What a season for Energy Corse! The team has delivered a string of top-level performances since the start of the season in various categories, particularly in OK and Junior. In Kristianstad, Sweden, Lev Krutoholov took 3rd place on the podium in OK after a perfectly controlled race by the Ukrainian. This performance is comparable to that achieved just a year earlier at the World Championship in the United Kingdom by Matthew Higgins. More than ever, Energy Corse remains a benchmark on the international scene, capable of beating the biggest teams.
Bronze for Lev Krutoholov in OK
As was the case at the European Championship, Energy Corse presented an impressive line-up in Kristianstad. Numerous tests ahead of the event enabled the team to validate the best possible settings for the major event of the season, which featured more than 100 drivers competing in both OK and OK-Junior. The Italian team immediately took the lead with several drivers, including Lev Krutoholov in the role of leader. The Ukrainian ranked in the top 10 in Qualifying, finished his heats with sensational 1st and 2nd places, before winning his Super Heat in style with the fastest lap of the race.
These exceptional performances were confirmed in the Final with a brilliant race from the first to the last lap. Lev Krutoholov could be proud to climb onto the third step of the OK World Championship podium, validating the development work of the team and engine manufacturers, as well as the qualities of the Energy chassis, not to mention the incredible atmosphere that prevails in the Energy Corse tent.
In OK, Matthew Higgins achieved several feats despite still suffering from pain in his hand following his spectacular crash in the Champions of the Future. A year after his world podium with Energy, the Briton was still in contention for an excellent result, but his engine failed to start at the beginning of the Final. This was a real shame, considering that he was P2 in his group in Qualifying and finished two heats in the top six.
Finishing his first race in 10th position with excellent pace, Paul Andriotis demonstrated his potential. The Swiss driver had every chance of reaching the Final, but a few incidents during the race complicated his task. As for Sweden’s Sebastian Hedin, he had an intense and instructive week with his Energy chassis and the AD Motorsport team.
Significant performances for Lucas Bonhomme in OK-Junior
Under the direction of Mick Panigada, the technical staff led by Luigina Guerrini and Simone Sorio worked hard to enable all the team’s drivers to achieve their goals. After recently joining the Energy Corse team, Lucas Bonhomme achieved the best performance of his career in an FIA Karting race. Competing in OK-Junior, the Frenchman steadily gained places in each heat, finishing twice in the top three. 11th on Saturday evening, he could have played a major role in the Final had he not been involved in a collision at the start of Super Heat A on a wet track. Starting 21st, Lucas bravely fought his way up to 13th, before dropping back to 21st for a spoiler penalty.
Felipe Sanches’ unfortunate Qualifying session prevented the Brazilian from achieving as he would have liked, despite promising Free Practice sessions. Britain’s Jarlath Sayer ended his championship on an extremely positive note, climbing from 26th to 11th place in the Super Heat. The Final was within reach! After an encouraging 7th place in his group in the last Free Practice session before Qualifying, Sweden’s River Nilsson then fought hard to make the most of this World Championship on home soil with the AD Motorsport team.
Energy Corse would like to thank all its partners, in particular equipment manufacturer Sparco and Tillett seats. The Italian factory also congratulates all its distributors around the world who promote the Energy brand across five continents, with a string of podium finishes. There is no doubt that there are still some great moments to come during the rest of the season.
