Andrea Kimi Antonelli: "It was a really special victory"

Despite the doubts of the eve and the risks of cancellation repeatedly touched upon, the 2020 European Championship has finally come to life on the Zuera kart track. A race without a doubt not to be forgotten for modern karting, given the new regulations that will require new habits, a race to remember also for one of the major protagonists like Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
 
Winning at the first occasion of the year in OK is never an easy thing but with a pre-season like this, Antonelli could only surprise the competition once again. Archived the first races in Senior and the injury, the Italian rider immediately returned great in the Spanish three days with a gradual but undoubtedly effective progression. After the third place overall in qualifying, Dino Chiesa's driver then fought in head-to-head clashes not without fatigue, finishing with a victory, two quarters and a third place which, without the pre-final, meant starting from box number four of the Final.
 
In the decisive laps, Antonelli pulled the rabbit out of the cylinder managing to approach Bedrin (Ward Racing) in the first acquisition by predicting the command after five laps and then running away towards the checkered flag.
 
After a long wait the European Championship has started! How was it this weekend?
«This weekend was very difficult because everyone was very competitive. We got off to a good start and got the group pole and third overall. We did a little bit of effort in the heats to find the square with the frame but we still continued to work hard. On the Sunday after the briefing with Dino and the engineer, we made some changes that worked for the final. In the final I started fourth and my goal right from the start was to get a good start and that's how it was. On the first lap I was fourth with a good pace so that after a few laps I was already in the lead. From then on I tried to be as constant as possible and not to make mistakes also because I had Taylor always very close throughout the race. It was a very special victory and for this I would like to thank my whole team, my engine driver, my mechanic, my family, and all the sponsors and people who still support me».

- What was the key moment to win the race?
«The key moments were the first laps when I managed to take the lead of the race by getting out of the bagarre».
 
- Did you grow compared to last year?
«Yes, I must say that I see myself very grown especially mentally during the management of the race. But even more in direct battle with my opponents».
 
- Do you think you can be competitive in Sarno too?
«I believe and hope that in Sarno I will be competitive, but it is difficult to know because until if you are there to directly confront the other drivers, you don't know if you will be fast enough».
 
S.C.
Credits: FIA Karting