The Slovak Karting Center track at Orechová Potôň in Slovakia is 1172m long and is comparable to Trinec. With few long straights, numerous tight bends and some of the lowest average speeds around, the Slovakia Ring undeniably recaptures the spirit of the old tracks used in the early days of karting. The performances recorded last weekend at the third round of the Champions of the Future Euro Series provide some interesting pointers. In the OK-Junior class, Iacopo Martinese (KR/Iame / Maxxis) was fastest in the Final with a time of 51'992, giving an average speed of 81.15 km/h. Jindrich Pesl (KR / Iame / Maxxis) put in the best OK performance in Qualifying with a time of 49''600 for an average speed of 84.45 km/h. By comparison, at Trinec last year with different tyres, the average top speed was 84.03 km/h in OK and 83.31 km/h in Junior. At the other end of the scale, at Sarno, one of today's fastest circuits, the highest average speed during the 2022 World Championship was 102.31 km/h in OK and 99.24 km/h in OK-Junior.

Finally, it is amusing to note that the Mini Gr.3s are on average faster at Sarno than the OKs in Slovakia, with 89 km/h last March compared with 84 km/h this weekend.

On such a track, which is far removed from modern standards, adaptation is an essential quality for drivers and teams alike. The organisation of the Champions of the Future Euro Series three weeks before the FIA Karting European Championship takes on its full value in these conditions. The drivers are able to get to grips with a very special terrain, while the teams record the data they need.

The races take place at a very fast pace, and even spectators watching the event from a distance thanks to live-streaming have the impression of breathlessness during the heats, such is the intensity. Although the relatively narrow track does not at first sight seem to encourage overtaking, it is frequent during the racing. Pole position is not necessarily a decisive criterion. Junior poleman William Calleja (Parolin / TM) finished 21st in the Final, while OK poleman Jindrich Pesl (KR / Iame) lost 17 places in the Final when he retired on the last lap. It has to be said that the numerous risks of collisions in the fight are a factor to be taken into account. 11 Juniors didn't make it to the finish of the Final, and 17 OKs were in the same situation. Penalties were imposed for unsportsmanlike behaviour, sometimes leading to disqualification.

Last but not least, this type of track can be the scene of some major comebacks. OK winner Joe Turney (KR / Iame) moved up 20 places since Timed Qualifying, Jimmy Hélias (KR / Iame) moved up 22 places to 5th, Fionn Maclaughlin (KR/Iame) moved up 41 places to 12th and Jakub Rajski (CRG / Iame) moved up 44 places to 16th. In OK-Junior, 3rd-placed Niklas Schaufler (KR/Iame) was up 38 places, 4th-placed Scott Marsh (Tony Kart / Vortex) up 32 and Iacopo Martinese (KR / Iame) 19th up 58 places.

The CIK-FIA's determination to add new circuits to its calendar every year is proving positive on several fronts, including the value of its Championships, not to mention that of highlighting countries and tracks that would otherwise remain in the shadows.

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