The Zuera International Circuit is steeped in history and is one of the most prestigious circuits in international karting. With a length of just under 1.7 kilometres, it is undoubtedly one of the fastest and most demanding circuits for drivers, karts, engines and tyres. For the upcoming European Championship race, lap averages of 105/106 km/h are expected, with peaks approaching 160 km/h as the drivers negotiate the first very fast corner.

As quoted in the official FIA Karting race presentation press release, “The Circuito Internacional Zuera is the longest of the season at 1,699m in the wide open spaces of the Aragon desert. Known for its speed, the Spanish track is also very technical. The width of the track increases the possibility of overtaking and the slipstream phenomenon is not to be neglected. All these attributes have been appreciated by the vast majority of international drivers since 2007. The last time KZ came here was in 2016 during a CIK-FIA European event. Finally, the climate in Zuera can produce strong winds and sudden weather changes with a tendency for storms. Both categories in Zuera will be equipped with LeCont ‘Prime’ tyres and 100% sustainable P1 Fuel will be used exclusively.”

With a total of 123 drivers entered (31 in KZ and 92 in KZ2), the race weekend will be very intense and, especially in the KZ2 category, the tyre management factor will certainly be decisive for the final result.

Divided into six groups (A, B, C, D, E and F), the KZ2 competitors will have to complete qualifying, 5 heats and the Super Heat with only 1.5 sets of slick tyres. Finding the best compromise between speed and tread wear will certainly be one of the main keys to qualifying for the final, where all 36 qualifiers will have a new set of tyres at their disposal.

The weather forecast seems to indicate dry conditions throughout the race weekend, with very little risk of rain, and temperatures that are spring-like but not too high, ranging from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, but much cooler in the morning, at 7 degrees Celsius. The wind, which can often be strong and annoying when it sweeps across the circuit, which is situated on a plateau, does not seem to want to be invited on this occasion, as the forecast is for it to blow at a low speed (4-8) in the N-NW direction.