The FIA European Karting Championship for gearbox categories concluded from 2nd to 5th July at the Circuito Internazionale Napoli in Sarno. Following an intense weekend, the Sodi drivers left Italy with two podium finishes, a track record and a European runners-up title. In KZ, Matteo Spirgel secured 2nd place in the Final, whilst Jean Nomblot etched his name at the very top of the circuit’s record books. In KZ2, Matheus Morgatto took 3rd place on the podium with the fastest lap in the Final, bringing to a close a title battle that kept the paddock on the edge of their seats right to the very end, decided by a mere twelve points.
KZ: Spirgel on the podium, Nomblot sets blistering lap times
In KZ, the Sodikart Racing Team went from strength to strength throughout the weekend. Starting from 3rd on the grid, Matteo Spirgel put in a solid Final to secure 2nd place. A well-deserved result for the Frenchman, who displayed impressive consistency: he had already finished 2nd in Qualifying against 21 formidable rivals.
Alongside him, Jean Nomblot staged the comeback of the weekend. Having fared poorly in Qualifying (10th), he racked up the heats to make up lost ground and secure a superb 4th place in the Final. The French driver’s standout moment came on Sunday morning: during the Final warm-up, he clocked a masterful 55.589 seconds, definitively claiming the track’s all-time record after a four-day battle for the fastest time.
For his part, Maksim Orlov (5th in Qualifying) also had the pace to make it onto the podium. His fastest lap in the Final, just 0.091 seconds off the benchmark, proves he was matching the leaders’ pace before an early retirement marred his weekend. The team also had to cope with the blow of Senna Van Walstijn’s withdrawal, as he was struck down by severe food poisoning even before the race began. This strong showing, with the team taking 2nd and 4th places, is a testament to the strength of character of a group that knows how to rise to the occasion at major events.
KZ2: Morgatto on the podium, CPB Sport runners-up in the European Championship
Amidst a massive field of 63 drivers, CPB Sport once again demonstrated the effectiveness of Sodi chassis. Matheus Morgatto led the charge: 3rd in Qualifying, winner of three heats and 2nd in his Super Heat, the Brazilian secured a magnificent 3rd place in the Final, complete with the fastest lap of the race in 56.260s. He had, in fact, set the track alight a little earlier by temporarily setting the track record (55.726s in the Super Heat), before his team-mate Jean Nomblot left everyone in no doubt.
Dion Van Werven, who finished a brilliant 6th in Qualifying and won two heats, also deserved a better outcome than a retirement in the Final. This cruel fate was shared by Marek Skrivan, who had been sitting comfortably in 5th place in the interim standings but was caught up in a collision on the very first lap. With nine drivers through to the Final, CPB Sport held out hope of the European title for a long time. They fell just twelve points short of a perfect finish, but this runner-up spot in the European Championship crowns a magnificent international campaign.
CPB Sport’s perspective
“We came up against an opponent on top form, who had the perfect weekend,” says Paul Bizalion, team principal at CPB Sport. “As for us, all it took was a minor hiccup – a collision in one of the heats – and the title slipped through our fingers by twelve points. That’s the harsh reality of sport; we have to accept it. But I want to focus on the positives: we’re leaving as European runners-up, having set the fastest lap in the Final, racked up a host of heat victories and seen a strong showing from our drivers in the final stages. There’s inevitably a slight sense of unfinished business, but that gives us immense motivation for what lies ahead. We’re going to give it our all to go and win the world title on home soil, in France, at Le Mans, even though we know the standard will be incredibly high.”
Analysis from Sodikart headquarters
“Overall, the outcome is very positive, even though the top step of the podium eluded us,” says Jean-Philippe Guignet, competition director for the Sodikart group. “In KZ2, Matheus showed incredible raw speed and fought like a lion, setting the fastest lap in the Final, and it was great to see so many of our drivers up front. Matheus had what it takes to win; we simply lacked that final spark, particularly in the opening laps. The work put in by the mechanics, the staff and the drivers has been remarkable; this European vice-champion title is a fine reward. In KZ, Senna Van Walstijn’s withdrawal at the start of the week deprived us of a trump card; I hope he’ll be back on his feet soon. Matteo Spirgel put in a superb performance with a well-deserved podium finish, and Jean Nomblot confirmed his form in the Final. It’s a shame for Maksim Orlov, whose race came to an end too soon due to a collision.”
“There is, however, one issue we cannot ignore: the single-supply fuel continues to cause huge problems with fuel mixture and engine performance across the entire paddock, regardless of the engine supplier or manufacturer,” points out Jean-Philippe Guignet. “Everyone is in agreement on this. I hope things will improve for the World Championship at Le Mans.”
A mixed bag, but competitiveness remains intact
As we leave Italy, feelings are divided between legitimate regrets and immense pride. The KZ2 title was decided by the narrowest of margins and the race results were cruel for some, but the sheer speed of the Sodi chassis was undeniable. Two podium finishes, the fastest lap in the KZ2 race and Jean Nomblot’s all-time Sarno record are all proof that the equipment delivers when the pressure is at its highest. The teams are looking ahead to the upcoming home races with this certainty and an undiminished will to win. What lies ahead at Le Mans promises to be thrilling.