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| April 01, 2009 |
| GPO Karting Series - Round 1 Report |
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Despite a very tight preparation schedule, the Grand Prix Open Karting FFSA kept their promises at the first event organised in Angerville, last weekend. Every possible effort was made, as announced, to bring the French Championship back to the elite of international meetings in Europe. With the participation of 164 drivers - a record in these times - sport success went hand in hand with organisational success in creating a major event in France.
All the participants, as well the numerous audience, appreciated the exceptional quality of the reception and organization of the first Grand Prix Open Karting FFSA. The track was decorated with the partners’ colours and the GPO Club offered all the hosts ultramodern services, a very friendly atmosphere, several animations, so that drivers could feel proud to be part of the new GPO adventure. Therefore, the Gabriel Thirouin circuit had nothing to envy to major racing car events. TVs were also there and the first partner Motors TV was joined by Sport +, Equipe TV, AB Moteurs and W9.
Though cool, the weather eluded gloomy weather forecasts and the few raindrops were quickly replaced by a mostly clear sky. All the ingredients were there for a major event and indeed races were thrilling, full of exploits, coup de theatre, confirmations and positive surprises. Overall there were 164 drivers, with as many as 107 just in the KF2, KF3 and KZ2 categories, from 10 different countries.
Revelation in KF3
The most international category of these GPOs saw the blossoming of a talent just appeared on the international scene. Young Alex Baron effortlessly dominated his very strong opponents. Second on Saturday, Baron achieved with great determination his first important victory in Sunday’s final, after two days of duels with Spaniard Victor Colome.
Coups de Theatre in KF2
In hard-fought KF2, leaders changed several times, so much so that Saturday’s favourites, Brandon Maïsano and Loïc Réguillon, were unable to defend their chances the following day, after an agitated start. British driver Sam Snell and Belgian Sébastien Bailly went straight to the podium on Sunday, while Portuguese David Da Luz regularly stored away some precious points.
Great Show in KZ2
Races of rare intensity increased even more the appeal of the 125 gearbox show. Owing to a series of mishaps, Thomas Mich remained far from the podium. Anthony Abbasse emerged as a credible candidate to victory, but it was young Norman Nato who finally achieved the success he had been waiting for since last season.
Young Mini and Cadet drivers were invited to their first Trophée de France at Angerville, within the framework of the GPOs. During the 2 days of this mini-championship, Anthoine Hubert conquered the Cadet category, while Valentin Naud was the winner of the Mini category.
The GPO Team looks forward to seeing you all on 24 & 25 April, at Mariembourg (Belgium), for the second round of the Grand Prix Open FFSA Karting. |
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