For its 9th season, the FIA ??Karting Academy Trophy has resulted in exciting races during the three Competitions of the 2018 calendar, in France, Italy and Belgium. The technical partner OTK Kart Group supplied the Exprit chassis and the one-design Vortex engines of excellent quality, while the supply of tyres was entrusted to the Italian manufacturer LeCont. 51 young people aged 12 to 14, including three women, from 40 nations on five continents, had entered in 2018. Twice winner, the Spaniard Jose Maria Navalon Boya never left the lead of the Trophy.
A one-make competition that is very focused and financially affordable, the FIA ??Academy Trophy Karting always offers the utmost technical equality to young drivers who have the opportunity to show their potential on the international stage on a level playing field. The winner Navalon Boya was invited to participate free of charge in the FIA ??Karting Junior World Championship with one of the factory teams of OTK Kart Group. The CIK-FIA also assured the top five of the 2018 Academy Trophy’s overall ranking free entry to the FIA Karting Championship, Cup or Trophy of their choice in 2019.
# 1 Salbris (FRA): Advantage for Navalon Boya
From the beginning of the first Competition, a duel started between Jose Maria Navalon Boya (ESP) and Kobe Pauwels (BEL), with Sami Meguetounif (FRA) in their wake. Pauwels led the Final while Navalon Boya first fought Meguetounif for 2nd place. But the race was hotly contested with several changes of leader. Navalon Boya returned to Pauwel and then escaped to victory. Pauwels took 2nd place against Meguetounif under pressure. Rimmo Kadapik (RUS) finished 4th and Joshua Rattican (GBR) 5th.
# 2 Lonato (ITA): Albanese at home
Meguetounif completed a superb first part of the meeting at the forefront of Qualifying and the Heats. But Federico Albanese (ITA) reversed the trend in the Final and won despite the insistence of Guilherme A. De Figueiredo (BRA) in 2nd position. Meguetounif yielded to the return of Suleiman Zanfari (MAR), who had made a very good start. With 5th place, Navalon Boya remained at the top of the provisional standings.
# 3 Genk (BEL): Victory for Pauwels at home and title for Navalon Boya
After pole position for Isidro Callejas Gomez (ESP), Navalon Boya took control of the Heats against De Figueiredo and Pauwels. He was quickly installed in the lead of the Final on his favourite circuit. Navalon Boya followed the pace without trying to dislodge his rival, the situation allowing him to secure the Trophy. Pauwels won the race in front of his home crowd, Navalon Boya was satisfied with the second step of the podium, followed by De Figueiredo. After Craig Tanic’s (FRA) front spoiler penalty, Meguetounif eventually came back to 4th ahead of Albanese.
Info CIK-FIA / © Photo KSP