Zip Young Guns Oliver Rowland, Jiri Forman and Nick Cristofaro headed to the French circuit of Essay for the European Championship qualifying round. With over 60 top drivers and only 25 going through to compete the final in Italy, the pressure was on to secure a spot at Sarno.

Timed qualifying saw Oliver take 6th overall, Jiri was 25th and Nick struggled down in 48th. The heats went well for all 3 drivers on the whole with Rowland taking a 6th, 1st and 2nd places. Jiri finished 11th, 9th and an off in heat 3 saw him placed 24th. Nick recovered very well from his qualifying issues and had steady heats of 11th, 16th and 12th.

All three drivers comfortably through to the days deciding final races. 30 drivers didn't make it and packed up to go home.

Oliver was on top form and his kart and engine package was clearly one of the fastest on the track and this was borne out in two excellent drives to 2nd and 3rd in the final races. Jiri placed 15th and 22nd to qualify for the big race at Sarno but sadly, Nick Cristofaro just missed out with final placings of 31st and 24th.

It's unfortunate for Nick to miss out but it's extremely encouraging to see Oliver on the podium and Jiri going so well. The British contingent dominated the racing with Oliver, Jack Harvey and Tom Grice locking out the podium in both finals. Can't wait for Sarno in September!