Xavier Lázaro performed at the highest level this weekend at the first stage of the WSK Euro Series held at the Italian track of Franciacorta. In the Mini Sub-10 category behind the wheel of the official DR, the young Portuguese driver (who recently turned 10) demonstrated his progress in nearly a year of international competitions, showcasing a lot of talent and potential on the track.
In the first of two stages in one of the various competitions on the annual WSK Promotion calendar, Xavier Lázaro began to demonstrate his capabilities from the Qualifying session. He emerged with the 3rd best overall time among the 53 drivers from various countries present at Franciacorta. The Portuguese driver's time of 54.707 seconds, although quite fast, was influenced by a slower driver ahead of him.
In the three heats that determine a potential presence in the Pre-Final, the DR driver consistently performed among the top competitors. He started by finishing fourth in the first heat, spending several laps in second place. In the second heat, Xavier Lázaro led from the second to the penultimate lap but was eventually surprised before the finish line, finishing in 4th place. In the final heat, Xavier Lázaro crossed the finish line in first place but received a five-second penalty for making contact with David Moscardi when the latter performed a 'brake check' in front of him. DR contested the penalty imposed on the Portuguese driver, but the organizers claimed they couldn't measure the braking of the Birel's Italian driver.
A Lot of Maturity in the Pre-Final
Xavier Lázaro started the Pre-Final A in fifth position. The driver from Várzea de Sintra was aware of the importance of a good result in this race, crucial for starting in the front rows of the Final. With a good start, Lázaro quickly positioned himself in the top five, and in the early laps of the race, he even climbed to fourth place. Two laps before the end, he took over the third position and held onto it. Competitive, with a good understanding of the race, and displaying maturity, the young DR driver secured a place in the top seven for the Final.
His Best Result To Date in the WSK
Right at the start of the Mini Sub-10 Final, Xavier Lázaro jumped to the third position, closely following Daniel Miron (KR) and David Moscardi (Birel). However, on the third lap, the Portuguese driver was overtaken by Niccolo’ Perico (Energy Corse), who shortly after went off the track in front of him. To avoid the Italian, the DR young driver had to slightly go off the track, dirtying the tires before momentarily losing concentration and dropping to 10th place. Not backing down from the fight, Xavier Lázaro regained focus and had a remarkable final stretch, finishing the race in sixth place. With this performance, the Portuguese driver not only showed that he will be a force to be reckoned with for the rest of the season but also secured the sixth position in the WSK Euro Series standings.
"I am very pleased with Xavier's performance throughout the weekend.", said his father, Vasco Lázaro. "His entire progress, especially in races and in the most tense moments, was evident this weekend. Xavier was competitive, did not falter, and knew how to manage the various intense moments he experienced in the races this weekend very well. It's very challenging to compete here, but at 10 years old, Xavier is growing on the track. We are increasingly motivated"..
Xavier Lázaro will now take a few weeks of rest before returning to Italy on September 22nd to compete in the 5th and final stage of the ACI Italian Karting Championship, once again at Franciacorta.
Photos: Sportinphoto Kart Photo-Agency
