Niklas Krütten second fastest at chaotic European Championship in Spain
Following a seven-week break, the up-and-coming racing driver Niklas Krütten returned to the racing circus with the second round of the CIK-FIA European Championship last weekend. The 14-year-old Rookie defied difficult track and weather conditions with second-fastest time in qualifying and a strong race appearance in the final in his Senior-Kart.
The kart circuit located north of Oviedo is owned by the Spanish Formula One driver Fernando Alonso and celebrated its debut in the European Championship last weekend. 129 elite drivers from all over the world found their way to the North of Spain. The entry list for the OK-Senior Class was highly listed with 56 starters from 20 nations. However, the weekend was overshadowed by critics and discussions about safety issues concerning track, drivers and material. The press reported in-depth about the very publicly held exchanges of blows between team owner Ralf Schumacher and track owner Fernando Alonso.
In the end, racing pursued as planned and Niklas Krütten fulfilled the high demands as a Rookie very well. With an overall P2 in qualifying, he asserted himself as the fastest German driver against an experienced competition. In the pre-races that followed, he ran in front positions but was not completely spared by the circumstances. A collision and a bend rear-axle threw him back in the Heats, which resulted in an overall starting position of P17 for the final race, in which the Top-34 took part.
Following many days of sunshine, drizzling rain began just in time for the start of the Final, which intensified the already difficult track conditions. Additionally, Niklas faced issues with the engine and was forced to start from the back of the field. Showing his incredible driving talent on a wet track, he fought his way up from 34th place into P7 in only four laps on slicks, just before the race was temporarily stopped. After the re-start, the young German was involved in a collision, whilst the conditions remained marginal, and was thrown back of the field once again. He crossed the finishing line in 21st position.
“Of course, we were aiming for a Top-10 result and more championship points”, said the 14-year-old. “But I think, I handled the conditions and circumstances pretty well and am happy with my personal performance. A big thanks to my team and my partners, who supported me greatly once again.”
Niklas will start at the third round of the CIK-FIA European Championship in Le Mans (France) in three weeks.