The FFSA Karting meeting held in Auvergne last weekend was a remarkable showcase of talent and competition. Over 240 participants attended, making it one of the most significant gatherings in the karting calendar. Notable drivers such as Noémie Pradier in the Women’s category, Gabin Leuillet in KZ2, Nicolas Picot in KZ2 Master, and Ludovic Badey in KZ2 Gentleman all made their mark, adding their names to the prestigious list of winners in the FFSA Karting French Championships.
Favorable Weather and New Facilities
Weather conditions were mostly favorable, with only a brief rain shower interrupting the action on Saturday afternoon. The newly renovated Circuit International Jean Brun, featuring updated asphalt and facilities, was officially inaugurated. Pierre Ragues, the President of the FFSA, and local officials attended to support the project. Their goal is to attract more international events in the future, leveraging a strong community around karting.
Many league presidents came to support their drivers, highlighting the competitive spirit present throughout the weekend. The races were intense, with battles that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last lap.
Noémie Pradier Claims the Women’s Championship
This year, a record 36 female drivers participated, showcasing the growing interest in women’s karting. Equipped with either Iame or Rotax engines, these competitors fought fiercely for victory. Luna Cléret (Redspeed/Iame) was a standout, starting from pole position and leading throughout the qualifying heats. Unfortunately, she had to retire in the final due to a mechanical issue, which was a disappointing turn of events after facing starter problems last year.
The final race saw a fierce duel between Charline Cordier (Alonso Kart/Iame) and Mathilde Habrant (Alonso Kart/Iame). The battle was fierce until the final lap, where an incident took Cordier out of contention. Habrant crossed the finish line first but was penalized for causing the collision, leading to Noémie Pradier being declared the winner and the new French Champion. Adeline Prudent and Lydie Valichon rounded out the podium.
Gabin Leuillet Wins KZ2 Championship
The KZ2 Championship featured 87 participants, leading to highly competitive races. Téo Blin (Birelart/TM) secured pole position and dominated the heats with four wins. In the final, a twist of fate saw Arthur Lehouck (KR/TM) unable to start, allowing Gabin Leuillet to capitalize on the situation. After a fierce battle with Broggio, Leuillet seized the lead in the final moments, claiming the title just before his 27th birthday.
Broggio finished second, while Blin took third place. The overall performance from this category indicates strong potential for the upcoming FIA Karting KZ2 World Cup in Le Mans this September.
Nicolas Picot Triumphs in KZ2 Master
The KZ2 Master category, featuring drivers aged 33 and older, was equally competitive. Nicolas Picot (Sodi/TM) secured pole position by a narrow margin. The qualifying heats saw Picot and Paul David (Sodi/TM) share victories. In the final, Picot took the lead by the tenth lap and maintained his position, finishing ahead of David by six-tenths of a second.
Bondier was forced to retire late in the race, allowing Picot to secure the championship title once again, six years after his last win in KZ2 Long Circuit.
Ludovic Badey Victorious in KZ2 Gentleman
In the KZ2 Gentleman category, Ludovic Badey (Birelart/TM) faced tough competition. After securing pole position, he led through the qualifying heats. The final was marked by a dramatic duel between Badey and Jean-François Kussmaul (CRG/TM). Although Kussmaul briefly took the lead, Badey fought back to reclaim his position and crossed the finish line first, only to be disqualified for a technical infringement.
As a result, Brice De Gaye (CRG/TM) moved up to second place, with Jean-Baptiste Meusnier (Birelart/TM) finishing third.
Mike Meynard Wins Junior Karting
In the Junior Karting category, Maxime Noeppel started from pole position, but it was Nino Moulin who led the heats. The pre-final was won by Moulin, setting the stage for a thrilling final. Mike Meynard made a significant comeback from seventh to third place, applying pressure on the leaders. He eventually took the lead in the penultimate lap and won decisively, followed by Lamarche and Moulin.
The top five in the Junior Karting Championship after the Varennes-sur-Allier round are as follows:
- Nino Moulin – 130 points
- Mike Meynard – 109 points
- Saad Deresnes – 91 points
- Charles Ural – 87 points
- Bruno Matrullo – 82 points
The upcoming FFSA Karting event will take place in Anneville from July 31 to August 2, 2026. This will include the National Championship, Senior Championship, Master and Gentleman categories, as well as the 2T Leisure Karting Cup.
For those looking for travel support for karting competitors, resources are available to assist in planning your journey to the next event.