Competition

Ortona KF Prefinal 2: Verstappen ensures victory

Max Verstappen (CRG / TM) started from pole in the last of two pre-finals of the day at Ortona, with Martin Kodric (FA Kart / Vortex) at his side, Callum Ilott (Zanardi / TM) and Felice Tiene (CRG / Parilla) on the second row and a brilliant field behind. There was an excellent start for the two CRGs, but there was a crash in the midfield and a red flag. Ricky Collard was evacuated by ambulance. Lance Stroll (Zanardi / Parilla) slightly damaged his kart. Some drivers were allowed to make repairs. Verstappen helped Tiene before straightening Stroll’s spoiler. Bailly’s kart was on the trolley. Stupenkov wanted to replace his bumper. The race resumed 20 minutes later.

At the restart, it was still Verstappen and Tiene leading while Kodric lost places on the inside: he was running sixth. Vasliy Romanov (Energy / TM) was third ahead of Matteo Vigano (Top Kart / Parilla) and Marco Maestranzi (Top Kart / TM). Stroll was then in sixth position, but Ilott only in 26th. Romanov, in third, was very fast and returned to the CRGs, while Stroll had risen to fourth followed by Kodric who was by far the fastest on the track. Armand Convers (Kosmic / Vortex) was sixth ahead of Egor Stupenkov (Energy / TM). The French driver then attacked Stroll for 5th place.

At the halfway point, Romanov was in the wheels of Tiene and put it up the inside on lap 7. Verstappen was almost a second ahead with faster and faster pace. Kodric passed Tiene. Kodric missed his attack on Romanov, Tiene and Convers benefited to return to 2nd and 3rd. Stupenkov captured fourth place and Kodric plunged to 11th. The last lap brought no change to the order of the race. It was a great victory for Verstappen ahead of Tiene and Convers. Stupenkov was 4th from Romanov, Stroll 6th from Vigano. Sébastien Bailly (Birel / TM) moved into the top 10 ahead of Kodric. Ilott set the fastest lap in the race but was not qualified.

Info Kartcom with Kartlink / © Photo KSP

Publié le 21/07/2013