Following an intense weekend of karting in the UK, South Africa's Mikel Bezuidehout finished 16th in the inaugural FIA OK-N World Cup held at the PF International circuit in England as part of the FIA Karting World Championships.

Battling the best OK-N drivers in the world, Mikel also had to endure the changing weather conditions. His three Qualifying Heats were less than ideal after a penalty in the first saw him classified in 20th before a technical infringement in the second saw him disqualified. An improved third Qualifying Heat saw him finish 15th. Having to start from the back of the grid for the final (culminating from his combined results) amid a drying and still slippery circuit, the Johannesburg teenager performed admirably, making up numerous places to end his English-karting and OK-N World Cup debut just outside the top 15.

"Whenever I compete internationally, I know it will be challenging from the weather to the circuit to the competition. It all remains new to me. So, I must stay focused throughout the weekend to avoid being distracted. It's difficult, I won't lie. But to be here is an achievement in itself, and to finish where I did, considering my starting position and lack of experience, I'm pretty satisfied. Thanks to everyone for the support and to the Ward Racing Team for the assistance," commented Mikel.

Mikel will only have a few days off before he boards a local flight to Cape Town to compete in the penultimate round of the Investchem Formula 1600 Championship at the Killarney International Raceway.