RECAP WEEKEND: SILKUNAS DOMINATES IN VALENCIA COFTAP, STRONG PERFORMANCES IN SPAIN, UNLUCKY WEEKEND AT UGENTO

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The just-concluded weekend saw Markas Silkunas as the undisputed protagonist, achieving a remarkable double victory in the Champions of the Future Academy Program in Valencia. Alongside the young Lithuanian driver, other young pilots also shined on the Spanish track, delivering solid and noteworthy performances.
Simultaneously, in the Italian Championship, the two young pilots faced unfortunate luck despite more than convincing performances. Nevertheless, this weekend sends very positive signals from the entire group, especially after the difficulties encountered in the previous weekend. The path forward looks promising, and the work done on the track continues to bear fruit.

Vanesa Silkunaite – P4/P11 in the Champions of the Future Academy Program in Valencia (Spain), Cat OKNJ
A good weekend for Vanesa Silkunaite, who returns home with a fourth and eleventh place finish. Despite a more challenging weekend compared to the first COFTAP event in Portimao, Vanesa showcased excellent performances on track. She finished fourth in Saturday’s race, demonstrating great speed and determination. In Sunday’s race, despite a minor engine issue that limited her performance, she still managed to finish eleventh.
This weekend, Vanesa confirmed the progress made in the previous COFTAP event in Portimao. Her growth continues positively, and despite some technical issues, she consistently shows her speed. Her strong result in the first race highlights how her determination and hard work are paying off.

Julia Angelard – P17/P19 in the Champions of the Future Academy Program in Valencia (Spain), Cat OKNJ
Julia’s weekend was marked by impressive overtakes and comebacks, tempered with a bit of bad luck that prevented her from competing for top positions. On Saturday, she had an excellent qualifying session, securing fourth place, only to be disqualified due to a small mechanic’s oversight. Despite this setback, Julia remained undeterred and staged a remarkable comeback to finish seventeenth. In the second race, she climbed the ranks effectively, but a minor engine problem slowed her down.
Julia has shown she’s on the right path. Despite facing a bit of misfortune, she displayed grit, determination, and great mental strength. With this spirit, we’re confident that in the upcoming events, she’ll be ready to fight for top positions.

Nefeli Kosmopoulou – DNF/DNF in the Champions of the Future Academy Program in Valencia (Spain), Cat OKNJ
A challenging weekend for Nefeli, who was hindered by bad luck in both races. Several contacts prevented her from finishing both finals, nullifying the good work done in the previous days. Despite retirements, she demonstrated speed and the right attitude to compete at a high level.
Nefeli will have an immediate opportunity to redeem herself in the upcoming event in Jesolo. She has the quality and determination, and we’re certain she’ll bring out the best in herself to shine again. The difficulties of this weekend will become a valuable experience: Nefeli will return to the track stronger and more determined than ever.

Jason Kosmopoulou – P14/DNF in the Champions of the Future Academy Program in Valencia (Spain), Cat OKNJ
Jason delivered very convincing performances, although the final results did not fully reflect what he deserved. The young Greek driver faced bad luck in Race 1, finishing fourteenth, and in Race 2, he was unable to finish. Despite this, his performances were of a high standard, lacking just a bit more luck.
Despite the result not meeting expectations, Jason showed significant improvement compared to the previous COFTAP event in Portimao, demonstrating great speed and determination. We hope that his good performances will soon be accompanied by concrete results. The young Greek driver has what it takes to compete with the best, and we’re confident that starting from the next event in Jesolo, he’ll do everything to be a protagonist.

Benjamin Westwood – DNF/P20 in the Champions of the Future Academy Program in Valencia (Spain), Cat OKNJ
A similar story to Jason’s for Benjamin Westwood. The young driver couldn’t achieve what he deserved, despite showing great speed throughout the weekend. In Race 1, he was involved in a serious incident, fortunately without consequences. In the subsequent heats, Benji was always among the protagonists, but several problems continued to hinder his progress.
Once again, Benjamin demonstrated his full potential without reaping the rewards of his efforts. The talent and quality of this young driver are becoming clearer race after race. Westwood has all the tools to consistently fight in the top five positions, and with his determination and desire for redemption, we’re confident he’ll soon return to battle for the placements he deserves.

Markas Silkunas – P1/P1 in the Champions of the Future Academy Program in Valencia (Spain), Cat OKNS
A perfect weekend for Markas Silkunas, achieving an extraordinary double victory and never dropping below third place in the heats. The young Lithuanian driver confirmed himself as the absolute protagonist, surpassing even his impressive performance in Portimao during the championship’s first race.
On track, Markas demonstrated sheer dominance, leaving behind the challenges of the previous weekend. With determination and clarity, he reset everything to return with authority. Race after race, he proves to be the benchmark of the category, the driver to beat.

Zack Zhu – DNS in the Italian Championship at Ugento, Cat OKNJ
Zack, racing in Ugento for the Italian Championship, once again showcased his speed, but a technical issue before the final prevented him from starting and realizing the good work done during the weekend. Despite this, the overall balance remains largely positive: Zhu consistently placed in the top ten and fought with determination against high-level competitors.
In every championship he competes in, Zhu continues to engage with great commitment, proving to be competitive on any track. The talent of this young driver is evident and continues to emerge race after race. A bit of bad luck in recent events has yet to allow him to achieve the desired results, but we’re certain that Zack will soon reap what he deserves, thanks to the dedication and determination he brings to the track every weekend.

Daniele Schillaci – DNQ in the Italian Championship at Ugento, Cat OKN
The first race of the year with the new team for Daniele Schillaci, also competing in the Italian Championship at Ugento. The young Sicilian driver distinguished himself with several spectacular comebacks, but luck was not on his side as he failed to qualify for the finals.
Throughout the weekend, Daniele demonstrated consistent speed and excellent race pace, highlighting significant growth despite it being only his second race of the season. His performances confirmed the great potential and determination that define him. We’re confident that Daniele will soon redeem himself: the talent is there, and so is the will. Starting from the next event, he’ll have the opportunity to get back into the game and aim for the results he deserves.

Author: Gabriele Bovio