As usual at FIA Karting events, the drivers who achieved pole position in the Timed Practice on Friday afternoon are invited to the press conference. At Lonato, Francesco Celenta (KZ), Emilien Denner (KZ2) and Sami Meguetounif (Academy) answered questions from the production team from the promoter of the CIK-FIA Championships.
Francesco Celenta
Congratulations on your pole position in the Italian Karting Grand Prix. Can you tell us how you are feeling after this performance?
– I am very happy, it is a great satisfaction for me and all of the Praga Racing Team. Last weekend, I won the final round of the Italian Championship at this track. It is positive to stay on this dynamic, and I have a lot of hope for Sunday.
Compared to the Salbris event, does pole position change your approach for this race?
– Without a doubt. Salbris was a lot more complicated for me. I did not feel comfortable in Free Practice, but I improved in the heats and I still ranked 9th in the Final. Finally, it was a good result in the difficult KZ category. But my feelings are better here in Lonato. I hope that in the end we can get the top result.
Emilien Denner
After a difficult French Grand Prix, how do you feel after this pole position?
– Very happy! At Salbris, I learned the track, so I was not in the same circumstances. I was 24th after the Qualifying Heats. Then, I was pushed by another driver in the Final and I had to cross the track limits, which led to my disqualification. Here, it’s completely different, I’m more confident. At Lonato, I have already showed that I can be very fast, in the German Championship for example.
How did you manage to secure this pole position?
– Already, Free Practice went very well, I was always in the top two of each session. It helped me to be confident in Timed Practice. I managed to improve my pace on every lap, which was necessary to get ahead of fast drivers such as Longhi and Palomba. The last attempt was good, and I could not hope for a better result!
What are your expectations for the rest of the weekend?
– It’s simple, I hope to do a good job in the Qualifying Heats to go to the front of the Final and maybe win!
Sami Meguetounif
This new pole position is very positive, is it ideal before attacking Saturday’s Qualifying Heats?
– In France, my rivals expected me to be good. I actually achieved pole position, but I had to settle for 3rd place in the Final. Here in Italy, I’m super happy to be the fastest in Timed Practice. I am even happier than at Salbris.
We saw some good races at Salbris. Do you think you will be able to sustain this level of performance at Lonato?
– For the moment, the differences are very small. This was the case in Free Practice, in Qualifying and it looks the same for the heats. I will try to stay very focused and fast to keep this 1st place.
Are you concerned about the high temperatures of the weekend? Will it affect your driving, equipment or tyres?
– Personally, the heat is not a problem for me as I live in the south of France, there is a lot of sun and it is often very hot. I will just be careful to drink a lot. As for the equipment, I’m not worried.
FIA Karting Information/ © Photo KSP