Niklas Krütten fourth at European Championship in Finland
The young aspiring motorsport talent Niklas Krütten had his strongest performance of the season to date last weekend: at the fourth round of the CIK-FIA European Championship at the Mika Salo Circuit in Alahärmä (Finland), the 14-year-old finished in a fantastic fourth place and as the best German driver. He shown throughout the entire weekend with some of the fastest lap times and delivered a spotless achievement in the various races.
The European round last weekend was named as “Flying Finn 100 Race” as part of the 100th anniversary celebrating Finland´s independency and was overseen by the Finnish Formula 1 Stars Mika Häkkinen, Kimi Räikkönen, Valtteri Bottas und Heikki Kovalainen. Jean Todt, FIA President, was also amongst the guests. The international karting elite was once again well represented with 168 starters from 30 nations in all the three classes.
Niklas Krütten was adapting very well in changing weather and track conditions during Free Practice at the technically demanding Mika Salo Circuit. “When we tested here a few weeks ago I really enjoyed driving here”, said Niklas. “The track offers a lot of variations with changing altitudes, slow and fast corners and a bridge.”
Only in qualifying on Saturday morning, the young German had to lower his sights. After running in the region of the Pole Position laptime, he was slowed down in the first sector on his best lap and was listed in 16th overall from a total of 68 starters in the OK Senior class. But he was only lacking 0.100 seconds to the quickest.
In the four so-called “Heats”, the 14-year-old Rookie in the Senior Kart worked his way up into ninth place of the best 34 drivers in the final, after having demonstrated consistent fast lap times and strong overtaking moves. He also kept his competitors under control in the big final on Sunday afternoon. After a good start and making up some positions, he pulled away with the leading group running in P5. Just ahead of the checkered flag, Niklas won one further position in a strongly fought fight and crossed the finishing line in a great fourth place. He was the best German driver with that results.
“I am super happy, that the hard work this year has finally been rewarded with a top result in the European Championship after Sarno. Everything worked out. The support I received from my team Ricky Flynn Motorsport and my engine partner One Engines was as usual phenomenal. Special thanks go to my mechanic Kris Baillie and my race engineer Micky Higham, it would not be possible without them. It feels great to have arrived right at the top.”
There is no break for Niklas with the fifth round of the CIK-FIA European Championship taking place in Sweden next weekend.