Karting Champions League now welcoming 2026 Winter Series Entries
Karting Champions League now welcoming 2026 Winter Series Entries

Karting Champions League now welcoming...

Karting Champions League now welcoming 2026 Winter Series Entries

Karting Champions League now welcoming 2026 Winter Series Entries

Drivers from the national and international realms of X30 and KZ karting are now welcome to enter the Winter Series of the 2026 Karting Champions League, the championship that offers the ideal way for...
Numerous International Teams registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy
Numerous International Teams registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy

Numerous International Teams registered...

Numerous International Teams registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy

Numerous International Teams registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy

Just a few days after entries opened in early December, a strong number of teams have already registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy, promoted by CRG and scheduled for March 14–15 at the...
2025 Prokart Challenge Championship podium finishers honored
2025 Prokart Challenge Championship podium finishers honored

2025 Prokart Challenge Championship...

2025 Prokart Challenge Championship podium finishers honored

2025 Prokart Challenge Championship podium finishers honored

The 21st season of the ProKart Challenge concluded this past October, completing the five events with six rounds of competition for the Superkarts! USA regional program. Eleven different class...
ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change
ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change

ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change

ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change

ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change

The 2025 ROK season came to the end with the Rok Festival, which took place on November 29 and 30 at the Franciacorta Karting Track, and now all attention is on the 2026 ROK calendar.
24 Hours Spa Karting: twice rather than once in 2026!
24 Hours Spa Karting: twice rather than once in 2026!

24 Hours Spa Karting: twice rather than...

24 Hours Spa Karting: twice rather than once in 2026!

24 Hours Spa Karting: twice rather than once in 2026!

The 24 Hours Spa Karting is returning! Although the 2025 edition could not take place, organiser One Day Karting has decided to make up for it in 2026 with two events: one with a Sodikart fleet on 13...
Australian Hamish Campbell finishes seventh at  FIA Arrive & Drive World Cup
Australian Hamish Campbell finishes seventh at  FIA Arrive & Drive World Cup

Australian Hamish Campbell finishes...

Australian Hamish Campbell finishes seventh at FIA Arrive & Drive World Cup

Australian Hamish Campbell finishes seventh at FIA Arrive & Drive World Cup

The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will take place on March 15 in Castelletto (Italy)
The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will take place on March 15 in Castelletto (Italy)

The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will...

The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will take place on March 15 in Castelletto (Italy)

The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will take place on March 15 in Castelletto (Italy)

In recent days, CRG officially announced the date and location of its flagship rental event: the 24 Hours Karting of Italy will be held on March 14–15 in Italy at the Castelletto di Branduzzo...
New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE Series launches in style
New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE Series launches in style

New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE...

New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE Series launches in style

New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE Series launches in style

The Champions of the Future Academy Program UAE Series made its debut at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi, opening a new chapter for RGMMC’s global arrive-and-drive...
Superkarts! USA confirms location for 2026 Winter Series
Superkarts! USA confirms location for 2026 Winter Series

Superkarts! USA confirms location for...

Superkarts! USA confirms location for 2026 Winter Series

Superkarts! USA confirms location for 2026 Winter Series

Since its inception in 2018, the Superkarts! USA Winter Series has been situated in the state of Florida, hosting events at Ocala Gran Prix, AMR Homestead-Miami Motorplex Presented by MG Tires and,...
ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and calendar
ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and calendar

ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and...

ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and calendar

ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and calendar

With the 2025 ROK season coming to an end, all eyes are already on 2026, a year that promises to be exciting thanks to new developments and unmissable events!
Birelart: Korus Group is Born
Birelart: Korus Group is Born

Birelart: Korus Group is Born

Birelart: Korus Group is Born

Birelart: Korus Group is Born

The Group brings together eight leading Italian companies in an integrated motorsport ecosystem: the first capable of bridging the worlds of karting and racing cars.
Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart Championship
Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart Championship

Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart...

Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart Championship

Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart Championship

Karting Australia is pleased to confirm the dates for the 2026 Australian Kart Championship, setting the stage for another exciting season of top-level competition across the nation.
A major sporting and organizational success for the 2025 Rental Kart World Contest
A major sporting and organizational success for the 2025 Rental Kart World Contest

A major sporting and organizational...

A major sporting and organizational success for the 2025 Rental Kart World Contest

A major sporting and organizational success for the 2025 Rental Kart World Contest

New format, same outstanding success for one of the most prestigious events in CRG’s Rental calendar: the Rental Kart World Contest. The 2025 edition of this renowned international meeting,...
Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart Challenge
Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart Challenge

Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart...

Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart Challenge

Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart Challenge

The 2025 season concluded for the ProKart Challenge following the action on October 11-12 at the K1 Circuit. The Winchester, California, facility welcomed the Superkarts! USA regional program to close...
Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting
Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the...

Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

The 23rd edition of the ROK Cup Superfinal, from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th October at the South Garda Karting track in Lonato, is on its way, and more drivers from all over the world will take...
Livetiming: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting
Livetiming: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

Livetiming: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at...

Livetiming: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

Livetiming: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

The 23rd edition of the ROK Cup Superfinal, from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th October at the South Garda Karting track in Lonato, is on its way, and more drivers from all over the world will take...
Prokart Challenge set for 2025 season finale at K1 Circuit
Prokart Challenge set for 2025 season finale at K1 Circuit

Prokart Challenge set for 2025 season...

Prokart Challenge set for 2025 season finale at K1 Circuit

Prokart Challenge set for 2025 season finale at K1 Circuit

The 21st season of the Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge is set to end following the sixth and final round of competition on October 11-12 at the K1 Circuit. For a third time this year, the SKUSA...
Sunday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track
Sunday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Sunday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations...

Sunday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Sunday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Today, the Tillotson T4 Nations Cup will take place at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track in Spain. Tillotson T4 Nations Cup – the best 4-stroke pilots from all over the world will...
Saturday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track
Saturday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Saturday live stream: Tillotson T4...

Saturday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Saturday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Today, the Tillotson T4 Nations Cup will take place at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track in Spain. Tillotson T4 Nations Cup – the best 4-stroke pilots from all over the world will...
Friday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track
Friday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Friday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations...

Friday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

Friday live stream: Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track

This week, the Tillotson T4 Nations Cup will take place at the Lucas Guerrero International Kart track in Spain. Tillotson T4 Nations Cup – the best 4-stroke pilots from all over the world will...

Covid-19 pandemic: the Arena 45 Grand Prix will take place in 2021

Covid-19 pandemic: the Arena 45 Grand Prix will take place in 2021 Read more

The worldwide development of the Covid-19 pandemic means we cannot envisage the 1st Arena 45 Grand Prix going ahead in good conditions as planned this year. Faced with uncertainty surrounding the possibility of organising an international competition this year, Didier André and his partners have wisely chosen to postpone their event until 2021.

Brad Jones Racing is set to launch a Junior Development Team in association with Tom Williamson Motorsport

Brad Jones Racing is set to launch a Junior Development Team in association with Tom Williamson Motorsport Read more

Brad Jones Racing is set to launch a Junior Development Team in association with Tom Williamson Motorsport to help guide the next generation of motorsport stars.

Karting Australia Webinars lead clubs back to the track

Karting Australia Webinars lead clubs back to the track Read more

Karting Australia is leading its affiliated Clubs back to the track as the world emerges from the COVID-19 Pandemic. Throughout this week, Karting Australia Chief Executive Officer Kelvin O’Reilly and Chief Operating Officer Lee Hanatschek have hosted four webinars alongside Sports Community’s Steve Pallas with Clubs across the country.

Kartstars Canada season start delayed – Covid 19 update

Kartstars Canada season start delayed – Covid 19 update Read more

As we continue to monitor issues surrounding COVID-19, we are faced with a very dynamic and ever-changing situation, both professionally and in our personal lives. As we follow the advice of our government and health officials regarding how to best deal with the current crisis, it is obvious that we will need to postpone our season-opening event.

The second round of the 2020 BNL Karting Series season is officially cancelled

The second round of the 2020 BNL Karting Series season is officially cancelled Read more

Unfortunately, they have to announce that the second round of the 2020 BNL Karting Series season, which was due to take place at Karting des Fagnes in the first weekend of July, has had to be officially cancelled.

Covid-19 Karting recovery blueprint released

Covid-19 Karting recovery blueprint released Read more

Karting Australia has released its detailed blueprint for the recommencement of Karting in the COVID-19 Environment. The two documents “Restart Your Kart” and “COVIDSafe Karting Events” outline in detail the requirements that the sport must meet at all levels to restart and then continue to progress as Government restrictions are gradually eased around the country.

Tatuus launches F4 and F3 Regional virtual races among professional drivers of yesterday and today

Tatuus launches F4 and F3 Regional virtual races among professional drivers of yesterday and today Read more

In this unprecedented period of forced stop due to Covid-19, and waiting to resume competitions on circuit as soon as possible with the restart of the 2020 season, Tatuus has wanted to keep passion high with an event, the EWSK Formula Super Masters, approved by ACI Sport and ACI Esport, which will see professional drivers of yesterday and today compete with F4 and Formula Regional cars, but this time in the virtual world.

A-Maxx Racing WKA eSports Series Presented by Summit Racing Equipment heads to Road America

A-Maxx Racing WKA eSports Series Presented by Summit Racing Equipment heads to Road America Read more

The championship contenders in the first ever A-Maxx Racing WKA eSports Series Presented by Summit Racing Equipment will come to the forefront as the series heads north to the virtual Road America for the third of five events.

Leitch & Frazer share race wins at latest Kartsport NZ ‘virtual club day’

Leitch & Frazer share race wins at latest Kartsport NZ ‘virtual club day’ Read more

Successful KartSport New Zealand graduates Brendon Leitch from Invercargill and Billy Frazer from Auckland won a race apiece at the latest round of the Giltrap Group/Carter’s Tyre Service-backed, iRacing platform-based ‘Virtual Club Race’ series held on Tuesday evening.

Stephan Fritsch and passion for karting at Prokart Raceland Wackersdorf

Stephan Fritsch and passion for karting at Prokart Raceland Wackersdorf Read more

Responsible for the race track as well as for the Prokart Raceland rental karting centre in Wackersdorf, Bavaria, a distributor of karts and competition equipment, organiser of numerous national and international Competitions, Stephan Fritsch is also a former driver and now a driver's father.

Marco Parolin discusses the situation of karting in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic

Marco Parolin discusses the situation of karting in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic Read more

In charge of marketing for the family business, Marco Parolin discusses the situation of karting in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

KartSport New Zealand comes with an event calendar update

KartSport New Zealand comes with an event calendar update Read more

Since our last club events were held on the 15th March 2020, before Covid-19 came along, we have all been forced to adapt to a different way of living. We have all been required to dramatically change the way we do things in our personal life, our businesses, our careers and we are all missing the sports and recreational activities we enjoyed so much prior to Covid-19.

Positive Changes Set for A-Maxx Racing WKA eSports Series Presented by Summit Racing Equipment Round Two on Monday

Positive Changes Set for A-Maxx Racing WKA eSports Series Presented by Summit Racing Equipment Round Two on Monday Read more

After a hugely successful opening event to the A-Maxx Racing WKA eSports Series Presented by Summit Racing Equipment, round two set for Monday night has undergone some positive changes.

Andrea Rosso with CRAM Motorsport continues the preparation

Andrea Rosso with CRAM Motorsport continues the preparation Read more

The forced stop period is faced with confidence, tenacity and optimism by CRAM Motorsport and the recently officiated driver who will participate in the Italian F4 Championship powered by Abarth, Andrea Rosso.

Karting South Australia is back on track

Karting South Australia is back on track Read more

Over the past six weeks, Karting Australia has continually worked closely with State Associations and Clubs across the country to ensure the sport gets back on track as soon as possible. Earlier this week, Karting Australia released a five-stage return to the ‘new normal’ and we’re pleased to advise that two Clubs are ready to go at Stage 1 – Small Scale Social Karting.

Fabienne Wohlwend: from karting to W Series

Fabienne Wohlwend: from karting to W Series Read more

Fabienne Wohlwend might be tucked away in the Liechtenstein countryside, but she too is feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The 22-year-old is looking forward to returning to the car…

FIA Karting Interview with James Geidel, President of the RGMMC Group

FIA Karting Interview with James Geidel, President of the RGMMC Group Read more

A dynamic young man in his thirties, James Geidel, as President of the RGMMC Group, has been the Promoter of the FIA Karting Championships since 2018. RGMMC also promotes and organises other Competitions such as the IAME Euro Series, the Spanish Karting Championship and the new international Champions of the Future series launched in 2020.

Wood comes good as Kiwi Karters dominate latest ‘Virtual Club Day’

Wood comes good as Kiwi Karters dominate latest ‘Virtual Club Day’ Read more

After a race-long battle with Auckland-based kart-turned-car racer Taylor Cockerton, it was young Wellington karter Ryan Wood who won  KartSport New Zealand’s latest Giltrap Group & Carter’s Tyre Service-backed ‘Virtual Club Day’ on the iRacing sim (simulator) platform’s Charlotte Motor Speedway’s road course on Saturday evening.

Karting Australia maps the road out - from COVID-19 Lockdown to Full Competition Karting

Karting Australia maps the road out - from COVID-19 Lockdown to Full Competition Karting Read more

Karting Australia has today released a five-stage map of the ‘Road Out’ for the sport across the country. The first step will see, when State Governments allow, limited numbers of Licence Holders back on track at each Club, not racing but in organised social karting designed to get members back to the Track.

KartSport NZ: Covid-19 alert level 3 update

KartSport NZ: Covid-19 alert level 3 update Read more

Great work - Karting community, we've done our part with our Lockdown behaviour and as a result, next week our country moves to Alert Level 3. 

First2526272830323334Last
Antonelli and Taponen become the first winners of the season
Bas Kaligis
/ Categories: CIKFIA

Antonelli and Taponen become the first winners of the season

The first Competition of the FIA Karting European Championship - OK & Junior was an exciting race under the sun and heat of northern Spain. The fast Zuera circuit was a major contributor to the intensity of the spectacle thanks to its overtaking-friendly layout. Tuukka Taponen (FIN) in Junior and Kimi Antonelli (ITA) in OK only started 9th and 4th respectively in the Final, but they were able to step up the pace to cross the finish line as winners.

“This Competition took place in a particular infection-control context, but we succeeded to manage the situation so that the 2020 FIA Karting European Championship could start in the optimum conditions," rejoiced promoter James Geidel. "I would like to thank Drivers, Teams, Officials and Organisers for their cooperation and respect of the rules put in place. The standard of the Competition was incredibly high and I think it promises to be a very interesting 2020 season, even though the current circumstances are difficult for everyone."

 

Antonelli wins his duel with Barnard in OK.

Unbeaten during the Qualifying Practice and throughout his four Qualifying Heats, Taylor Barnard (GBR - KR/IAME) was hoping to continue his dominance in the Final. But from the very first lap, the Driver in the colours of the Rosberg Racing Academy Team was surprised by the young and determined Nikita Bedrin (RUS - Tony Kart/Vortex). The overtaking was then to continue with great intensity, finally to the advantage of Kimi Antonelli (ITA - KR/IAME), who managed to pass Barnard then Bedrin in the space of two laps. "Even though I didn't win as many Qualifying Heats as my rivals, I wasn't worried about my chances of winning," said one of the most promising Drivers of his generation. "My technical team and I worked hard to be fast throughout the Final and it worked out as we wanted it to. I also set the fastest lap in the race, which confirmed our level of performance." Once past Bedrin, Barnard continued to attack until the end, without being able to reduce the small gap of four tenths taken by his rival.

The duel for 4th place was the subject of an intense battle between several Drivers, who finished wheel to wheel under the chequered flag. Joe Turney (GBR - Tony Kart/Vortex/LeCont) completed his eight-place progression in this position, ahead of Laurens Van Hoepen (NLD / Birel Art/TM Racing/LeCont) and his British team-mate Oliver Gray. European Champion in the category in 2018, Hannes Janker (DEU - KR/IAME/LeCont) returned to his highest level. He started on the front row but fell back during the Final to finish 7th ahead of Enzo Trulli (ITA - KR/IAME). The Spanish Driver Maya Weug (Birel Art/TM Racing/LeCont) had her best performance at this level and finished 9th, with the best comeback of the Final (+24 places) going to Rafael Chaves Camara (BRA - Exprit/TM Racing/LeCont).

Provisional standings of the FIA Karting European Championship OK after the first round in Zuera :

1- Kimi Antonelli (ITA) – 32 points

2- Taylor Barnard (GBR) – 30 points

4- Nikita Bedrin (RUS) – 24 points

4- Hannes Janker (DEU) – 18 points

5- Laurens Van Hoepen (NLD) – 17 points

 

Taponen wins the hotly contested OK-Junior Final

In Spain, Tuukka Taponen (FIN - Tony Kart/Vortex/LeCont) started his European Championship as he started the previous one in 2019: with a victory! The young Finn won with panache, as he started only 9th on the grid for the Final, after a slight disappointment in his first heat on Saturday morning. "I managed to gain two places on the first lap," commented Tuukka, "Then the fight was relentless in the pack. I was confident because we never stopped improving the equipment over the weekend. I was getting quicker and quicker as the laps went by and that allowed me to gain places regularly to get to the front under the chequered flag. I hope to confirm this at the next Competition in Sarno."

The suspense for the podium remained intact right up to the end. Ugo Ugochukwu (USA - KR/IAME/LeCont) never gave up and was rewarded for his efforts with a 2nd place on the starting grid. With two laps to go, the American took the lead over Brando Badoer (ITA - KR/IAME/LeCont). "Victory was not far away, but it is still satisfying to be on the podium of an FIA Karting European Championship for the first time," said the Italian, son of the former Formula 1 driver.

Arvid Lindblad (GBR - KR/IAME/LeCont), the leader at the end of the Heats, was not able to maintain his position and had to settle for 5th place behind his team-mate Alex Powell (JAM - KR/IAME/LeCont), who has been making a great comeback since the Free Practice sessions. Ranked 6th just ahead of Tymoteusz Kucharczyk (POL - RK/TM Racing/LeCont), Valerio Rinicella (ITA - Parolin/TM Racing/LeCont) will remain the revelation of the Spanish Competition. At home, Bruno Del Pino (ESP - Tony Kart/Vortex/LeCont) was hoping to keep his place in the top ten, before having to settle for 13th place.

Provisional standings of the FIA Karting European Championship Junior after the first round in Zuera :

1- Tuukka Taponen (FIN) – 27 points

2- Brando Badoer (ITA) – 25 points

4- Arvid Lindblad (GBR) – 21 points

4- Ugo Ugochukwu (USA) – 20 points

5- Alex Powell (JAM) – 19 points

 

The complete results of the Zuera Competition can be found on the official FIA Karting Championship app for iOS and Android mobile devices and on the website www.fiakarting.com.

Previous Article FIA Karting European Championship Zuera: spectacular qualifying heats
Next Article Ex-karters Gabriele Minì, Dino Beganovic, Sebastian Montoya and Gabriel Bortoleto impressive in first races Formula 4
Print
2084 Rate this article:
No rating
Please login or register to post comments.