Anthony Abbasse won the KZ2 Masters International Super Cup, whilst CPB Sport retained its world team title in KZ2. In KZ, Maksim Orlov narrowly missed out on a podium place, securing 2nd place in the team standings for Sodikart.
From 18 to 20 September, the Le Mans Karting International circuit hosted the major events on the world calendar: the FIA Karting KZ World Championship, the KZ2 World Cup and the KZ2 Masters International Super Cup. With a field of 219 elite drivers, 52 of whose karts bore the brand’s colours – making Sodikart the most widely represented manufacturer – CPB Sport and the Sodi Racing Team once again demonstrated their competitiveness and team spirit.
KZ2 Masters: Anthony Abbasse’s triumphant return
Anthony Abbasse enjoyed a perfect week on the Sarthe circuit. Having set the fastest time overall in Free Practice (50.581) and then topped his group in Qualifying, he went on to secure two wins and a 2nd place in the Qualifying Heats before winning his Super Heat.
Starting from pole position in the Final at the wheel of his Sodikart chassis powered by a TM engine prepared by Cédric Sport Motors, Anthony led all 22 laps with pinpoint precision, calmly withstanding the pressure to cross the line as the winner ahead of Angelo Lombardo and Daniel Bray.
The strength of the team was also evident with seven Sodikart chassis on the starting grid for the 36-kart Final: Nicolas Picot secured a fine 8th place, followed by Sylvain Valet (18th) and Paul David (19th).
KZ2: A strong team effort and a second consecutive title
With 21 drivers competing out of 117 entrants, the CPB Sport team achieved the feat of placing six drivers in the Final.
Marek Skrivan capped off a very solid weekend (winner of a heat, 4th in the Super Heat) by securing 7th place in the Final with the 4th fastest lap of the race. Consistent and focused, Dion Van Werven finished 12th, whilst Gerasim Skulanov staged a determined comeback, climbing nine places to finish 19th. Despite showing flashes of pace worthy of a podium finish (one heat win and a 3rd place in the heats), Jayden Thien saw his momentum halted by two mechanical failures; starting 35th on the grid, he showed remarkable fighting spirit by overtaking 19 drivers to climb back up to 21st place.
Thanks to the points accumulated by Marek Skrivan and Dion Van Werven, CPB Sport once again clinched the FIA Karting team title in KZ2, retaining their crown for the second year running.
KZ: Orlov just shy of the world podium
As double KZ world champions, Sodikart arrived at Le Mans with legitimate ambitions. Right from the first practice sessions, the French team’s machinery proved to be in top form: Maksim Orlov set the competition’s absolute lap record (49.105), ahead of his teammate Senna Van Walstijn.
2nd in Qualifying, winner of a heat and 2nd in his Super Heat, Orlov started from the front row in the Final. After leading the first lap, a tiny opening allowed Viktor Gustafsson to take the lead and go on to win. Orlov eventually crossed the finish line in 4th place.
Unfortunately, the Final came to a premature end for Senna Van Walstijn, who was forced to retire on the third lap following a collision; the driver responsible was disqualified. Further back in the field, Jean Nomblot put in a strong performance, gaining 13 places to finish 13th, followed by Yohan Soguel (15th). Sodikart thus finished 2nd in the World Team Championship.
Jean-Philippe Guignet, Competition Director of the Sodikart Group
“The overall outcome remains very positive, as we were in contention in each of the three categories. We share in Anthony’s immense joy at his victory in the Masters: his race management, the work of Cédric Sport Motors and the chassis’s performance all came together in perfect harmony. In KZ2, mechanical issues and a few race mishaps denied us a podium finish that Marek and Jayden had within their grasp. In KZ, Maksim and Senna were quick throughout the event. Maksim got off to a perfect start; the race was decided by a minor detail, but the technical package was spot on. We would like to thank all the drivers, mechanics and partner teams for their total commitment.”
Paul Bizalion, Team Principal at CPB Sport
“We’re leaving Le Mans with mixed feelings, but with a great deal of pride in the work we’ve accomplished. Retaining our KZ2 world team title for the second year running is testament to true consistency at the very highest level. Anthony Abbasse had a perfect weekend, displaying remarkable composure and technical precision. Getting six drivers into the KZ2 Final is a great source of satisfaction, even though we feel a twinge of sadness for Jayden, who had the pace to compete at the front had it not been for his engine issues. In KZ, Maksim put up a fine fight against a formidable Gustafsson.
The current race format sometimes leaves too much to chance rather than strategic management, but that’s part of the sport. Le Mans remains a special event for us. Congratulations to our rivals and a big thank you to our entire team for their unfailing commitment.”