KZ: A surge in form at the crucial moment

In KZ, the Sodikart Racing Team put in their best performance in the decisive race, turning things around after Qualifying and heats that fell short of expectations. Starting from 8th place, Maksim Orlov crossed the line in 7th position at the end of a Final run at one of the fastest paces on the grid: his fastest lap, 50.852 seconds, was the 3rd-fastest time of the race.

Senna Van Walstijn staged one of the day's finest comebacks. Starting 23rd, he climbed up to 11th place, clocking the 2nd-fastest lap of the Final (50.824 seconds); a significant top speed, a sign that the machinery is back to its best. Jean Nomblot also made up a significant portion of the ground he had lost, moving up from 22nd to 10th place. It was a shame, however, for Matteo Spirgel: after making a strong start by setting the 2nd-fastest time in Qualifying, just 16 thousandths of a second off pole position, the course of his Final unfortunately prevented him from realising that potential.

KZ2: CPB Sport takes the lead in the championship

Facing a particularly strong field of 79 entrants, CPB Sport had a standout weekend with its Sodi chassis. Matheus Morgatto took a podium finish, securing 2nd place in the Final just 0.540 seconds behind the winner after 23 laps of intense fighting, along with the 2nd-fastest lap time (51.102 seconds). Earlier in the day, the Brazilian had already won Super Heat A.

Consistent throughout the meeting, Jayden Thien finished 9th after placing 2nd in his Super Heat, whilst Dion Van Werven rounded off the top 10 (10th). Marek Skrivan, held back in Qualifying despite excellent performance all week, staged a solid comeback from 27th to 14th place. With six drivers qualifying for the Final, Paul Bizalion's team has confirmed its status and remains firmly in contention to retain the title won in 2025.

CPB Sport leading the way in KZ2

"We started the weekend a notch below our usual standard, on a track that has seen very little use this year and offered unusual grip," admits Paul Bizalion, team principal of CPB Sport. "But our drivers showed great character, and the technical team was able to draw on its resources to optimise the set-up and restore the kart's competitiveness in time for the Finals. Placing three drivers in the top 10, qualifying six and taking the lead in the team championship is a fine reward given the initial difficulties. We're heading to Sarno feeling very motivated, where the titles will be decided."

Analysis from Sodikart

"We're disappointed, of course, because we expected the whole team to be further up the field," says Jean-Philippe Guignet, competition director for the Sodikart group. "The fuel supplied this year made our job more difficult, particularly for our two engine suppliers, Cédric Sport and Sani Competition put in a huge amount of research effort to adapt. Track conditions also changed significantly throughout the week. But nobody gave up: the team kept working and we regained our performance in the Final stages. That's encouraging for the next round in Italy."

A nod to history: back in Genk after a few years' absence, the team noted that the track's all-time record, set by Émilien Denner in a Sodikart in 2022, still stands.

A promising outlook for Sarno

All in all, this trip to Belgium leaves a mixed impression but one rich in promise. Whilst Qualifying did not meet expectations, the improvement seen during the Super Heats and then the Finals, evidenced by the podium in KZ2, the lead in the team standings and the pace regained in KZ confirms the responsiveness of the brand and the technical teams. The work accomplished under pressure remains the best possible indicator ahead of the conclusion of the FIA Karting European Championship in Italy, where all ambitions remain intact.

About SodiKart

Founded in 1981 by a kart racing enthusiast, Gildas Mérian, Sodikart began producing its own racing and leisure karts in 1991. In 1993, Sodi chassis won their first World Championship title, both for drivers and manufacturers. In 1998, the establishment of the largest and most modern kart factory in Couëron, France, covering more than 10,000 m², enabled Sodikart to rapidly become the world's leading manufacturer.

Present on five continents and in more than 100 countries, Sodikart is a major player in the karting market thanks to its constant drive to innovate. The French company offers a unique range of products and services through its range of SODI Racing karts and SODI Rental karts, its ITAKAshop distance sales and specialised shops, the organisation of races and events by 3MK Events, as well as its choice of Tekneex accessories and Box's equipment.

The Sodi Racing Team lines up the official Sodikart drivers at the start of the biggest international competitions.