Karter Robber Gallier became the first British driver to win the BNL European Championship in the Junior Rotax Class.

LYMPSHAM karter Robbie Gallier became the first British driver to win the BNL (Belgium, Nederland, Luxemburg) European Championship in the Junior Rotax Class.

The 16-year-old went into the weekend with five other drivers that could win the championship. Robbie won the first qualifying race and starting the second race in pole position, he soon lost this to his arch rival and multi-champion karter Lars Lamborelle.

Robbie soon regained the lead and was pulling away when it started to rain. He needed to finish in the top five to stay in contention and allowed two drivers to pass him to finish third. The race was red flagged after nine laps as the conditions were dangerous.

The following day, Robbie qualified sixth, eventually finishing third, but was promoted up a place after a driver infringement.

In the final, he made a great start, while his arch rival made an even better start and was in the lead, but then hit a wet patch and went straight into the barriers. Robbie took the lead and decided to ensure he finished in the top 10.

Taking no risks, he knew he could win the championship. Robbie had set his fastest lap by this time and the team and his father were all nervous as Robbie came across the line in third to clinch the championship.

With drivers competing from France, Germany, Holland, Latvia, Greece, Belgium, Sweden and the UK, Robbie is the first-ever British driver to win the championship.

This win has included a prize of a drive in the world finals in New Orleans, USA, in November, plus a Rotax engine and Alfano data logger.