Australian junior karters James Wharton, Christian Mansell and Marcos Flack are in Sweden this weekend for the third round of the European Championship.
They line up with their usual teams in the OK-J class for Kart GP Sweden:
- Mansell – Lennox Racing Team (Exprit/Vortex)
- Wharton – Ricky Flynn Motorsport (FA Kart/Vortex)
- Flack – Energy Corse Srl (Energy/TM)
Wharton has a special weapon in his armour for the round – six time World Champion Mike Wilson.
“Magic Mike is back to help me through round 3 in Kristianstad” Wharton posted on social media. “With over 40 years experience in karting, Mike has taken drivers that he teaches all the way from karts to cars. I am honoured to have him form part of my team.”
- Live timing, results etc HERE (live stream video of the finals will be broadcast on Sunday evening, Australian time)
CIK-FIA press
THE FIGHT FOR THE EUROPEAN TITLES MOVES TO SWEDEN
Before the conclusion at Le Mans (FRA) at the end of July, the 2019 FIA Karting European Championship – OK & Junior will head to Kristianstad (SWE) from 31st May to 2nd June for a decisive Competition.
For this third round, the field promises to be full with nearly 190 Drivers entered.
The much-loved Åsum Ring, 1221m long, will be the third of four European competitions this year on a course favourable to spectacular clashes at the Swedish Kart Grand Prix.
The European titles remain very open after the first two meetings. Circumstances have meant that no contender has yet taken a decisive advantage in the two categories, which have had different winners each time and surprising performances from some outsiders.
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Observers predict however that the Swedish Competition may mark the turning point of the season.
Uncertain situation in Junior
Thomas Ten Brinke (NLD) has for the moment been the most consistent at the front of the OK-Junior category. However, Marcus Amand (FRA) and Alexander Dunne (IRL) affirmed their rise to power in Genk. Consistent and fast, Robert De Haan (NLD) is a competitor to follow, while Tuuka Taponen (FIN), the surprise winner in France, and Nikita Bedrin (RUS) will be keen to take their revenge before the last Competition in Le Mans (FRA).
A reaction from Jamie Day (ARE), Andrea Kimi Antonelli (ITA) and James Wharton (AUS), who have remained so far below their usual potential, is also expected. The Swedes, with William Siverholm, Norton Andreasson or Theo Wernersson, will undoubtedly have an influence on the track.
Provisional classification of the FIA Karting European Championship – Junior before the third event at Kristianstad
1- Thomas Ten Brinke – 49 points
2- Marcus Amand – 43 points
3- Alexander Dunne – 38 points
4- Tuuka Taponen – 35 points
5- Nikita Bedrin – 23 points
OK: slight advantage for Patterson
The winner at Angerville (FRA) and 2nd at Genk (BEL), Dexter Patterson (GBR) is unquestionably a favourite. But his domination could very well be challenged by the current World Champion, Lorenzo Travisanutto (ITA), who showed impressive efficiency in the Final in Belgium. Little favoured by success, Gabriele Mini’ (ITA) remains a serious contender.
Less known drivers had the opportunity to make themselves visible in the top five: Juho Valtanen (FIN) in the opening race, Ben Dörr (DEU) and Morgan Porter (GBR) in the last meeting. Considered to be contenders, Taylor Barnard (GBR), Luigi Coluccio (ITA) and
Pedro Hiltbrand (ESP) have not yet managed to materialise for various reasons. Swedish drivers like Dino Beganovic and Noah Milell will have a nice card to play on home turf.
Provisional classification of the FIA Karting European Championship – OK before the third event at Kristianstad
1- Dexter Patterson – 58 points
2- Lorenzo Travisanutto – 43 points
3- Gabriele Mini’- 35 points
4- Dilano Van T’Hoff – 30 points
5- Juho Valtanen – 29 points
The Competition can be followed on the official FIA Karting Championship app for iOS and Android mobile devices and at www.cikfia.com
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