Twenty Qualifying Heats packed Saturday, 5th May, in a good sporting atmosphere under the sun at Salbris (FRA). Kobe Pauwels in Academy, Jorrit Pex in KZ and Riccardo Longhi in KZ2 were the strongmen of the day. The Qualifying phase will continue on Sunday morning with six heats on the programme, one for each of the Drivers, and as many possibilities of upheaval, before we will know the list of the 34 finalists in each category.

The first Competition of the 2018 CIK-FIA European KZ and KZ2 Championships and the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy has reached the heart of the matter with most of the Qualifying Heats being played out in increasing heat throughout the day. The Heats provided a quality show, with increasing intensity as the programme progressed.

Two victories for Pauwels in Academy

The CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy is soon to release an initial hierarchy largely confirming the verdict of the Qualifying Practice. Kobe Pauwels led the way with two wins, while poleman Sami Meguetounif (FRA) and Jose Maria Navalon Boya (ESP), winners of one race each, followed closely behind Kotaro Shimbara (JPN). There was a nice comeback from Rimmo Kadapik (EST) and Craig Tanic (FRA).

KZ: Jorrit Pex unbeatable

Jorrit Pex (NLD), the CIK-FIA European Championship Qualifying poleman confirmed his claims by winning the two Qualifying Heats of the day. Fabian Federer (ITA) was in 2nd place in Heat 1, but it was Marco Ardigo (ITA) who took the 2nd place in the next, while taking on the role of Pex's biggest rival. Pedro Hiltbrand (ESP) and Paolo De Conto (ITA) did not lose contact by staying in the top five. Marijn Kremers (NLD) and Anthony Abbasse (FRA), however, had difficult days that relegated them beyond 15th.

Longhi leader in KZ2

With no fewer than twelve starts, the CIK-FIA European KZ2 Championship held a major place in the running of the day. Two Drivers continued to hold the top ranks as they did in Qualifying Practice. With three wins each, Riccardo Longhi (ITA) and poleman Pierre Loubère (FRA) stood side by side until the Frenchman was penalised because of his last start. Giuseppe Palomba (ITA) then moved up behind the leader Longhi. Adrien Renaudin (FRA) and Hubert Petit (FRA) also progressed while Simone Cunati (ITA) dropped out of the top 10. This long qualifier, which will end on Sunday morning, will be more and more influenced by tyre management strategy, the crucial point being to decide on which when to put new tyres on.

Programme for Sunday, 6th May, 2018

08h25 – 09h50 : warm-up

09h55 – 11h50 : last Qualifying Heats

13h25 – 14h05 : KZ2 Final and podium

14h30 – 15h00 : Academy Final and podium

15h30 – 16h00 : KZ Final and podium

Live-streaming, live-timing and results can be found on the website www.cikfia.com.