DeVries Set for Gearbox Debut at Winter Cup
The European karting season kicks off at Lonato, Italy, this weekend with the traditional season opening Winter Cup at South Garda. The 16th edition of the event has attracted over 260 entrants across the three categories - KZ2, KF2 and KF3.
Free practice began at the circuit several days ago and all eyes are on the KZ2 class which boasts mutiple champions - plus new to the category, Nyck de Vries.
Above: Nyck de Vries tests his un-stickered Zanardi/Parilla KZ2 during the week of tests at Lonato
The field will include specialists such as world champions Jonathan Thonon (CRG) and the “veteran” of the category Alessandro Piccini (Tony Kart). There will also be other talented drivers such as champions Marco Ardigò (Tony Kart), Sauro Cesetti (Birel), Arnaud Kozlinski (CRG) and Davide Forè (CRG).
For de Vries (Zanardi-Parilla), it will be his first time racing a gearbox kart. It is interesting to note how fast the just-turned 16-year-old Dutch driver has progressed to the top levels of karting: from KF3 in 2008 (WSK champion) and 2009 (CIK FIA and WSK European champion), directly to Super KF in 2010 (CIK FIA world champion).
Above: Mirko Torsellini watches as his kart is prepared. The youngster will team with Jonathan Thonon, Arnaud Kozlinski and Davide Forè in the KZ2 class for the CRG factory.
During a break in his test sessions, Nyck said he will move to car racing by the end of this year.
"I’m really keen on this Winter Cup race: KF2 is a totally new category for me, but I do like it" de Vried said.
"At the moment I’m having some troubles in the traction control, but I hope to be at my best for the race. KZ is the most important category this year, thanks to the presence of many champions, and I’m really looking forward to competing against such skilful drivers. Then I will continue this season in KF1, taking part in the CIK FIA world championship, the WSK Euro Series and the other WSK international meetings where I hope to get some good successes.”
Above: de Vries checks over his kart
Above: No numbers on the karts as Forè shows Torsellini the way.
