Starting from pole after an uneventful Super Heat, Gustafsson lost the lead only at the second corner, when Orlov managed to pass him. However, an error from the Sodi driver allowed several rivals to get through, and Gustafsson quickly regained the lead.
From that moment on, the CRG driver was in control. He gradually extended his advantage over Denner, crossing the finish line more than four seconds clear. Behind him, the battle for the podium kept the race open until the closing laps, with Vasile and Orlov involved in a close fight.
Orlov finished fourth, while Danilo Albanese climbed to fifth after starting further down the order. It was an unfortunate race for reigning champion Senna Van Walstijn, who was forced to retire following contact with Pedro Hiltbrand, who was subsequently excluded from the race. Lorenzo Camplese produced an excellent comeback, moving into the top 10 from 23rd on the grid.
For Gustafsson, this is his second World Championship title after his 2022 success. His name therefore returns to the trophy of the most prestigious title in gearbox karting, alongside champions such as Max Verstappen, Jarno Trulli and Fabrizio Giovanardi.
Viktor Gustafsson: “It was a bit calmer this time, I could finally breathe! We were very competitive all week. During the Franciacorta tests I already said that this was the chassis I would win the World Championship with. Apparently, I was right.”
From that moment on, the CRG driver was in control. He gradually extended his advantage over Denner, crossing the finish line more than four seconds clear. Behind him, the battle for the podium kept the race open until the closing laps, with Vasile and Orlov involved in a close fight.
Orlov finished fourth, while Danilo Albanese climbed to fifth after starting further down the order. It was an unfortunate race for reigning champion Senna Van Walstijn, who was forced to retire following contact with Pedro Hiltbrand, who was subsequently excluded from the race. Lorenzo Camplese produced an excellent comeback, moving into the top 10 from 23rd on the grid.
For Gustafsson, this is his second World Championship title after his 2022 success. His name therefore returns to the trophy of the most prestigious title in gearbox karting, alongside champions such as Max Verstappen, Jarno Trulli and Fabrizio Giovanardi.
Viktor Gustafsson: “It was a bit calmer this time, I could finally breathe! We were very competitive all week. During the Franciacorta tests I already said that this was the chassis I would win the World Championship with. Apparently, I was right.”
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KZ2: Kajak takes the World Cup
Markus Kajak won the FIA Karting World Cup KZ2 after a final dominated by Formula K. Starting from second, the Estonian immediately took the lead by passing his teammate Arthur Lehouck and quickly building a comfortable gap.
Lehouck tried to stay in touch, remaining within a second of the leader for several laps, but never found the opportunity to make a decisive move. Kajak controlled the closing stages to secure his first FIA Karting victory.
Alois Girardet (CRG/TM) completed the podium, finishing less than three tenths ahead of Kimi Tani. It was a difficult final for Oliver Städtler and Maximilian Schaufler, both of whom had been strong in the heats but lost ground during a complicated opening lap.
Markus Kajak: “I basically won the race at the start and then I was almost afraid to look back because I was worried I might make a mistake. I tried to stay as calm and relaxed as possible. It’s a very important result: the team has worked so hard throughout the year and finally we made it happen.”
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KZ2 Masters: Abbasse home hero
Anthony Abbasse (Sodi/TM) won the FIA Karting International Super Cup KZ2 Masters, becoming the first driver to win the competition more than once.
The Frenchman started from pole and, with Lombardo making a less-than-perfect start, had to defend from Davide Forè in the opening laps. Forè made an excellent getaway and remained just a few tenths behind the leader for much of the race, while Lombardo worked his way back up behind the two. The Italian then made his move first on Bray and then on Forè, closing in on the leader but never finding an opportunity to attack, as the home driver produced a faultless race.
Meanwhile, Forè’s race came to an end with a mechanical problem just as he was preparing to fight the two drivers who had been his main rivals throughout the weekend. Daniel Bray inherited third place and held on to the final podium position after Thomas Mich, who had made an impressive comeback, was forced to retire with a technical problem on the final lap.
For Abbasse, this is his second International Super Cup victory after his 2024 success at Portimao.
Anthony Abbasse: “I arrived in the final with the best possible set-up. I want to thank Sodikart and CPB Sport. The kart was perfect. I’m here with my family, my friends and everyone from the Sodikart factory. It’s incredible, like Ferrari at Monza.”
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The podiums
FIA Karting World Championship – KZ
Viktor Gustafsson (SWE) – CRG Racing Team
Emilien Denner (FRA) – Formula K SRP Factory Team
Daniel Vasile (ROU) – Maranello Kart
FIA Karting World Cup – KZ2
Markus Kajak (EST) – Formula K SRP Factory Team
Arthur Lehouck (FRA) – Formula K SRP Factory Team
Alois Girardet (FRA) – CRG Racing Team
FIA Karting International Super Cup – KZ2 Masters
Anthony Abbasse (FRA) – CPB Sport
Angelo Lombardo (ITA) – Maranello Kart
Daniel Bray (NZL) – Modena Kart Racing Team
