After a long wait since February, the Champions of the Future Academy Program now returns, this time heading into untouched territory for the series: Greece.
A clockwise circuit boasting 1,460 metres, 14 technical corners, and an elevation change of 27 metres across a lap, Circuit 27, located in the historic and vibrant city of Thessaloniki, is set to test the Champions of the Future Mini 60, OK-N Junior, and OK-N Senior grids in high temperatures and rising stakes.
After a long break, the true test of who has maintained their preparation, seat time, and fitness will be highlighted in Friday’s early test sessions, where drivers will collect and run their Parolin-TM or Kart Republic-IAME machinery while learning the circuit. One of the unique aspects of Circuit 27 is that very limited racing has taken place there previously, meaning conditions will feel fresh for the drivers and few will know exactly what to expect. Testing will therefore be vital as competitors learn braking points, overtaking opportunities, and the optimal racing lines.
A leader missing, an opportunity opens
Valencia Saturday Final winner Mik Klinkers will be aiming to secure another victory this weekend after an impressive debut performance in the series. Snapping at Klinkers’ heels, however, will no doubt be Ilyas Sami, the British driver who, despite not taking a Final win in Valencia, currently sits P2 in the standings ahead of Klinkers in third. Sami displayed impressive consistency in Valencia, recording results of P2 and P6 across the Finals, helping him maintain strong form in the title race.
The biggest talking point, however, may be the absence of current points leader Wynn Godchalk. Having amassed 142 points during the opening event in Valencia, Godchalk’s absence opens the door for his rivals to significantly reduce the gap at the top of the standings.
The pressure builds at the top
For OK-N Junior, the current name at the forefront of everyone’s minds is Zoltan Coigny, who leads the standings by as much as 38 points over Axel Nocom in second and Hernan Rodriguez in third. Coigny and Rodriguez were the two Final winners in Valencia, but Nocom’s consistency, never finishing outside the top five, means the Swiss and Spanish drivers are separated by the Filipino contender.
For the Junior drivers, Circuit 27 will heavily test tyre management and understanding of grip levels, as the Greek heat is certain to impact rubber performance. Drivers will need to carefully manage how they use the increasing grip throughout the weekend rather than overdriving the kart and skipping over it.
Home hopes meet international opposition
OK-N Senior features a number of drivers who have been recurring faces in the Champions of the Future Academy Program paddock since its inception, including F1 Academy Discover Your Drive initiative drivers Angelina Simons and Vanesa Silkunaite. Simons, who took a stunning victory in Valencia representing Spain and F1 Academy, will be aiming to replicate that success once again in circuit conditions that suit her driving style.
Other notable names, particularly Veer Chopra and Jagrat Detroja, will also be hunting for strong results after narrowly missing out on podium finishes across both race days in Valencia. Both drivers secured top-five finishes but were unable to break into the top three.
Several Greek drivers will represent the host nation across all three categories, but much of the local attention will focus on current points leader Emmanouil Lioudakis, a driver from Greece who will undoubtedly be boosted by home-ground confidence. Lioudakis showed excellent consistency in Spain, but now heading into Greece, he could emerge as one of the strongest contenders and potentially become the home hero of the weekend.
The second event of the calendar is ready to begin, with Friday practice setting the tone before separate race days on Saturday and Sunday, streamed live on YouTube. With international talent, prizes, and a new and exciting circuit on the schedule, Thessaloniki promises a weekend not to be missed.