FIA Karting European Championship Adria: KZ, KZ2 and the Academy make their debuts in Adria

In Italy, not far from Venice, the Adria Karting Raceway will be the setting for the second FIA Karting Competition of the 2020 season, hosting the first of the two FIA Karting European Championship - KZ & KZ2 Competitions from 13th to 16th August, as well as the first of the three FIA Karting Academy Trophy Competitions.

The Adria circuit (ITA) appeared on the calendar following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The track in Veneto had already successfully organised a CIK-FIA Competition in 2016 and is also frequently used by many international competitors. The 1302 m layout, which is fast and rolling, is characterised by wide asphalt clearances. Temperatures could well be high in the region in mid-August. The entry list includes 135 Drivers from 47 countries, with a strong Italian participation. Vega tyres will be used throughout the field. The strict infection-control protocol will be on the agenda more than ever.

KZ lives up to its reputation

No less than four former World Champions will be at the start of the first Competition of the FIA Karting European Championship - KZ in Adria: Davide Fore (ITA), Pedro Hiltbrand (ESP), Jorrit Pex (NLD), reigning FIA Karting European Champion, and the 2019 FIA Karting World Champion, Marijn Kremers (NLD). Among the 25 entered, other prestigious Drivers will be aiming for victory. Fabian Federer (ITA), Adrien Renaudin (FRA), Matteo Viganò (ITA), Jérémy Iglesias (FRA), Simo Puhakka (FIN) and Riccardo Longhi (ITA) are among the contenders for a title that promises to be wide open.

65 entered in KZ2

A slightly lower figure than last year, the number of entries in the FIA Karting European Championship - KZ2 is nevertheless very respectable in these difficult times. It is impossible to make a serious prediction as the Competition is full of talents who are capable of shining. Five Drivers from the 2019 top 10 will be competing, including Giuseppe Palomba (ITA), 3rd last year, Simone Cunati (ITA), Giacomo Pollini (ITA), Jean Nomblot (FRA) and Senna van Walstijn (NLD). Also to be reckoned with are Alessio Piccini (ITA), Alexander Schmitz (DEU) and Andrea Dalè (ITA), who was crowned in 2014. In addition, there are a number of Drivers who are capable of making a good impression on the Adria circuit.

Season 11 of the Academy

The FIA Karting Academy Trophy is entering its second decade, continuing to find young talents from all over the world competing at the wheel of the one-design karts made available to them. Once again this year, the Exprit/Vortex kart with Vega tyreswill allow all participants to express their talent on equal terms. Despite the difficulties of travelling from certain countries, the list of participants still includes 45 names and 43 nationalities. Six Drivers have chosen to repeat their 2019 experience, including Ariel Elkin (ISR), Maxime Furon Castelain (LUX) and Alexander Gubenko (RUS). The list includes participants already well experienced in International Competition and used to the OK-Junior category. Macéo Capietto (FRA), Connor Zilisch (USA), Ashkay Arjun Bohra (SGP), Jonathan Weywadt (DNK), Ivan Domingues (PRT) and Rafael Modonese (PER) are among the most experienced, but we will also need to watch contenders like Keanu Al Azhari (ARE), Matteo De Palo (ITA), Adam Kowalski (CZE), Alex Powell (JAM) and Jayden Thien (NLD).

Provisional programme for Adria

Thursday 13th August
14:15 - 17:20: Academy test sessions (3x20')

Friday 14th August
09:00 - 16:20: Free Practice KZ/KZ2 (3x15') Academy (3x20')
16:35 - 18:00: Qualifying Practice (8')

Saturday 15th August
09:00 - 10:25: Warm-up (10')
10.30 - 4.45: Qualifying Rounds

Sunday 16th August
08:00 - 09:25: Warm-up (10')
09:30 - 11:55: Qualifying Heats
13:35 - 16:25: Finals