Excellent World Cup podium for Christo in Japan
31st May 2006
The UK’s fastest Kart racer, Riki Christodoulou, wiped out his recent British Championship disappointment by taking an impressive 3rd position in the CIKFIA World Cup at the Suzuka circuit in Japan last weekend.
The 17 year old from Sutton Coldfield left for the long flight to Asia under a cloud after a broken chain and a cancelled second final due to a heavy downpour meant zero points at the PF International course and the third round of the 2006 Formula A Renault Elf B4 Super 1 British Championship.
The Team Genikart driver had been leading the series after a strong double win at Three Sisters but has now slipped to tenth in the provisional standings. Determined to banish some of his frustration ‘Christo’ headed to the Suzuka motorsport complex looking for turnaround in fortune.
After ending Timed Practice in 9th position he was then 4th in the second heat after further engine trouble had put paid to his first race efforts. In wet conditions once again the former Junior British Champion produced one of the best drives of the weekend as he started from 27th in the Pre-Final and fought his way up to a decent 4th.
He had to work hard once more in the main event itself as he was barged wide on the first lap and recovered from 8th place to carve his way into 3rd twenty-three circulations later and a well-earned podium ahead of the world’s fastest drivers. Christo was also the top Brit in the event that saw some nine different nationalities represented by 34 karters.
“Japan means a long trip but we were happy with the podium and it was definitely worthwhile going,” he said. “The Japanese fans are so passionate and dedicated to their motorsports and it is refreshing to be in that environment. Considering the bad weather again it was a good result and I’m sure it could have been a little bit better if it had been dry. Still, it was nice to come away and forget about PF. I am more motivated now to really attack the British Championship next time out.”
The fourth round of the British series will take place on June 17th/18th at the Larkhall circuit.
About Riki Christo
Riki Christodoulou has been racing as long as he can remember. In karts, Formula Renault and the British Formula 3 International series. Riki continues to compete in top flight motorsport as one of the UK’s most promising young racing car drivers.
Great Britain
