Xavier Lázaro participated last weekend in the 3rd stage of the WSK Super Master Series. The event, which took place at the International Karting Circuit of La Conca, marked the second appearance of the Portuguese driver in the competition held on Italian soil.
Initially, the visit to the Muro Leccese track was not included in the projected schedule for Xavier Lázaro's sports project in 2022. However, it was later integrated as preparation for the WSK Super Cup by Mini, scheduled for September, in which the young driver from Várzea de Sintra will participate. "The Super Cup by Mini is a unique event that was early on defined to be part of Xavier's competitive plans for this year", confessed the father of the driver, Vasco Lázaro, who went on to say, "That is a race that takes place in September, at a time when Xavier's on-track dynamics will be much more consistent. So, we thought it made sense to come to this Super Master Series race because the La Conca track is very particular, and this way, we are completing a stage to prepare for an event that is one of the most important of the year on the calendar"
Track Evolution and Good Sensations
On a challenging track, one of the most selective on the WSK competition calendar, Xavier Lázaro progressed in the various free practice sessions, showing a gradual improvement behind the wheel of the Mini category DR kart. Comfortable on the track, the Portuguese driver felt increasingly confident, while also giving good indications of what could be a very positive weekend.
"Xavier is adapting well to the track", said Vasco Lázaro. "The track is interesting, and he easily absorbed the racing lines, becoming increasingly comfortable driving in a group, which is crucial here."
The Arrival of Heavy Rain Turns Things Negative
With rain heavily present in Muro Leccese during the first two days of the event, Xavier Lázaro paid the high price of his inexperience. The eight-year-old driver struggled immensely to deal with a very slippery track, which became increasingly challenging as it accumulated mud and debris on asphalt that reacts poorly to bad weather. Facing many difficulties in trying to be consistent, Xavier Lázaro had a challenging timed practice session, managing no better than the 21st time in his group. In the overall time combination, this placed him in the 64th position out of the 67 drivers present in the Mini category.
In the first Qualifying Heat, held on Friday afternoon, Xavier Lázaro showed determination to overcome the difficulties, securing the 16th position in a race where he gained six positions since the start.
Saturday was extremely difficult. The rain decidedly set in with force, bringing tremendous difficulties to all participants, especially the less experienced ones. In the four races held, Xavier Lázaro struggled greatly with the kart on the track, rarely coming out on top. The positions at the bottom of the table (22nd, 21st, 22nd, 19th) did not bring him great prospects for his first participation in a WSK Pre-Final, with the DR driver starting from the back of the grid for the Sunday morning race.
The Sun Brought Brightness and Motivation
Sunday arrived with sunshine and no rain, bringing another motivation for Xavier Lázaro's first appearance in a Pre-Final of a WSK calendar event. Although improved in terms of weather conditions, the La Conca track was dirty and lacked rubber, which would pose some challenges for the drivers.
In the Pre-Final, uninhibited and very focused, Xavier Lázaro had the best performance of the weekend, racing with determination and the willingness to climb positions. The Várzea driver started from the 33rd and last position and in an intense race, gained six places, finishing in 27th. Although unable to make it to the Final, the Portuguese driver was satisfied with his performance.
"This was my best race of the weekend", Xavier Lázaro said. "The track was dirty, without rubber and slippery, but I adapted well and achieved the best possible result. I am learning, and it was my first time here. I'm only eight years old, and most of those here are much older with regular presence in these competitions. I leave here stronger, and that is the most important thing".
Photos: Sportinphoto Kart Photo-Agency
