Sound performance by Niklas Krütten at WSK Super Masters in Castelletto
Niklas Krütten participated in the second round of the WSK Super Master Series, which took place at 7 Langhi Kart International Circuit near Milano last weekend. With a total of 253 starters from 34 nations, the event was once again a date for the world elite of the karting business. As one of the youngest Rookies in the Class OK Senior, the 14-year-old German held his ground with a strong 11th place in the Pre-Final against much more experienced competitors. Only an undeserved time penalty stopped him from entering the Final race.
As predicted, the drivers were facing heavy and changing weather conditions right at the start of the karting weekend. The 1.256-m-long track was mostly under water and the rain only eased off right before qualifying on Friday. During qualifying, Niklas Krütten shown with continuously improving lap times on the drying track. However, he was flagged down as one of the first, whilst most of his competitors were able to run one more lap in order to improve the timings. But the young driver from Trier still qualified in 14th place in his qualification group.
The weather continued to act up on Saturday. From torrential rain to beautiful sunshine, everything was in store. Niklas fought hard through his three qualification runs in the complicated and ever changing conditions. Despite one DNF in the first “Heat”, he qualified for the ninth row for the Pre-Final race on Sunday morning.
In the all decisive run, the young pilot from Ricky Flynn Motorsport fought his way further up the ladder only to make up seven positions and finishing in a great 11th place. The joy over the result did not last long, since a latterly given penalty destroyed all hopes. At the start, he was pushed by a driver behind him into the driver in front of him, resulting in a bend front bumper at Niklas´ kart. Time penalties for damaged bumpers are given generally as a rule as stated in the new regulations, but the causes are never analysed. Therefore, it is accepted, that every so often it can get the wrong person. Due to the penalty, the young German was not able to take his chance to achieve a good result in the Final race.
“It is very frustrating to be stopped because of such a stupid move by someone else. But rules are rules, but they would not be half as bad, if some of the drivers would not completely overreact at the start”, said Niklas on Sunday evening. “The conditions were extremely difficult this weekend. In comparison to my last rain weekend in Adria, I was able to continuously improve my performance. That gives me confidence for the next races.”