Stevens Storms To WSK KF1 Victory

press release

Will Stevens delivered an almost faultless weekend to leave La Conca leading the Winning Series Karting [WSK] Championship - and his rivals in no doubt that a major talent has arrived.

The 16-year old - who enjoyed an incredible season in KF2 last year, winning the Asia Pacific, Italian Open Masters and European Championships – dominated the KF1 class, almost from the outset.

pic by Gregory Heirman, Foto Formula K

In timed qualifying, just 0.005 prevented the youngster from topping the time-sheets. His Tonykart team-mate Gary Catt posting a 48.639 to Stevens’ 48.644. Going through to the Super Pole session [effectively a shoot-out between the ten quickest drivers], Stevens finished in 3rd place but garnered valuable points for his performance.

In the two elimination heats, Stevens further under-lined his talent by winning both races and sealing pole position for the pre-final. The Oxshott-based driver duly converted his advantage into victory and claimed P1 on the grid for the main final.

With close friend Catt alongside, and reigning World champion Marco Ardigo [also a Tonykart driver] behind on row two, Stevens could be forgiven for displaying some nervousness prior to the off. If he did have any concerns, they didn’t show. Stevens cruised to a deserved debut victory in the premier category, ahead of Catt and Dutchman Jack Te Braak.

pic by Gregory Heirman, Foto Formula K

Afterwards, the Englishman – whose career is guided by ITV F1 pundits and former GP stars, Mark Blundell and Martin Brundle - said: “I’m delighted to have won both finals and to leave La Conca with an early lead in the Championship. The kart’s been very fast all weekend and the team found a great set-up that helped me to conserve my tyres. There’s a long way to go, and I’m sure that everyone will improve as the season progresses. Our job is to make sure that we stay ahead of our rivals.”

Stevens hinted at one of his principal goals for the 2008 season when he added: “My performance and that of the team here [at La Conca], bodes well for the World Championship, when we return in September.”

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