After its launch in Portugal, the 2022 FIA Karting European Championship - OK & OK-Junior continues in Spain with the second event organised from 29th April to 1st May on the Circuito Internacional Zuera near Zaragoza, in the heart of the country.

Well known by the teams and most of the drivers, the Zuera circuit has several unique aspects. First of all, its long length of 1,699 metres and the relatively small number of corners are noteworthy. As a result, the speed is high and slipstreaming is an integral part of the event, especially during Qualifying. Another point to consider is the width of the track, which often gives the opportunity of choosing between several racing lines depending on the strategy adopted. Frequent overtaking is also a feature of the Zuera event. However, this circuit is far from being a place where only the most powerful engines are useful. Chassis performance plays a big role, while the talent of the drivers to manage each of the parameters can make the difference.

43 nations from five continents are represented among the entries in both categories, with a field roughly equivalent to that assembled in Portugal. MG Tyres supplies the OK tyres and Vega the OK-Junior tyres.

An opportunity not to be missed in OK
Experienced British driver Joe Turney, who excelled in Portimão, has already demonstrated his competitiveness in Zuera and could take the lead in the provisional FIA Karting European Championship - OK standings at the end of the event. However, it is on the younger side that there are several favourites for victory. The Briton Kean Nakamura-Berta will be able to count on his speed in Spain, a quality he shares with the Frenchman Enzo Deligny and the Belgian Ean Eyckmans. Latvia's Tomass Stolcermanis is also expected to react. Jamaica's Alex Powell looks set to bounce back after a disappointing first event. Evan Giltaire (FRA) and Oscar Pedersen (SWE) are among the strongest and are ready to defend their chances for the Championship. Talented drivers like Luigi Coluccio (ITA), Freddie Slater (GBR), Tuukka Taponen (FIN), Luis James Egozi (ITA) and Cristian Bertuca (ITA) will also be motivated after disappointing performances in Portugal.

Provisional 2022 FIA Karting European Championship - OK standings before the second round in Zuera
1- Artem Severiukhin (ITA) 35 points *
2- Joe Turney (GBR) 29 points
3- Evan Giltaire (FRA) 19 points
4- Oscar Pedersen (SWE) 17 points
5- Kean Nakamura-Berta (GBR) 16 points
*Subject to FIA investigation

OK-Junior: Chasing Matveev
The winner in Portimão, Dmitry Matveev also has a strong rating in Zuera, despite the challenge of Anatholy Khavalkin behind him. Britain's Nathan Tye is ready to vie for his first win at this level while several outsiders are waiting for the opportunity to reveal themselves fully. René Lammers (NLD) is one of this list along with Jules Caranta (FRA), Martin Molnar (HUN), Kirill Kutskov and Kirill Dzitiev, or Oleksandr Bondarev (UKR). Lucas Fluxa Cross (ESP) is not hiding his determination to come back to the title quest on his home ground. The competition for a top result involves many other drivers, including Miguel Costa (BRA), Andres Cardenas (PER), Lenn Nijs (BEL) ...

Provisional 2022 FIA Karting European Championship - OK-Junior standings before the second round in Zuera
1- Dmitry Matveev (ITA) 35 points
2- Anatholy Khavalkin 26 points
3- René Lammers (NLD) 23 points
4- Nathan Tye (GBR) 20 points
5- Thomas Strauven (BEL) 16 points

Provisional programme for the Zuera event

Friday 29th April
09:00 - 11:55: Free Practice
12:05 - 13:31: Qualifying Practice
14:40 - 17:35: Qualifying Heats

Saturday 30th April
09:00 - 10:13: Warm-up
10:20 - 18:15: Qualifying Heats

Sunday 1st May
09:00 - 10:05: Warm-up
10:10 - 11:45: Super Heats
13:15 - 14:40: Finals

FIA Karting European Championship - OK & OK-Junior Calendar
2nd - 5th June: Kristianstad (SWE)
7th - 10th July: Franciacorta (ITA)

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

Press Release © FIA Karting