29/07/07 LYON CHAMPIONNAT DE FRANCE GRAND PRIX KARTING

The Sodi chassis swept the board in both the KF1 and KF2 classes during the final round of the FFSA Karting Grand Prix series which took place in Lyon last July 27-28 in a meeting which saw Anthony Abbasse crowned Champion of France in the top category and Loïc Reguillon winning the vice-champion's medal in KF2. With Abbasse and Alfano both on the KF1 podium and no less than four Sodi chasses in the top five in KF2, the French maker once again demonstrated the superiority of its products.

Not only were there more Sodi karts present in Lyon over the weekend than any other make, but they also had more top placings than the others, with a total of eight top-three spots in the finals, all categories considered. Despite temperatures that soared into the 30s (centigrade of course) and a freshly resurfaced track, the Sodi chassis was competitive all weekend, from timed practice through to the final chequered flags. The Sodi SR5 is appreciated both for it's excellent performance and ease of set up, by works drivers and private entrants alike. In KF1, Anthony Abbasse dominated the field with ease. After winning two heats, he drove a perfect race in the prefinal, taking the flag with a clear four-second lead over the others. It was the same story in the final, in which he underscored his domination by clocking the fastest lap. The French champion's crown was awaiting him at the end of the race. “This is my 3rd consecutive title with Sodi after my two ICA titles. Winning in my first season at the top level is fantastic! Once again I have my faithful Sodi chassis to thank, and the superb Parilla engines that we have decided to use from now on. It's a thrill working and winning together!” Florian Alfano, with two third places in two races, sealed a triumphant day for Sodi in the KF1 category.

Sodi's dazzling display
In KF2 all the fireworks were provided by Sodi. Poleman Loïc Reguillon had a stunning weekend and never put a foot wrong in the final race. Just two weeks after taking a superb 5th spot in the European qualifiers, the Braun Racing team driver swept to a double victory that won him the French vice-champion's medal. “The kart went like a dream”, said Loïc. “I got off to a flying start each time and it wasn't difficult to ramp up the pace with each lap”. Other Sodi drivers who put in notable performances included Kevin Bole Besançon (team Eurokarting), Benjamin Da Silva and Norman Nato. Thanks to them, Sodi placed four machines in the top five in the Lyon finals. Almost a clean sweep ! Paul Fourquemin, the fifth-placed man in the 2007 France Junior (KF3) category, finished the FFSA Grand Prix series at the wheel of a Sodi, driving for the PSM team, while Cédric Goudant secured eighth place in the 125/KZ2 championship after yet another top-10 place. After being the third fastest man of his group in the time trials, he came successively 3rd, 5th and 4th in the qualifying heats. He was one of the prime movers in the chasing pack, in which his famous Sodikart SR5 BV was much in view.