The second Competition of the CIK-FIA European Championship for the OK and OK-Junior categories takes place this weekend of 18th, 19th and 20th May 2018 at the British circuit of PF International. The weather was good and the temperatures were mild this Friday for the Qualifying Practices scheduled for the end of the afternoon. Italy's Lorenzo Travisanutto clocked the fastest time of the 69 OK Drivers, while Russia's Kirill Smal was fastest of the 72 OK-Juniors.
The mild weather over Lincolnshire since Thursday made the Free Practices easier. The particular layout of the circuit created by Paul Fletcher, increased to 1382m in recent years, required a learning effort from the continental Drivers against the British who are used to racing in all weathers at this iconic track in their country.
The Qualifying Practices were of great importance for the rest of the Competition and the best performers of the Free Practices are far from having confirmed their form at this crucial stage. It must be said that it has become a common habit to use only half of the eight minutes allowed to set a time, which complicates the task of positioning well in the pack in each session. It was noted, however, that the best times were usually set a little later than usual, often on the fourth or fifth lap. The differences between the sessions were notable, always in favour of the last session, without being too significant between the top Drivers in the class.
Travisanutto the poleman in OK
Lorenzo Travisanutto (ITA) took the lead over the reigning World Champion, the winner here last September, Danny Keirle (GBR) with by less than 0.135'' with the fastest time of the Qualifying Practice for the CIK-FIA European Championship: 54''523. Leader of the first session, Hannes Janker (DEU) took 3rd place by 0.232''. Juho Valtanen (FIN) and Luca Maisch (DEU) did a good job in the top five, followed by several other Drivers of the third and final session. For example, reigning Junior Champion Jonny Edgar (GBR) placed 6th in front of his less well-known compatriot Morgan Porter (GBR). Among the Championship favorites after Sarno, Pedro Hiltrbrand (ESP) was 12th, Roman Stanek (CZE) 15th and Harry Thompson (GBR) 21st.
Smal dominates OK-Junior Qualifying against Mini
Kirill Smal (RUS) and Gabriele Mini (ITA) clearly outclassed their opponents in the first and second sessions. Smal took pole position with 56''314, 89 thousandths faster than Mini. The fight was tighter in the third session and Victor Bernier (FRA) took 3rd place overall. Dilano Van T'Hoff (NLD) and Sami Meguetounif (FRA) completed the top five. Although Mini made a good start at PFI, it was not the same for the two Drivers ahead of him in the provisional ranking of the CIK-FIA European Junior Championship. The leader Paul Aron (EST) only managed 33rd, while 2nd-placed Kai Askey (GBR) limited the damage to 15th.
While good weather is forecast for Saturday, the day will be filled with 24 Qualifying Heats for the two categories at the PFI race from 9:30 to 18:15. Follow the live-timing and live-streaming on the website www.cikfia.com.
