-sur-Allier this Saturday. With two victories and one second place in his heats, the Italian has taken pole position for the Prefinal on Sunday with consistent results.

And the others? Among the “black”, the day turned into a nightmare for Alessandro Manetti (CRG-Maxter), who was third in timed practice. Involved in several skirmishes, Manetti did not even figure among the 34 qualifiers for the finals! The European Champion, Jonathan Thonon (CRG Maxter), has had various mechanical problems, before crashing in his last qualifying heat. The Belgian will occupy the 13th spot on the Prefinal starting grid. Among the stars of the CRG team is Arnaud Kozlinski (CRG-Maxter), who has limited the damage most effectively. After an accident during his first heat, the French driver won the next two. He is therefore 8th position in the intermediate ranking.

We will finish the look at the favourites noting Sauro Cesetti (Birel-TM) in 9th place, winner of a heat, the former World Champion Francesco Laudato (Birel-TM) in 10th, 12th position for Davide Foré (Maranello-Maxter) and the non-qualification of Bas Lammers (Top Kart-TM) who was third in the European championship, and Alessandro Piccini (Maranello-TM) who was disqualified in his last race.

The mainly young people have an outside chance to put in an ambush behind Marco Ardigo. Only 26th in qualifying, Nicola Nolé (CRG-TM) climbed back up to second place, getting on the front row for the Prefinal. The second row will be 100% Belgian, with Rick Dreezen (CRG-Maxter) and Benjamin Bailly (Tony Kart-Vortex), coming back from his 17th place in qualifying.

At their home race, the French are also well represented with Nato Norman (Intrepid-TM), Thomas Mich (Monza-TM), Alban Varutti (Sodikart-TM) (who recovered superbly from the 38th place during qualifying) and finally Arnaud Kozlinski, who are ranked 5th to 8th position respectively. Armand Convers and Yannick Savard only just qualified in 33 and 34th position. Gianni Gazzurelli did not go through, overwhelmed by an incredible amount of mechanical glitches. Neither did Kevin Cuoco, despite an being very competitive, but who was penalized twice.

Info Kartcom – CIK with Kartlink / © Photo KSP