The Sodi chassis of the new 2022 CIK-FIA homologation clearly showed its effectiveness in Portimao, on this 1530 metre track that combines all the difficulties that a karting circuit can have. Although Nathan Tye continues to show that he is one of the most prominent drivers in the Junior category, his team-mate from the Sodi Racing Team also fought at the front. First of all Andy Consani put in a remarkable performance in Timed Practice, taking 4th. Then, in the Qualifying Heats, Tye pulled out all the stops...

A solid technical package

4th on the starting grid in all his heats, the Briton made a good start with a 2nd place in the first, before winning the four others, with a fastest lap in the process! For his part, Frenchman Andy Consani finished in the top five four times. The Sodi Racing Team drivers again proved their speed in the Super Heats, with Tye setting another fastest lap in the race, but they both had a rough start in the Final.

"Nathan got stuck on the outside at the start and was only 9th on the first lap," said Mansel Smith, Sodi Racing Team Manager, with regret. "Fortunately, our driver is a fighter and he quickly went back to the front. When he found himself in 2nd position, the leader unfortunately had a substantial lead, which was difficult to make up. However, in the closing laps of the Final, he took almost 5 tenths from him. I honestly think that victory was within our grasp in this opening race of the Euro Series. This second step of the podium is very satisfying in this very competitive context. GFR, our engine partner, has done another great job on our TM Racing engines, as have our technical staff."

As for Andy Consani, he learned again in the pack and kept a steady pace in Portugal. He was heckled on the first lap and relegated to 16th, but crossed the finish line of the Final in 14th position in a compact field.

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.