2017 CIK-FIA Best-Of: Leon Köhler’s fantastic year

At the age of 18, Bavarian Leon Köhler was internationally acclaimed this season after winning the CIK-FIA European KZ2 Championship. Well supported by Ralf Schumacher and all of the KSM Schumacher Racing Team, the young German quickly adapted to the various conditions of the Competition. He finally won thanks to great consistency against the best specialists to give Germany its first European Karting title for more than 10 years.

Leon, can you introduce yourself?

– I am passionate about motor sports and technology. I am continuing to study so I can combine my passion and my professional life. I discovered karting very young thanks to my father who took me to a circuit near our home. I got in a kart for the first time at seven years old. But it’s only been four years since I started racing in major races. I like the gearbox kart a lot and in KZ2 I have been able to give my best.

What happened during this great year?

– I had the opportunity to move to International Competition after rather encouraging results in Germany last year. I have to say that I could not have succeeded without the support of Ralf Schumacher. He provided me with all the essential advice to quickly find my level. The Tony Kart / Vortex from the KSM Schumacher Racing Team that I drove this year was at the top.

Were you surprised to win the European Championship?

– It was more a great joy than a real surprise for me. Not that I was sure of winning in advance, but the first race at Genk (BEL) immediately gave me confidence. I started with pole position and then I held 1st place in the Qualifying Heats. It was then magical to get on the podium. I was not sure if I could be at Le Mans (FRA) because of my studies, but luckily everything worked out in this respect and I was able to score points in 4th place. At Kristianstad (SWE), the grip conditions were a little crazy in the Final, but I managed well despite a penalty. Most of my opponents did not have this chance!

Info CIK-FIA / © Photo KSP