FIFTY-SEVEN KF-Junior drivers from 27 nations from across the world gathered at the PF International Circuit in Lincolnshire for the second round of the CIK-FIA KF-Junior European Championship last month.

In just his second KFJ outing of the season as a Factory Driver for CRG S.P.A, Cornish Karting Star Alex Quinn rose to the occasion at his 'home' race to take a thoroughly deserved second place on the podium after a hugely impressive weekend for him and CRG.

Alex made full use of his impressive record at the PF International circuit to fully cement him in contention from the very first lap in anger during testing.

After a consistently impressive showing throughout the early running, Alex further compounded his pace by setting the second fastest time in his group for Official Practice. It was clear Alex was in the main fight, setting the tone for the weekend ahead.

In the split group Qualifying session, Alex posted the second fastest time in his group, just 0.088s off the fastest time.

However, due to a dramatic shift in circuit conditions, the first group was substantially faster. This meant once the times were combined to form the classification, Alex ended up 17th.

It was a surprise to see such a change in track conditions, leaving Alex to start three of his heats from 7th and 8th on the grid.

Alex managed to work through the field well for each heat, keeping out of trouble and coming through the field to achieve two fifth place finishes and two third place finishes in the eight lap heats.

The results of Alex's heats left him in sixth overall in the classification, which would become his position on the grid for the Pre-Final.

This starting position contributed to Alex's championship position, by adding five points to his total before any further racing was contested.

Starting the Pre-Final on the outside was dealt with quickly by Alex, as he managed to force his way onto the inside, avoiding any first corner calamities.

He had maintained his position after the first lap and began to settle into a rhythm, picking off drivers as he rose further up the order in the following laps.

By the eighth lap Alex had taken second position, however his progress through the pack had meant the leader was out of reach. Alex then fought to maintain his position to the flag, which he managed by 0.4s from the chasing pack.

Alex would start the 19-lap-final of the 1.382km track from the second grid position.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.