Foster-Jones - European Vice-Champion!
Robert takes second in Portugal

The long journey back from Cumbria to Essex was made all the more bearable as Robert cradled his 3rd-place trophy in his lap.

Robert Foster-Jones further underlined his burgeoning reputation with a superb performance in last weekend’s (2/3 August) European Kart Championships at Braga in Portugal.

17-year old Rob was competing in one of the international calendar’s most important races, and his success there means that he has also qualified for the World Cup at La Conca, in Puglia, Italy this September.

In Timed Qualifying he was 14th overall - just 4 tenths of a second off the pole position time. In the following heats, he took a win, two second places and a third to qualify second overall (out of 71 drivers) to line up alongside Flavio Camponeschi - for the first Final.

At the start, Camponeschi was slow off the line, allowing Rob to make an attempt for the lead. The young Italian responded with some firm, but fair, defensive driving to hold Robert at bay. From there, Camponeschi began to find his rhythm - and despite Robert tracking him throughout, their lap times were so similar that the Ricky Flynn Motorsport driver was unable to find the vital opening to launch a bid for the lead.

Speaking afterwards, he said, “It was a good race, but a bit boring. Nothing really happened.” When 100cc PR’s Adam asked him if he sat back to conserve his tyres for the day’s second final Robert responded with a laugh, adding; “I was trying pretty hard actually!”

Still, second place would again give him a front-row start for the main final, and the one that would decide who would be crowned European champion. Before the off, Robert explained that his mechanic Mickey ‘Moose’ Higham had given him the simplest advice – “Do your best. Go and have it.” He did just that.

At the start, he got the jump on Camponeschi and led the field into the first corner but, carrying too much speed into the bend he ran wide and off the racing line – just a touch but enough to see him lose momentum. The Tonykart Junior Racing Team pilot needed no greater invitation and was back through. As Rob sought to recover his line, two other drivers saw their chance and elbowed past. Now 4th, Rob quickly had to re-pass Yorkshireman, Oliver Rowland and the Italian, Mirko Luciani. He did so, but the ensuing tussle between the trio had allowed Camponeschi to extend his lead.

Despite Rob’s best efforts to haul him in, Camponeschi was again able to match his pace and the pair comfortably pulled away from the field – the two fastest men on the track. Taking the chequered flag, Rob had mixed emotions. “I crossed the line and felt okay. The result was good but any racing driver will say, ‘there’s still a person who beat you’”.

He added, “All the same, it has come from a lot of hard work and I would like to thank everyone in the team, especially Ricky and ‘Moose’. I’d also like to thank my Mum, Dad and little brother, Harry for their support, Martin and Dan at Pro Performance, Ole Haugard of One Engines and all the other people who are all helping my career to move forward.”

After a difficult few races abroad recently, Robert and his team now feel that they’re back on the pace and he has his sights set on winning the World Cup. “I’ll be there - harder, faster and stronger” he says with conviction.

His team boss Ricky Flynn echoed this, saying, “I’m both very pleased and disappointed. We want to win races but Robert did his bit very well.”

Referring to the World Cup meeting to be hosted at the World Championships (for the premier KF1 class), Flynn added, “When we last went to La Conca (in the Winning Series Karting Championship, 15/16 March), it was one of the best meetings Rob’s ever raced in. We’re going back with better equipment and I’m sure we’ll be on the pace. Robert is quality, he’s very good – so yes, I’m looking forward to it.”

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