Nyck back on the podium

Nyck De Vries has not waited too long before taking the honours of the podium again. In Sarno, near Neaple, the young Dutch pilot has confirmed his second place in the WSK provisional ranking by ending up third in the pre-final as well as in the final.

Though he is only at his first season in KF3 (Junior), Nyck De Vries continues to score a series of excellent performances against pilots who are elder and especially more experienced than he is. Already at the beginning of this year 2008, the Dutch champion was soon confident with the driving of his Zanardi-XTR, and since then, victories and podiums have followed one another. The current leader of the German championship has concluded his Neapolitan weekend with a very positive note. He tells us about his performance …

“The circuit in Sarno was very well known to most of my competitors, who had raced here for the European Championship and the Italian Open Masters in 2007. With its 1700 meters, it is the longest track in Europe. Better relying on good materials then. In fact, one can very easily lose precious time in the long, fast parts if the engine is a little tight or in the numerous bends if the chassis is not adjusted correctly. As far as I am concerned, I had just had the opportunity to drive half a day on this circuit before this 4th WSK heat, but I was quick to find the performance level to be able to fight among the top-3”.

The timed practice session, though, has been mishandled by the team, because Nyck has settled for the 17th place (65 drivers at Sarno). But later, the Dutchman has perfectly set things straight again. “I have been able to win the first heat starting from the 7th place, before setting two best laps in the following heats. In the overall ranking of the qualifying series, I managed to climb from 23rd to 6th !”

In pre-final, Nyck dashes off in pursuit of the leaders. With a few beautiful overtakings he reaches up to the third place, in the wake of the second, with the second best time of the lap! The fight is even more exciting in the final, allowing Nyck to stand out as a sharp and conquering driver, while showing great sportsmanship. Finally, he wins his third podium in four races after crossing again the finish line in 3rd position.

“I mark more good points in the ranking, where I maintain my 2nd place. Before the final, in Spain at the beginning of October, I am sure to end up at least 3rd in the WSK ranking. And since I still have a small chance to win, I am going to race for this chance in this highly prized international series”.

In the meantime, Nyck De Vries must face the two final races of the DKM (Deutsche Kart Meisterschaft) on 27 July in Liedolsheim and on 17 August in Hahn-Hunsrück. These are going to be two more important opportunities to fine-tune the material before moving to the European championship. “As in KF1, the motor engine mechanics are working hard on the clutches. This part risks playing a major role in the performance and we are going to work on this item in the next few weeks. With regards to this, the International Federation should find a solution and cancel the gaps between different clutches, given also that these developments cause useless cost increases ”. To be continued…