Xavier Lázaro competed in the fourth round of the ACI Italian Karting Championship this weekend. At the Circuito Internazionale Napoli in Sarno, a track that the Portuguese driver is already familiar with, it was possible to confirm the excellent competitiveness that Xavier Lázaro had already demonstrated on other occasions, notably in the previous round held in Val Vibrata, where he secured the second position in Race 1.
Eager to return to competition after nearly a month of holidays and motivated by recent performances, Xavier Lázaro arrived at the track near Naples with high spirits. Taking advantage of this positive phase and a well-tuned DR, the driver from Várzea de Sintra showed strength against the competition in the free practice sessions and confirmed his good form by being the second fastest in his group during Qualifying, just 23 milliseconds behind the fastest. This result corresponded to the fourth-best overall time in the Mini Sub-10 category. Xavier Lázaro's best lap was completed in 1m02.745, falling just 73 milliseconds short of the pole position.
Heat Rounds Free From Errors
For the first of the two heats that could determine participation in the two decisive races of each stage, DR decided to use the second engine in Xavier Lázaro's kart. With the second option in terms of the engine, the Portuguese driver couldn't achieve the desired performance in Heat 1, where he started from the third position and finished in sixth place. Switching back to the main engine for Heat 2, Xavier Lázaro started again in third place, finishing in fourth position. The driver remained focused throughout the two heats, determined not to make mistakes and avoid accidents, aiming to secure the best possible position for the two races on Sunday.
The Podium So Close
Today, Xavier Lázaro was very focused on his goal of trying to repeat the podium presence he enjoyed so much in Val Vibrata. Starting Race 1 from the seventh position, the Portuguese driver quickly climbed to third place, part of a group of five drivers fiercely battling for the lead.
From the middle of the 10-lap race, it became clear that the top two were on another level of competitiveness, with Xavier Lázaro finding himself in a three-way battle for the final podium spot. The 10-year-old was in fifth place entering the last lap, but with a performance full of determination, he managed to climb to fourth place before receiving the checkered flag. The Portuguese driver displayed a high level of skill throughout the entire race, showcasing not only his speed but also improved consistency in managing race moments.
Bad Luck Conditions the Result in Race 2
In the final race of this stage, Xavier Lázaro started from the fifth position but ended up involved in a pile-up right at the first corner. In an incident that dashed the chances of a good result for several contenders for victory, including the Portuguese driver, he still managed to return to the race at the back of the pack. With no major damage to his DR, Xavier Lázaro was able to recover several positions, ultimately finishing in 19th place.
The Portuguese driver will compete in Italy again next weekend, participating in the first round of the WSK Euro Series at Franciacorta.
Photos: Sportinphoto Kart Photo-Agency
