One of the most anticipated events of the season has just started in Lonato (ITA) on the Lombard track of South Garda Karting. The programme is tantalising with the FIA Karting World Championship - KZ, the FIA Karting International Super Cup - KZ2, the third FIA Karting Academy Trophy Competition and the FIA Karting Historic Super Cup. In the late afternoon, Friday, 20th September, the Qualifying Practices set the first benchmarks for a top level sporting challenge that promises to be as intense as it is spectacular. Adrien Renaudin (FRA) shone in KZ, Emilien Denner (FRA) in KZ2 and Kajus Siksnelis (LTU) was fastest in the Academy.

The weather was fine, with bright sunshine, and the sensation of warmth clearly exceeded the 20° displayed by the thermometer. In Italy 215 Drivers from all over the world in the three international categories had the opportunity to prepare during Free Practice, with some KZ and KZ2 Drivers taking to the asphalt of Lonato for long enough to give themselves every chance before the races.

Siksnelis beats Ho in the Academy Trophy

[caption id="attachment_228765" align="aligncenter" width="570"] SIKSNELIS KAJUS, Academy, LT, EXPRIT / VORTEX / BRIDGESTONE, Siksnelis Karolis, FIA Karting Academy Trophy, LONATO, International Race, © KSP Reportages[/caption]

While the third and final Competition of the FIA Karting Academy Trophy promises to be very open with regard to the title, the Qualifying Practices were dominated by the duel between Christian Ho (SGP) and Kajus Siksnelis (LTU) in the second session, with Siksnelis taking pole position with a time of 50''133. 3rd place went to Maxwell Dodds (GBR), leader of the first session against Jacob Douglas (NZL) and Robert De Haan (NLD). Ranked 3rd in the second group, Paolo Ferrari (ITA) was 10th overall.

KZ2: Denner in pole position

[caption id="attachment_228762" align="aligncenter" width="570"] DENNER EMILIEN, KZ2, F, SODI / TM RACING / BRIDGESTONE, CPB SPORT, FIA Karting International Super Cup, LONATO, International Race, © KSP Reportages[/caption]

The 122 participants in the FIA Karting International Super Cup - KZ2 were divided into four groups for their Qualifying Practice. The performances were relatively close in three of them, but the third saw a more marked deficit, although the track conditions hadn't changed significantly. Emilien Denner (FRA) set a series of quick laps in the second session before posting a time of 46"185, which was not surpassed by his rivals. Session 1 leader Giacomo Pollini (ITA) took 2nd place 52 thousandths of a second behind, while reigning European Champion Emil Skaras (SWE) was 3rd. The fastest Driver of the fourth session, Senna Van Walstijn (NLD) was 4th ahead of David Vidales Ajenjo (ESP).

Renaudin sets the fastest time in KZ

[caption id="attachment_228759" align="aligncenter" width="570"] RENAUDIN ADRIEN, KZ, F, SODI / TM RACING / BRIDGESTONE, Sodikart, FIA Karting World Championship, LONATO, International Race, © KSP Reportages[/caption]

The Free Practice of the FIA Karting World Championship - KZ had already revealed a tight sporting confrontation between the protagonists. Both groups of Qualifying Practice confirmed the intensity of the title fight. It was a young Driver competing in his first season among the karting professionals who achieved the masterful feat of taking pole position. Adrien Renaudin (FRA) set a time of 46''104 in the second session, allowing him to take pole position by 47 thousandths of a second ahead of Alessandro Irlando (ITA). 3rd place went to the leader of the first session, Marijn Kremers (NLD), while Simo Puhakka (FIN) and Mirko Torsellini (ITA) completed the top five.

Competition Timetable

Saturday, 21st September

08:00 - 09:55: Warm-up

10:00 - 19:10: Qualifying Heats

Historic Kart Demonstration: 13:25 - 13:45 and 16:30 - 16:50

Sunday, 22nd September

08:00 - 09:55: Warm-up

10:00 am - 10:20 am: Historic Kart Demonstration

10:25 - 13:00: Qualifying Heats

14.40 - 15.00: Historic Karts Demonstration

15:05 - 17:30: Finals

The Competition will be available on the official FIA Karting Championship app for iOS and Android mobile devices and at cikfia.

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