Bertuca dominates in treacherous conditions

In Qualifying, which took place shortly after a downpour, Cristian Bertuca set the 4th fastest time before moving up to 2nd place after the heats, thanks to two 3rd places and a win. During the Prefinals, a shower fell while the drivers were already on the grid. In the Final, all the competitors had chosen slick tyres, but the rain came down again during the race. Confident in his equipment and his driving, Bertuca fought hard for victory and crossed the finish line with an impressive lead of ten seconds over his pursuers, enabling him to climb to second place overall.

Daniel Vasile had qualified in 3rd place, just ahead of Bertuca. A retirement in one of the heats complicated his route, despite a fine 2nd place in the last heat. He managed to cope with the difficult conditions in the Prefinal before gaining a further four places in the Final, giving him 3rd place on the podium.

Zoe Florescu Potolea put in a fine performance to finish 3rd in the Prefinal thanks to a judicious choice of tyres. CL Racing driver Jenson Graham continued to make progress in his first year in KZ2, finishing 11th in the Final after gaining four positions.

First podium with Birelart for Rea

In the Mini category, Achille Rea started his weekend by setting the second fastest time in his group in Qualifying. He then finished 2nd in a heat and 4th in the Prefinal. In the Final, contested in such wet conditions that it started under the yellow flag, Rea led the race for a long time before relinquishing the lead on the final lap and finishing 2nd, just three tenths behind the winner.

Reaction from Riccardo Longhi, team manager

"What Cristian achieved in the Final was exceptional. Managing to keep the kart on the track with slicks was already an achievement, but to overtake in these conditions proves that he has the makings of a champion. Daniel also showed his talent by bouncing back from his setbacks to claim a podium finish. As for the young drivers, Zoe and Jenson, they showed great mastery in the face of a particularly complicated situation. As far as the Mini class is concerned, Achille Rea showed us all his potential, as well as his composure and skill on the track. We can't wait to see what he has in store for us in the future, as we're very confident in the development of our equipment."

Birelart Racing's next race will be the first round of the Champions of the Future Euro Series, which takes place from March 26th-29th in Campillos, Spain, for the OK and OK-Junior categories.

About Birelart

Birelart is an Italian manufacturer of kart chassis that combines long experience and a keen sense of innovation with a boundless passion for motor sport.

Founded in 1959 by Umberto Sala, whose precise nickname was Birel, the company has played a pioneering role in the development of karting around the world since its very beginnings. The demand for quality has always been part of the DNA of the Lissone-based brand through its quest for success in competition. Over more than 60 years, Birelart has won 26 world titles, countless European titles and numerous national championships.

Birel has accompanied the careers of many great racing drivers, including Riccardo Patrese, Keke Rosberg, Stefano Modena and Emanuele Pirro, as well as the more recent Formula 1 stars Mika Hakkinen and Juan Pablo Montoya, Robert Kubica, Jenson Button and George Russell. Robert Kubica, Daniel Ricciardo and more recently Charles Leclerc have called on Birelart's expertise to launch their own chassis ranges.

Three generations have succeeded one another at the helm of Birel. Today, Ronni Sala, the founder's grandson, presides over Birel's destiny. In 2014, he ushered in a new era by joining forces with ART Grand Prix, a famous team on the single-seater scene, thanks to its association with Nicolas Todt and his partners. Birelart was born.

Ronni has contributed to the creation of an ambitious new project that will be at the forefront of the karting industry, thanks to original sporting, marketing and communication initiatives that will benefit the brand, the dealer network and, of course, Birelart's customers.

Birelart has built on its prestigious heritage to enter the 21st century and make full use of technology in terms of R&D, production, logistics and communication. Its area of expertise, based on high-level competition, has been extended to include production quality control for a large number of competitors around the world, as well as the leisure sector with its Rental range with both internal combustion and electric engines. The factory at its original site in Lissone, near Monza and within easy reach of Milan, has undergone constant modernisation.

Birelart's high level of expertise, with its well-balanced blend of tradition and innovation, is reflected in the results it has achieved in racing, offering fans around the world the opportunity to become real drivers or to have fun and experience the thrill of adrenaline on the track.