200 drivers in Valencia
On the weekend of July 11 and 12, 2020, the Arena 45 circuit in Valence, completely renovated a year ago for the 2019 French FFSA championships, was the scene of the second round of the Rhone League Championship- Alps.

On this occasion, a large number of licensees from all over France joined the best regional pilots to establish a record plateau of more than 200 pilots. There is no doubt that the quality of the facilities, the legendary layout, the exceptional reception of the teams from the Arena 45 and the ASK Valence club left the licensees with a positive memory in 2019.

"It is always a pleasure to see a beautiful plateau like this in Valence," said Didier André, the owner. "Even in the French Championship last year we did not reach such a number of drivers! The teams held the event perfectly and we were able to demonstrate once again the quality of our service as organizer. "

"In addition, it is interesting to note that regional FFSA tests organized in a quality environment are capable of generating platforms of such a quantitative and qualitative level. This increases our motivation tenfold to set up our international race, but it will also allow us to give another dimension to a Valentinois Trophy which can now count on an enlarged base of licensees ”.

In terms of setting up the event, Arena 45 thanks:
• The Rhône-Alpes Karting League, and its President Michel Cagnon, who managed to keep the drivers mobilized during the long weeks of confinement.
• The FFSA, effective and essential support to prepare for recovery in the field.
• The services of the Drôme Prefecture, which were of great help in setting up a Covid plan.

The pleasure of pilots
The pleasure of the pilots to return to the track was communicative. In summer heat, but not excessive, they were able to enjoy exceptional grip thanks to the rubber of Vega tires deposited by all categories. Some have even compared grip to that of La Conca, the current benchmark in this area.

"This is one of the known characteristics of this track. This was part of the specifications and the overall project, because many French teams are looking for tracks capable of generating grip to perfect their training before joining the international tracks. Also, the direction taken by the FFSA for tires now allows French licensees to evolve in conditions close to those of high-level competition and we are delighted with the many positive testimonies that abounded in this direction at the end of the weekend ".

Sanitary control “Everyone played the game“
Thanks to the president of ASK Valence - Mr Maxime Peyron - and the teams of Arena 45, the visit of the prefectural services on Friday and the inspection of the Gendarmerie on Saturday were simple formalities. In the current context of health vigilance, it is important to underline the major role of associative and local teams in the success of such an event.

The overall atmosphere was simply exceptional, the joy of competing mingling with that of finally being together. Arena 45 offered a fun and friendly setting for this recovery by multiplying interesting initiatives. The presence of food trucks notably offered delicious meals that were entirely adapted to the situation.

"The new health rules remain somewhat restrictive," said Didier André. "But it was a great satisfaction to see that everyone, pilots, mechanics, officials, volunteers ... displayed perfectly responsible behavior throughout the weekend. Wearing a mask was compulsory in the paddock, but it was not necessary to carry out checks so that everyone spontaneously respected the rule. Congratulations to all, you have been fantastic! "

An expected and publicized recovery
MC Events YouTube channel Karting One produced a broadcast from Arena 45 on this occasion.
"As organizers of this first post-containment competition, we also had the pleasure of hosting the Karting One team, which provides our industry with a modern media channel. All the teams had worked hard to perfect the conditions for hosting in Valencia and we are more motivated than ever to continue our efforts for competitors of this quality. "

The 3rd Karting One show will be broadcast on YouTube from Sunday July 19 at 6 p.m.