The Challenge Minarelli 2026 champions have been crowned, marking the end of an exhilarating season. This year, the event took place at the Laval circuit, where new talents emerged alongside familiar faces. The series featured categories powered by Vortex and Rotax engines, showcasing some of the best karting skills in the country. Notably, Théau Kéryjaouen and his team Kart Access triumphed in the KFS 150 category, while Alexis Gonce and QFRK celebrated victory in KFS 165. Their wins came just a week after their success at the 6 Heures de l’Ouest, part of the French Endurance Championship.
Highlights from KFS 150
In the KFS 150 category, Théau Kéryjaouen dominated the Super heat and maintained his lead throughout the final race. Clément Saussereau emerged as a standout performer, securing pole position and finishing second. Young talents like Timothé Seranzi made their mark by achieving their first podium finishes. Nathan Nagy-Raballand, who led earlier, finished in sixth place. Despite a challenging race, Ludovic Juret managed to secure his spot on the championship podium.
Théau Kéryjaouen expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I came here knowing Romain Etienne was already the champion, so my goal was to enjoy the race and secure second place overall. Winning twice in a row feels fantastic!” Romain Etienne, the champion, reflected on his race, acknowledging that despite finishing seventh, the title was a significant achievement.
Excitement in KFS 165
Kyllian Bullier showcased one of his best performances, claiming pole position and winning the first heat. He battled fiercely in a close group of four drivers during the final. Alexis Gonce and Benjamin Martin’s experience shone through as they secured the top two spots. Gildas Quinquet finished fourth, which earned him third place in the overall standings. Romain Desgardin celebrated his fourth title, a remarkable achievement in the series.
Alexis Gonce shared his thoughts, saying, “It had been a while since I won in sprint racing. We aimed for a strategic approach during the final, and it paid off. Racing in KFS is always competitive and enjoyable.” Romain Desgardin highlighted the unique challenges he faced throughout his four title wins.
Notable Performances in KFS 135
Noé Perez needed a strong finish to clinch the KFS 135 title against Tyméo Vuillemin, who had won the first two races. Perez managed to secure the championship by only losing the first heat by a narrow margin. The bonus points from pole position and heats were crucial in his title win. Behind the leading duo, the battle for third was intense, with Randy Lorin showcasing impressive speed.
Noé Perez commented, “I worked hard with my team to elevate my performance. Now that I’m qualified for the Rok Cup Superfinal, we’re preparing to gain experience in a major event.” His determination and teamwork were key factors in his success.
Rotax Max Senior and Master Results
In the Rotax Max Senior category, local driver Henri Morineau claimed victory at his home track. He narrowly edged out Artur Plasek, who was determined to defend his title. Plasek’s consistent performance throughout the season secured him the championship. Lucas Blériot also made a strong impression by recording the fastest lap in the final.
Henri Morineau expressed his excitement, stating, “This was my first participation in the Challenge Minarelli, and I won my first race! I felt confident and raced without pressure.” Artur Plasek acknowledged his progress this season, highlighting his strong qualifying results.
DD2, Master, and Gentleman Categories
- Maxime Gravouille won in DD2, securing the title against Louis Terroitin.
- Alexandre Gravouille also triumphed in DD2 Master, finishing ahead of François Guichard.
- François Le Floch dominated the season, winning all four races and the title.
- Kévin Pasteur celebrated his fourth consecutive title in DD2 Master.
- François Le Floch, at 57, continues to compete fiercely with younger drivers.
- Laurent Flamant showcased his skills, participating in various categories.
Maxime Gravouille shared his passion for DD2 racing, stating, “I’ve been racing in DD2 since 2011, and it keeps me motivated. Winning this weekend was challenging but rewarding!” Alexandre Gravouille emphasized the value of competing against top drivers across all categories.
Looking Ahead to Future Competitions
The 2026 season of the Challenge Minarelli has concluded, but the excitement continues with upcoming events. The focus now shifts to the French Championship and the Coupe de France d’Endurance. The next major event is scheduled for November 7 in Anneville, where champions will be crowned.
As the karting community reflects on the season, the achievements of both new and seasoned drivers will inspire future competitors. Notably, the Cascadia kart racing series is also gaining attention, showcasing the growing popularity of the sport. The spirit of competition remains strong, and many look forward to the challenges ahead.