Xavier Lázaro raced in the 2nd and final stage of the WSK Final Cup this weekend. In the Mini category, the Portuguese driver consistently performed at a high level, coming very close to earning a well-deserved spot in the Final for the first time. In Lonato, a track that the Portuguese driver is starting to become familiar with, it was evident how significant his progress has been in a year that marked a radical change in his still young karting career.
Strong Performance Started Right from the Practices
In what was his final stage of an extensive WSK event calendar, Xavier Lázaro arrived in Lonato highly motivated to compete in the conclusion of the Final Cup. From the beginning, the Várzea de Sintra driver was competitive and posted good times in both free practice sessions and qualifying. Competing against 124 confirmed drivers in the Mini category, Xavier managed to be the fifth fastest on the track in his series during qualifying, with a lap time of 52.929 seconds, leaving him just 0.358s behind the best time. In the overall standings of the category, Xavier Lázaro ranked 18th out of the 124 participants, among whom were the best Mini drivers, and he is one of the youngest and least experienced in this category. His performance is certainly one of the best in the WSK Promotion for the Mini category ever achieved by a Portuguese driver.
Inexperience and Engine Issues Were Decisive
After securing a starting position from fifth place for all six heats aiming for a spot in the Pre-Final and Final of the Mini category, Xavier Lázaro had to face something new in his appearances in Italy: the fact that, for the first time, he was racing among the more experienced and renowned drivers.
Initially, the nine-year-old took on the challenge and was competitive on both the first and second days. However, he struggled at times to conceal his inexperience at a higher level of demand. He found himself inexperienced in some position battles, although he maintained consistency to avoid damaging his kart and thus preventing penalties. On the first day, he finished the heats in 10th, 32nd, and 11th places, respectively. The result in the second heat was particularly punishing, dropping the Portuguese driver outside the top 30. An issue with the DR engine caused Xavier Lázaro to lack power early in the race, making him about two seconds per lap slower than his competitors. As a result, Lázaro slipped down the rankings, simultaneously accumulating a score that was too detrimental for securing a favorable position in the Pre-Final.
On the second day of heats, the DR driver was consistent and made no mistakes. Primarily focused on avoiding collisions, Xavier Lázaro secured 11th, 13th, and 15th positions, earning him a spot in Pre-Final B, although starting from the back rows in the 26th position.
Embora as possibilidades de Xavier Lázaro pela primeira vez se qualificar para uma Final no WSK fossem ténues, o piloto da DR foi à luta e fez na Pré Final talvez a sua melhor corrida este ano em Itália. Em teoria, uma classificação dentro dos 18 primeiros na Pré Final daria um lugar nos 36 que correm a corrida em que todos querem participar. No entanto, a pontuação agravada do piloto fruto da 2ª Eliminatória de 6ª feira (32º), obrigava a um resultado ainda mais ambicioso. Mesmo assim, Xavier Lázaro subiu até 19º, a competir com os que mais se destacaram no fim de semana na categoria. A sua prestação foi convincente até mesmo para Danilo Rossi, o ‘chefe de fila’ da DR, que muito agradado ficou com o desempenho do Xavier na Pré-Final.
At the conclusion of the weekend, Xavier Lázaro was both happy and sad, “Dei o meu melhor na Pré Final mas infelizmente o resultado não chegou para o que eu queria”, said the Portuguese driver from DR. “De qualquer modo o fim de semana foi bom e sinto-me cada vez mais confortável na exigência destas competições.”
With the 2022 season in WSK Promotion concluded, Xavier Lázaro will still compete in Italy later this year. The Várzea de Sintra driver will be present in Sarno to participate in the 27th edition of the Ayrton Senna Trophy. The event is scheduled to take place from December 9 to 11.
Photos: Sportinphoto Kart Photo-Agency
