Coming from a passionate family, Emil Antonsen – 20 years old – was crowned KZ2 European Champion this year, the first Norwegian to obtain such a distinction in karting. It was a very emotional moment for him!
«I was used to competing in Norway without necessarily having the best equipment: this is good training! The most important result of my career was my second place in the KZ2 World Cup in 2012 at Sarno no doubt. I realized then that I could compete with bigger rivals and it gave me a new confidence. I participated in more international races in 2013. As I didn’t know all the circuits, I prepared myself by watching videos from on-board cameras.
«With more experience, I was confident at Genk for the final round of the European Championship, 4th in the provisional standings. I knew I could maybe fight for the podium. The meeting went perfectly. I took pole position and won three qualifying heats. I secured 3rd place in my prefinal and kept four new tyres for the final. I had to finish ahead of Johansson to win the title. When Tiene passed me, I followed and it helped me a lot. I could enjoy my success during the race after passing Johansson, which was an indescribable feeling! Emotion overwhelmed me then on the podium …
«It’s really great to be European Champion. I was also awarded the Driver of the Year title in Norway, which was given to Peter Sollberg in 2003. I’ll race in KZ next year, still with Danilo Rossi. My driving style helps me preserve my tyres, which will be an advantage with the softer tyres. Then I will definitely consider going to cars and aim for the highest level … «
