In his homeland, in Belgium, on the Mariembourg circuit, Jonathan Thonon conquered a title that means a lot to him: that of European KZ1 Champion. At the wheel of his CRG-Maxter, the Belgian pilot showed all his talent and dominated the race from the beginning to the very end, proving once again to be the fastest, just like in all the competitions he entered into.
For a few years now, Jonathan Thonon has been having a rather complex relationship with the Fagnes circuit at Mariembourg. Although Thonon likes racing on the circuit where he grew up and where he won many races in front of his public, he has also experienced a few sour disappointments there. In 2006 in particular, just when he thought he had won the World Cup in the top category of 125 gearbox karts, he was penalised for moving on the starting line.
But Jonathan is not someone who easily gives up. A year later, he raised the World Cup from the top step of the podium, near Naples (Italy). However, he wanted to take his revenge at Mariembourg and the European Championship final held on 28 and 29 June arrived at the right time for Jonathan.
"Thanks to the first and second places in a row that I obtained in the first two rounds of the Championship, I found myself in an excellent position to try and win the European title at Mariembourg, where I came more determined than ever to reach this objective I had planned with all my team", Jonathan commented.
A Perfect Race
Confident at the end of free practice, Jonathan Thonon obtained a first result during timed qualifying, although he was not at all satisfied. "I set the best time in my group, but we raced on a track was not as fast as that of the other group and I was only 8th in the timesheets".
That mishap did not prevent Jonathan from winning his two qualifying heats – despite a start from the third row – thanks to a series of extraordinary overtaking.
"At the start of the first final, I was in pole position but I did not want to take risks, because my main opponent for the title was very much behind me". Very calm and relaxed despite the stakes, he soon shifted into high gear.
He quickly took the lead of the race. Nobody reached him anymore ! He crossed the finishing line after setting the best lap and gaining almost three seconds of advantage: a really good way to win the race !
"The first final was like a dream. I was in a hurry to conquer again the top step of the podium at Mariembourg, and today my dream has come true. Now that the greater part of the work is done, we absolutely need to secure the title in the second final".
The CRG pilot reached this new objective brilliantly. Finishing side by side with his team mate and compatriot Rick Dreezen, the experienced Belgian pilot saw his persistence and his efforts rewarded by the crown of European Champion. After the Belgian anthem and the black-yellow-red flag flying in the sky, sessions of autographs followed suit for Jonathan, literally showered with success.
"I am also very happy I was able to contribute to the development of my equipment together with CRG and Maxter, and that I showed a high level of performance on this same Mariembourg circuit during the WSK (Winning Series Karting) round on 7 and 8 June. This is of good omen for the World Cup, which will be held in early September".
Jonathan Thonon’s comments
"I think I deserve this victory and this title and I would like to dedicate them to all the people who helped me. First of all my team, CRG-Maxter, Tec’Sav motor engine mechanic, my mechanic Omar Valbusa, my family and all my partners. It is an excellent collective success. I could not have reached it without them and I would like to thank them wholeheartedly.
Now, we must move along the same fruitful path and follow this successful direction, because there are many more races to win".
- KARTcom - also photo
