A tough weekend in Sweden completed a very complicated 2017 European Championship season. But the relentless work done by the British team once again proved to be effective both technically and in driver development. The reward came at the end of the effort with the title of European OK Champion clinched by Sami Taoufik and the two places on the OK-Junior podium taken by Harry Thompson and Jack Doohan.
Ricky Flynn Motorsport's FA Kart chassis powered by Vortex engines, from the workshop of the Danish tuner One Engines, have a reputation for performing well in all circumstances. The results of the RFM drivers are there to confirm it with an unusual consistency. However, it is also the long-term work of training and preparing young champions that makes a difference, which is additional asset included in the RFM service.
At the end of July, the Kristianstad track hosted the final round of the CIK-FIA European Championships. So we were expecting epic battles and weather variations, and that's what we got. Sami Taoufik arrived in Sweden as the leader of the OK category after his fine performance at Alahärmä. The goal was to control his opponents to win the title. Fast, but focused on his mission, the young Moroccan kept the rhythm on all occasions, from his 4th in Qualifying until his beautiful 5th place in the Final with the second fastest time on rain tyres on a drying track. The score was enough to be crowned 2017 European Champion. His team-mate Nikki Kruetten dropped back in Timed Practice and did not qualify for the Final due to several ups and downs.
Jack Doohan did not repeat the same misadventure as in Finland. Very incisive in the Qualifying Heats, the Australian was the solid leader at midday on Sunday. The grip was limited by a downpour before the start of the Final with did not hamper Jack's enthusiasm, and he immediately took off to take a great victory. He also won three heats, while Harry Thompson completed the team's success by taking 2nd place, both drivers being credited with the fastest time of the race. Zak O'Sullivan had some problems in his last two races, but managed to gain 14 places to finish in the top 10 of the Final. Paul Aron completed two beautiful heats and took a 22nd place finish, while Zane Maloney seemed less at ease than usual.
Preparation for the World Championship will now consume all the energies of RFM, especially as the 2017 world event will take place on British ground at the circuit of PF International on the weekend of 23rd and 24th September.
Info Kartcom / © Photos KSP