Reigning KFJ European champions Forza Racing returned to the WSK Euro Series podium with a superb 2nd place for Robert Shwartzman at Sarno (21 April).
Over 70 drivers had entered for the series penultimate round, and from the outset the young Russian was among the pace-setters.
In timed qualifying, Robert automatically made the cut for the Super Pole session and enjoyed a strong run in the heats with ever-improving results, taking 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st respectively. His reward was p3 on the starting grid for the first pre-final. Due to the large field, two races were required in order to determine the starting positions for the single, main final.
Shwartzman confidently won by half a second and set the races fastest lap, handing him pole position for the final.
At the start he dropped to 4th, explained Forza team boss, Jamie Croxford. However, Robert held his nerve and stormed back to 2nd. He threw everything hed got at the race leader and I believe that if there had there been one more lap, he wouldve won. Robert simply ran out of corners but it was still a fantastic result for him.
Jamie added: Hes come a long way and really matured. Robert put on a great show at Sarno and hes flicked a switch in his mind. He should now be consistently performing at this level. He was 2nd in Super Pole during the 2nd round of the WSK Masters series, so we know he has the necessary speed within him and the equipment (Tony Kart EVK chassis with GFR-tuned TM engine) is certainly good enough. This result has been coming since then, and thankfully all our hard work has paid off.
Keen to highlight the vital contribution of his colleagues and team partners, Croxford said: Big thanks to Gordy (Gordon Finlayson of GFR Engines) and Roberts mechanic Shane McFadden, it was a great all round effort.
Forzas 60 Mini driver, Ronan Graves, experienced contrasting fortunes which Jamie described as seriously tough. After a difficult time in qualifying, Ronan was on the backfoot for the rest of the meeting. It was a good first experience for him and he learned a great deal, said Croxford.
KF driver Igor Walilko marked his second meeting with Forza with an encouraging 15th place in the main final. His progress to that point had not been smooth but the Polish youngster automatically qualified for the pre-final, albeit at the tail of the grid. He picked his way forward to cross the line in 24th place and again delivered a strong drive in the second final to claim 15th.
He got as high as 12th and we began to think that a top ten finish might be on the cards, but it wasnt to be, Croxford shrugged. However, Igor showed hes a fighter and that hes got tons of potential. Were looking forward to the next round of the WSK Masters championship at Lignano Sabbiadoro (4/5 May).
For more information and to discuss a race seat with the team or arrange a test day, compete in a club meeting or have a day of one-to-one driver coaching, please contact Jamie on +44 7921 393 940.
