The third round of the 2021 FIA Karting European Championship - OK & Junior will take place from 8th to 11th July in Italy, not far from Naples. Three quarters of the way through the season, the Sarno event could be a decisive turning point in the title race, in which only the best three results from the Qualifying Heats and the Finals are counted at the end of the four events.

In its new configuration, the Circuito Internazionale Napoli in Sarno (ITA) retains approximately its length, now 1,550 m, and above all its original speed, adding a few curves for even greater selectivity. Most of the drivers and teams have already had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new track, which has lost none of its spectacular character. With temperatures likely to be high, it will be a new challenge for MG Tires, especially as rain, sometimes stormy, can never be ruled out.

Slater must confirm his status as leader in OK-Junior
Freddie Slater (GBR) has been dominant on the track since the opening round of the FIA Karting European Championship - Junior, but missed the opportunity to make the break in France due to a penalty. The fighting spirit of the 2020 FIA Karting World Champion - Junior makes him a logical favourite. However, nothing is certain at this stage as his rivals will be more present than ever on a track well known to outsiders. Alex Powell (JAM) and Kirill Kutskov (RUS) are among the fast drivers in Sarno, as well as Akshay Bohra (SGP) and James Egozi (ITA). Surprises cannot be excluded among the 102 drivers, including nine wild cards.

Provisional standings of the FIA Karting European Championship - Junior before the third round in Sarno:
1- Freddie Slater (GBR) - 50 points
2- Matheus Ferreira (BRA) - 37 points
3- Ean Eyckmans (BEL) - 35 points
4- Alex Powell (JAM) - 35 points
5- Kirill Kutskov (RUS) - 28 points

Several talented drivers in pursuit of Camara
The fight for the title is more open than the provisional standings of the FIA Karting European Championship - OK suggest. Rafael Camara (BRA) has shown great speed so far, but also success that has not necessarily accompanied his main rivals. With talented drivers such as Arvid Lindblad (GBR) and Andrea Kimi Antonelli (ITA) chasing him, the current leader must not let his guard down. Among several other worthy opponents, Ugo Ugochukwu (USA), Nikola Tsolov (BGR), Joe Turney (GBR) or Tukka Taponen (FIN) could have a role to play at the foot of Vesuvius.

Provisional FIA Karting European Championship standings - OK before the third round in Sarno:
1- Rafael Camara (BRA) - 62 points
2- Arvid Lindblad (GBR) - 49 points
3- Andrea Kimi Antonelli (ITA) - 32 points
4- Artem Severiukhin (RUS) - 29 points
5- Juho Valtanen (FIN) - 23 points

Provisional schedule for the Sarno race

Friday 9th July
09:00 - 14:55: Free Practice
15:00 - 17:30: Qualifying Practice

Saturday 10th July
09:00 - 10:40: Warm-up
10:45 - 18:00: Qualifying Heats

Sunday 11th July
09:00 - 10:40: Warm-up
10:40 - 12:20: Qualifying Heats
13:30 - 15:15: Finals

The Sarno competition can be followed on the official FIA Karting Championship app for mobile devices and on the website www.fiakarting.com.

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