De Vries Impresses On Senior Super KF Debut

press release

European Champion and winner of WSK in KF3 in 2009, Nyck De Vries made some spectacular debuts in the top category of karting, Super KF. The young Dutch driver (15 years) immediately engaged in a fight for victory against the best drivers in the world. Already very fast at the Winter Cup, at the wheel of his Zanardi-Parilla from Chiesa Corse Team, he quickly confirmed his excellent state of form when mounting on the second step of the podium at the inauguration of the WSK Euro Series, just behind double world champion Ardigo. An excellent result, which he immediately dedicated to the F1 McLaren Team.

Nyck De Vries impressed once again observers at the very beginning of 2010 season. However, the challenge he has taken is bound to be difficult. "My last season in KF3 has been really great, with many victories and performances always at the top. Then, I had to make a choice. Passing to KF2 was a good opportunity, but my team and circle thought I could learn a lot more by going straight to Super KF. For me, it means additional motivation". The best Junior in 2009 has taken this new challenge with all the determination that characterises him: hard work, rigor, talent and mental strength.

Nyck De Vries has first of all discovered his new machine. Softer tyres than in KF3, high grip, a chassis equipped with a front brake with manual control and an engine close to 35 HP, with a maximum regime of 16,000 rpm, compared to the 14,000 of the last two years. "I really enjoy driving this kart. The brakes, the power and the tyre grip: I love it! Technically speaking, I consider my data collection job even more interesting".

On track, Nyck showed his fast adaptation capacity, from the very first race in Italy, at the Winter Cup (21 February). "Constantly changing weather conditions made things more complicated in Lonato. I did my best to set the second best lap in the final. More than by my 14th place, I felt reassured by my level of performance".

The first round of the WSK Euro Series (7 March) came just at the right time to strengthen his confidence. In Muro Leccese (Southern Italy) he immediately showed his great potential by reaching the pole position. He only lost one place at the Super Pole, a new experience for him, but then won the first qualifying heat, with no inferiority complex. Opponents, beware! He was second in the following heat, again with the best lap. A little ignition problem during the last heat relegated him to 12 position in the pre-final start grid, but he went back to fourth place after an exciting series of passes. In the final, he engaged in a hard-fought duel against the leaders. Nyck left nothing to chance! "I was very fast, my equipment went better and better lap after lap. Then, I passed Convers, but he passed me back and Ardigo took advantage of the situation to gain a little advantage. In the end, I regained the second place, but victory was out of reach. I am very satisfied of the weekend anyway and I am happy I could offer this result to McLaren; I am very thankful to them for the trust they placed in me. A great thank you to my team as well as to Dino Chiesa, Zanardi and Iame for their help".

Now the young Dutch driver is second in the WSK provisional standings and his goals are growing more ambitious...

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