KARTCOM News #48 ( english version ) by KARTCOM News

#48 SUMMARY 004 EDITORIAL 005 NEWS

2019 Junior French Championship Calendar 30th Anniversary of the Andrea Margutti Trophy Ravenol: the new partner of Rosberg Racing Academy Launch of the Kartagene Endurance Academy Registrations open for the FFSA Karting OK and OKJ events

New Sodi strategy in international competition for 2019 Training of FFSA officials Races at Lonato New start for Croc Promotion Silent paddock at the Winter Cup

033 2019 CALENDAR 039 KSP GRAND

Birel ART successful on its 60th anniversary Simumotion driver training centre

007

047

NEWS 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANDREA MARGUTTI TROPHY

017 1

KARTCOM NEWS #48

NEWS SIMUMOTION DRIVER TRAINING CENTRE

INTERNA ADRIA -

041 REPORTS

119 CARS

Salon Offenbach

Winfield Volant - Discovering the 2019 Programme Caio Collet joins the Renault Sport Academy Isack Hadjar ready for French F4

045 INTERVIEW Giancarlo Tinini

047 INTERNATIONAL

127 VIDEO

The NSK 2019 is announced in video Verstappen and Gasly on ice with Kart Republic Adria - WSK Super Master Series - OK-Junior Final The spirit of the Winfield Volant

Adria - WSK - Champions Cup Adria - WSK - Super Master Series Valencia - IAME Winter Cup Lonato - Winter Cup

119

ATIONAL - WSK - CHAMPIONS CUP

109

AUTO VOLANT WINFIELD PROGRAMME 2019

INTERNATIONAL LONATO - WINTER CUP

2019: A YEAR OF STABILITY FOR KARTING? 3

KARTCOM NEWS #48

here is no revolution expected for this karting season in international and national competitions. The discipline will be able to count on a certain regulatory and sporting stability to strengthen its base at all levels. In a period marked by the tender age of the drivers, we need to wait until 2020 to see the debut of a Mini category to the international definition.

The first international races of 2019 make it possible to sum up the fixtures. In the face of an increasingly busy racing calendar, there was less of a hurry to participate in the opening WSK Promotion event at Adria, whose KZ2 category was absent for once. In 60 Mini the grid was the biggest with an internationalisation of drivers and the presence of substantial budgets. Under the aegis of RGMMC, the IAME Winter Cup at Va-

lencia was revitalised, except in Super Shifter, and the races were splendid. Although the Lonato Winter Cup did not break its participation record in its 24th edition, it was not far off, especially as a new regulation pushed back the minimum age in Mini Rok from eight to nine years old. With 98 KZ2 drivers, including many young talents, the competition proved challenging as well as exciting to follow. South Garda Karting has started a particularly busy season with milestone events and is strengthening its status as the unofficial centre of karting. In addition, the rise of the DKM on the international scene and the return of the WSK Euro Series are not without strategy problems for the top level teams. Some factory teams seem to be taking a little distance and are focusing primarily on the FIA Karting events. On the other hand

EDITORIAL

KARTCOM NEWS #48 the choice of tyres in national or private series does not always follow that of the FIA, which affects some teams more than others. When money takes precedence over sport, it's never a good sign. In this context, the ASNs have a role to play in promoting the international categories and ensuring the continuity of the FIA Karting rules. The FFSA has understood this well by offering a French OK Championship and a French Cup for OK-Junior over two events two weeks before the FIA Karting events competing on the same circuits, in similar conditions. On the financial side, stability is also essential, which is not very good news, as a reduction in costs is needed. The subject is certainly complex, as well as being crucial for the future.

+ KARTCOM NEWS #48

Communication document Réalisé par la société KSP Reportages 79, avenue Victor Hugo, 94290 Villeneuve le Roi - France +33 1 46 82 60 12 +33 6 08 26 61 11 office@kartcom-news.com

RESPONSABLE PUBLICATION

TRADUCTION

RESPONSABLE RÉDACTION

Philippe Kalmès Frédéric Billet

DIRECTION ARTISTIQUE Céline Quiros

PHOTOGRAPHE

Guillaume Veuve • Chris Walker • Philippe Kalmès

PHOTOGRAPHIES

CIK-FIA KARTING AWARDS

ADMINISTRATIF

KSP Photo Agency ( Guillaume Veuve & Philippe Kalmès ) • DPPI • Renault Sport • Kart!im

REPORTAGE & COMMUNIQUÉ

VIDÉO

STARS & MÉTIERS 2012

Mary-Ann Horley Cristina Kalmès, Annie Dujols Service presse FFSA • CIK-FIA • Prodiff • Kartcom • Renault Sport

Vitor Lopes

DIFFUSION

KSP Agency Chosen As CIK-FIA «BEST PHOTOGRAPH» in 2007 • 2008 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 and 2015. Prix départemental ( 94 ) «Dynamique commerciale»

Gratuite - Ce magazine numérique a été diffusé en 33 000 exemplaires

TOUTE REPRODUCTION TOTALE OU PARTIELLE EST STRICTEMENT INTERDITE SANS AUTORISATION PRÉALABLE FAITE AUPRÈS DE LA SOCIÉTÉ KSP REPORTAGES

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

2019 FRENCH JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR For its third season, the French Junior Championship retains the pattern that has created its success since 2017. The FFSA Academy has scheduled five events from March to July, including three new circuits compared to previous years. WWW.FFSAACADEMY.COM

1st round

23RD-24TH MARCH - LE MANS (72)

2nd round

30TH-31ST MARCH - ANGERVILLE (91)

3rd round

11TH-12TH MAY - LAVELANET (09)

4th round

13TH-14TH JULY - VALENCIA (26)

5th round

27TH-28TH JULY - AUNAY LES BOIS (61)

KARTCOM NEWS #48

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet

30 ANNIVERSARY TH

FOR THE ANDREA MARGUTTI TROPHY

The Andrea Margutti Trophy will celebrate a major anniversary in 2019 with its 30th edition, a milestone for the race held in memory of Andrea Margutti, a young driver who died in 1989.

he race will be held at the South Garda Karting track in Lonato from 4th to 7th April, 2019 will be open to the 60 Mini, OK, OK-Junior, KZ2 and X30 Senior categories. In addition, historic karts from the 90s will join the event in memory of Andrea Margutti's era. The KFA event will be organised in collaboration with Luca Corberi, who is very active among the enthusiasts of these machines.

WWW.TROFEOMARGUTTI.COM

KARTCOM NEWS #48

SAISON 2019

06-07 Avril : ANGERVILLE

Championnat de France Féminin Championnat de France OK (1/2) Coupe de France OK-J (1/2)

13-14 Juillet : VALENCE

Championnat de France Sénior / Master / Gentleman

20-21 Juillet : LE MANS 20-21 Avril : ANGERVILLE Championnat d’Europe CIK-FIA OK / OK-J (1/4)

27-28 Juillet : AUNAY LES BOIS

11-12 Mai : LAVELANET

Championnat de France Minime Championnat de France Cadet

Coupe de France Sénior / Master / Gentleman

01-02 Juin : CAROLE

31 Août-1er Septembre : PAU ARNOS

Championnat de France Long Circuit (1/3) KZ2 - KZ2 Master - KZ2 Gentleman

Championnat de France Long Circuit (2/3) KZ2 - KZ2 Master - KZ2 Gentleman

08-09 Juin : BRIGNOLES

05-06 Octobre : SALBRIS

Coupe de France Minime Coupe de France Cadet Coupe de France Nationale

06-07 Juillet : LE MANS

Championnat d’Europe CIK-FIA OK / OK-J (4/4) Championnat de France Handikart

Championnat de France Nationale Championnat de France KZ2 - KZ2 Master - KZ2 Gentleman

02-03 Novembre : LEDENON Championnat de France Long Circuit (3/3) KZ2 - KZ2 Master - KZ2 Gentleman Crédit photo & Création : Emmanuel Pander - Crédit photo : KSP.fr

Championnat de France OK (2/2) Coupe de France OK-J (2/2) Coupe de France KZ2 - KZ2 Master - KZ2 Gentleman

{CHARTE GRAPHIQUE LOGO KARTCOM} Impression 2 couleurs Couleur Pantone Rouge :

new color swatch 1

Noir :

100%

Noir :

50%

Impression 2 couleurs

Impression 2 couleurs > Fond Noir

Web ou Impression Quadri > Fond blanc

Web ou Impression Quadri > Fond Noir

Suivez-nous sur www.ﬀsakarting.org

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

RAVENOL PARTNERS WITH

THE ROSBERG RACING ACADEMY For its second season, the Rosberg Racing Academy is changing partners and colours. From the 2019 WSK Champions Cup, Ravenol replaced Petronas on the karts and team clothing, while a blue and yellow colour scheme took over from the dominant grey and turquoise used previously.

KARTCOM NEWS #48

avenol is the brand of the German company Ravensberger Schmierstoffvertrieb GmbH, which has specialised in lubricants for 70 years. Focused on premium products worldwide, Ravenol has a passion for motorsport. In Adria, at the WSK Champions Cup, the OK winner Taylor Barnard and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 4th in OK-Junior, were entered by Rosberg Racing Academy on KR / Iame karts.

FRENCH TOUCH THE

06 - 07 APRIL french ok championship french ok-j cup 1/2

06 - 07 JULY FRENCH OK CHAMPIONSHIP FRENCH OK-J CUP 2/2

20 - 21 APRIL european OK / Ok-J championship 1/4

20 - 21 JULY european ok / ok-j championship 4/4

same rules same pneumatic same circuit coming soon: ffsa meetings Registration on

ffsakarting.org

00 33 1 44 30 28 71 contact@ffsakarting.org

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

LAUNCH OF THE

KARTAGENE ENDURANCE ACADEMY The Salbris-based driver training centre is continuing its development on several fronts. While its work with schools is in full swing, Kartagene is launching a new project in Endurance. The success of the experiment conducted last year with four young drivers in the French Endurance Championship, in collaboration with the Wintec Racing team, has forged the foundations of the Kartagene Endurance Academy.

arc Berteaux is rightly convinced of the benefits of endurance in training young drivers. "It's a discipline that allows you to drive a lot for a reasonable cost. It teaches team spirit and a sense of responsibility, which is always a good thing for personality de-

KARTCOM NEWS #48

velopment. Endurance also cultivates a driver’s ability to adapt as at each changeover they take over a machine that has already been running. There is no question of complaining about tyre wear or brakes, or small imperfections in set-up. We need to adapt to condi-

tions that are not necessarily ideal and fight with what we have. And there is no better way of learning how to overtake." The new French Junior Endurance Championship created by the FFSA, as well as the prospect of participating in the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours Karting, reinforce the motivation of the young drivers. The Kartagene Endurance Academy offers them a completely innovative turnkey formula. Technical and sporting coaching will be provided by Rodolphe Besnard’s Wintec Racing team, a recognised specialist of the discipline. Kartagene will manage the training and personal supervision com-

ponent of the KEA with its knowledge and high-tech facilities at Salbris. The programme will include preparation courses, testing and five events, including the Le Mans 24 Hours Karting. Young drivers are guaranteed to make progress.

To find out more, contact Marc Berteaux now, as places are likely to be sought after in this new initiative from Kartagene.

CONTACT

tĂŠl. : 02 54 97 80 81 email: contact@kartagene.fr

WWW.KARTAGENE.FR

NEWS

KARTCOM NEWS #48

Info FFSA Karting © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

FRANCE INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR FFSA KARTING OK AND OKJ EVENTS The FFSA is delighted to welcome international participants to its OK and OK-Junior events at Angerville and Le Mans, ideally placed two weeks before each of the two FIA Karting European Championships competitions taking place in France this year.

he CIK-FIA has selected two French circuits, Angerville and Le Mans, to start and close the FIA Karting OK and OK-Junior European Championships. The FFSA took advantage of this opportunity to organise two national competitions, two weeks before these prestigious European meetings. "Open" races open to foreign drivers, the French OK Championship and the French Cup for OK-Junior will take place over two meetings and can therefore be used as preparation for the FIA Karting competitions while offering the chance of winning two official French titles.

Cont LP in OK and Vega XH2 in Junior. France offers every participant the unique opportunity to prepare in the same conditions as those of the European Championship. Note that the national FFSA Karting regulations are now almost identical to those of the CIK-FIA

ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN ON FFSAKARTING.ORG

2019 FFSA KARTING CALENDAR FOR OK AND OK-JUNIOR 6TH - 7TH APRIL Angerville (91) French OK Championship 1/2 French Cup for OK-Junior 1/2 + French Women's Championship

6TH - 7TH JULY Le Mans (72) French OK Championship 2/2 French Cup for OK-Junior 2/2 + French Cup for KZ2 / KZ2 Master / KZ2 Gentleman

WWW.FFSAKARTING.ORG

With this in mind, the tyres will be those selected during the CIK-FIA tenders: Le-

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

BIREL ART SUCCESSFUL ON ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY

On a rising trajectory for several seasons, the Birel ART Racing Team achieved first-class international results in 2018. For this new season, the clear ambition is to confirm these remarkable performances with eloquent results. In 2019, the Italian brand from Lissone celebrates 60 years of rich history of passion and success. This will be the perfect moment to prove the organisation’s knowledge and roots in racing.

irel has evolved a lot in recent years," says Ronni Sala, President of Birel ART Group. "With new partners like Nicolas Todt, we have been able to accelerate the modernisation of our production unit and increase the quality of our products. The arrival of Davide Fore as manager of the Racing Team last year stimulated the whole team. We have the potential to go for great victories in 2019. We have also recruited new drivers to achieve this goal despite the many uncertainties of racing. It would be a great way to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Birel brand founded in 1959 by my grandfather and greatuncle".

KARTCOM NEWS #48

The 2019 Birel ART Racing Team squad looks great. Three drivers share the top billing. In KZ, the fast Marijn Kremers (NLD) will continue his momentum alongside a new recruit, Alex Irlando, the talented and experienced Italian driver, the winner of the KZ2 International Super Cup in 2016, who will also race in OK. Riccardo Longhi (ITA) will spearhead the team in KZ2 with his team-mates Leonardo Marseglia (ITA), Alexander Dahlberg (SWE), Jules Mettetal (FRA) and Pierre Loubere (FRA).

The revelation of 2018, the young Italian Luigi Coluccio will try better his superb 3rd place in the OK World Championship, a challenge that his rapid progression makes quite possible. He will be joined in the OK category by Canadian Thomas Nepveu, Thailand's Thanapongpan Sutumno, Italian Biagio Ruvolo and Japan's Turbo Asahi. In the OK-Junior category, Cristian Bertuca (ITA) will make his debut moving up from 60 Mini, while Elliot Vayron (FRA) will arrive with Junior experience in France. Selected by the Richard Mille Young Talent Academy last December at Lonato, Julia Yacoub (BRA) and Maya Weug (ESP) will also be part of the Birel ART Racing Team, respectively racing in OK-Junior and OK. The 2019 programme will focus on all FIA Karting competitions for the whole team, as well as the Winter Cup and some WSK Promotion races for some of the drivers.

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

SIMUMOTION, DRIVER TRAINING CENTRE

KARTCOM NEWS #48

Founded by Julien Abelli, Simumotion has become known for the design, manufacture and operation of professional automotive driving simulators. Since its creation, the team's skills have continued to develop in the real world by offering multiple services for the preparation of drivers, both in karting and in cars. The wide range of Simumotion's knowledge now offers a wide range of training possibilities, allowing everyone to find a solution that suits them.

n its Rungiss (94) centre south of Paris and only five minutes from Orly airport, Simumotion Performance has facilities and staff to evaluate, target and increase the athletes' abilities with services ranging from a two-hour session to a four-day course. The strengths of the structure are above all specialisation and skill.

A VERY SPECIALISED TEAM

Under the leadership of Julien Abelli, creator and coordinator of the centre, a team of highly skilled specialists has been formed to meet all the needs of driver preparation.

Alexis Landais is responsible for driver analysis and training. A graduate in mental preparation and collaborator with the INSEP, he tests, analyses and discusses the strengths and points of improvement of each driver. He also sets up concentrated strategies so that each driver can get the most out of their potential. Pierre Yves Marchand, a fitness trainer and graduate dietician, is also a posturologist. With these multiple skills, he can manage body coordination and control perfectly, an essential element for the success of a driver. Gabrielle is a sports physiotherapist, with extensive field experience in international competition. Her main mission is to prevent and treat trauma related racing

NEWS

at a high level. She has a space reserved in the training centre and also cooperates during the tests. Thanks to her knowledge of motorsport, she knows how to find the right words and implement the right warmup strategies to boost the drivers during the different phases of the competition.

ADAPTED INFRASTRUCTURE

The Simumotion Training Centre has seven differentiated spaces to allow drivers to develop their skills.

KARTCOM NEWS #48

- Weightlifting - Specific reinforcement - Cardio (rower, skierg, bike) - Reaction time - 6-DOF dynamic simulator (hexapod) - Physiotherapy and osteopathy space - Relaxation area

SOLID REFERENCES

Many drivers have already trusted Simumotion to help them do their best behind the wheel by physically and mentally preparing for the demands of racing. Nor-

man Nato, Arthur Pic, Charles Milesi, ThĂŠo Pourchaire, Max Defourny, Jimmy Helias, Hugo Valente and Adam Eteki are included in this long list as well as Victor Martins with whom Simumotion won the 2016 FIA Karting Junior World Championship. Contact Simumotion and visit the training centre to find out about the training potential of this innovative structure dedicated to driver development.

NEWS

KARTCOM NEWS #48

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

SODI NEW STRATEGY

FOR INTERNATIONAL RACING FOR 2019 After its successes of last season in KZ2 in the European Championship and the WSK Final Cup, as well as the victory in the 24-Hour Karting at Le Mans as part of the FIA Karting Endurance Championship, Sodikart has decided to increase its international ambitions along three axes to highlight its presence in competition in the short and medium term. Competing in KZ and in charge of development, the Sodi Racing Team will be supported by two satellite teams with specific objectives, CPB Sport in KZ2 and Trèfle Racing in Junior.

NEWS

he official team of the Sodikart factory will this year include three drivers under the management of Julien Dexmier. The experienced Anthony Abbasse and Bas Lammers will be joined by the young KZ2 European Champion Adrien Renaudin. While the first two will use engines direct from the TM Racing factory, Renaudin will be powered by TM Racing engines prepared in the workshop of Cédric Sport Motors. The season's schedule will focus on the FIA Karting events with the European and World Championship in focus in addition to a few WSK Promotion events.

Paul Bizalion's CPB Sport team will represent the interests of the Sodikart factory in KZ2. The team that led Renaudin to the European Championship in 2018 will continue its performance and openness policy with a very international squad including two promising young Frenchmen, Jean Nomblot and Emilien Denner as well as the Italian Lorenzo Giannoni. Several tuners will be involved in powering all drivers in the team. The programme will also be European and worldwide without forgetting some WSK events and major races in France. New in 2019, the Trèfle Racing team of Jean-Philippe Guignet will take care of the rising generation for Sodikart. After a brilliant career at the highest level, he has had the opportunity to show his skills and determination as a team manager with young drivers for several years. For now, Evan Giltaire has been announced as a young hopeful supported by the Sodikart factory, but other names will be revealed soon. Trèfle Racing's mission will be twofold, the development of the Sodi in OK-Junior with TM Racing engines prepared by Cédric Sport Motors, and the development of young drivers in international competition. This is an ambitious programme envisaged over several years. The first meeting of the season will be held 14th-17th February during the famous Winter Cup on the South Garda Karting track. The teams have already had the opportunity to run at Lonato in conclusive tests during which the new Sodi braking system was widely appreciated, while the different teams shared a very positive atmosphere.

KARTCOM NEWS #48

NEWS

KARTCOM NEWS #48

Info FFSA Karting ÂŠ Photo KSP - Philippe KalmĂ¨s

FFSA KARTING TRAINING FOR OFFICIALS Aware of the importance of the role of the officials in the success of karting events, for several years the FFSA has organised seminars during the offseason for the stewards, technical officials and the race directors as well as the timekeepers working at the regional, national or international competitions.

he 2019 session of the Federal training is all the more important as the international CIK-FIA regulations will now be applied in the FFSA national events. All the supervising officials will have to take part in one of the six seminars planned in a more elaborate calendar than usual.

FFSA Karting officials are grouped in four major families according to their skills and responsibilities, all equally important, each with several rank levels: trainee, national and international.

well known. Regular changes require frequent upgrades and this is primarily what motivates the FFSA in organising the training sessions. Harmonisation of practice across all federal competitions is also a primary objective. Download the presentation file of the 2019 FFSA Karting officials training in PDF format at this link.

PRESENTATION DOSSIER

Their work is based on precise and comprehensive regulations that should be

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

LONATO INTENSE RACING PROGRAMME IN 2019

The South Garda Karting circuit celebrated its 30th anniversary at the 2018 FIA Karting KZ & KZ2 European Championship, but an even bigger event will take place in 2019 with the FIA Karting KZ World Championship, the FIA Karting International Super Cup for KZ2 and the FIA Karting Academy Trophy. This is a nice reward for the Corberi family who recently extended the track to 1200m and continued to upgrade the infrastructure.

KARTCOM NEWS #48

he Winter Cup, the Andrea Margutti Trophy and the Trofeo delle Industrie are some of the international classics that also take place on the South Garda Karting site. The WSK will host no fewer than three events and the DKM German Championship will kick off its season there. National or regional events also attract many participants to this legendary circuit.

2019 SOUTH GARDA KARTING CALENDAR AT LONATO: 24TH FEBRUARY WSK Super Master Series Mini 60, OK-Junior, OK,

Rd.2, KZ2.

17TH MARCH 30th Spring Trophy Rd.1, Entry Level, 60 Mini, KZ2, KZN, Iame X30, KFA.

31ST MARCH 30th Spring Trophy Final, Entry Level, 60 Mini, KZ2, KZN, Rok Cup.

7TH APRIL 30th Andrea Margutti Trophy, 60 Mini, OKJ, OK, KZ2, Iame X30 Senior, KFA.

14TH APRIL German Championship DKM Rd.1, OK-Junior, OK, KZ2, KZ2 Cup, DEKM.

19TH MAY

6TH OCTOBER

4th South Garda Karting Trophy, Entry Level, 60 Mini, KZ2, KZN, Rotax, Easykart. 23rd June: WSK Euro Series Rd.3, 60 Mini, OK-Junior, OK, KZ2.

29th Final Autumn Trophy, Entry Level, 60 Mini, KZ2, KZN, Rok Cup.

30 JUNE TH

6th Summer Trophy, Entry Level, 60 Mini, KZ2, KZN, Rok Cup.

22ND SEPTEMBER FIA Karting KZ World Championship, FIA Karting International Super Cup for KZ2 and FIA Karting Academy Trophy

29TH SEPTEMBER 29th Autumn Trophy Rd.1, Entry Level, 60 Mini, KZ2, KZN, Iame X30, KFA.

12TH OCTOBER ROK International Final Cup, Rok Mini, Junior, Senior, Expert, Expert Plus, Super, Shifter.

27TH OCTOBER WSK Open Cup, 60 Mini, OK-Junior, OK, KZ2.

3RD NOVEMBER 48th Trofeo delle Industrie, 60 Mini, OKJunior, OK, KZ2, Iame X30 Senior.

WWW.SOUTHGARDAKARTING.IT

NEWS

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Frédéric Billet

NEW START FOR

CROC PROMOTION

KARTCOM NEWS #48

The Italian brand, victorious in 2018 with Ben Hanley, competed in the 24th Winter Cup with new colours under a brand new awning in the Lonato paddock. The new organisation was presented last December at the karting show at Adria. Located a few kilometres from the Castelletto di Branduzzo 7 Laghi track, Mec Kart Manufacturing has taken over production of the Croc Promotion chassis under the direction of Simone Trifone and Stefano Parrila. The Racing Team remains the responsibility of Armando Filini, who is also in charge of R & D.

he large-scale awning has a car racing-like look with rigid panels and a well-designed and particularly neat layout. The Croc Ra-

cing Team had nine drivers at Lonato: Ivan Domingues and Edoardo Trifone in OK-Junior, Genis Civico, Valentino Baracco and Hirooka Rikusei in OK, as

well as Klim Gavrilov, Artem Kosarev, Ben Hanley and Giuseppe Palomba in KZ2. Arriving at the last moment from a WEC competition in Austin, Texas, Hanley still showed great competitiveness and climbed into the top 10 in the Final before being penalised. Palomba was 2nd fastest in Qualifying, finished 3rd in the heats and finished 6th overall, while Gavrilov finished 17th. In OK, Civico gained 15 places in the Final to 13th place, but was penalised for his spoiler. The 2019 programme of the new Croc Racing Team promises to be rich in international competition.

NEWS

KARTCOM NEWS #48

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

SILENT PADDOCK AT THE

WINTER CUP The Lonato Winter Cup inaugurated the ban on starting engines in the paddock. The measure adopted by the FIA on 1st January, was applied for the first time at the circuit of South Garda Karting. The two WSK Promotion events at Adria had not yet implemented this change, while RGMMC was the forerunner in X30 for the IAME Winter Cup at Valencia.

ven though it only concerns the international OK-Junior, OK and KZ2 categories, and the Mini Roks could continue to warm up as usual, this decision brought an appreciated calm to the paddock of Lonato. Beyond the comfort aspect, what are the problems posed by this ban? The OK and OK-Juniors were least affected by this development. The mechanics filled the cooling circuit of their engines with hot water during morning warm-ups, without any other inconvenience. In contrast, KZ2 did not appreciate not being able to start their engines before going on track. It must be said that carburetion is an essential point for the advanced category and that no adjustment is possible on their carburetors, unlike those used in OK and OKJ. When the first race takes place several hours after the warm-up, it can become problematic. Engineers were particular-

ly nervous about not being able to test their settings affected by weather conditions, unless risking a fine of €250 and an exclusion for a recurrence. This extra kick was not to the taste of the team bosses who even started a petition to request cancellation of or change to this measure. The analysis of the results of the Winter Cup shows however that the KZ2 hierarchy was not upset by this new aspect. More to follow ...

CALENDAR

2019 CALENDAR FEBRUARY 17/02

Lonato

Winter Cup

24/02

Lonato

WSK - Super Master Series

OK / 60 MINI / OK-JUNIOR / KZ2

10/03

La Conca

WSK - Super Master Series

60 MINI / OK / OK-JUNIOR

24/03

Sarno

WSK - Super Master Series

60 MINI / OK-JUNIOR / OK / KZ2

24/03

Le Mans

Championnat de France

31/03

Mariembourg

IAME - Euro Series

31/03

Angerville

Championnat de France

31/03

PF International

British Karting Championships

31/03

Sarno

WSK - Euro Series

60 MINI / OK-JUNIOR / OK / KZ2

07/04

Angerville

Coupe de France

OK-JUNIOR

07/04

Lonato

Trofeo Andrea Margutti

60 MINI / X30 SENIOR / OK / KFA / OK-JUNIOR / KZ2

07/04

Angerville

Championnat de France

OK / FÃ&#x2030;MININ

14/04

Lonato

Deutsche Kart Meisterschaft

14/04

PF International

British Karting Championships

21/04

Angerville

European Championship

21/04

Castelletto

IAME - Series France

21/04

Nogaro

Championnat de France

28/04

PF International

British Karting Championships

28/04

Angerville

WSK - Euro Series

05/05

Wackersdorf

European Championship

05/05

Salbris

National Series Karting

05/05

Wackersdorf

Academy Trophy

12/05

Castelletto

Italian ACI Karting Champ.

12/05

Lavelanet

Championnat de France

12/05

Shenington

British Karting Championships

12/05

Lavelanet

Coupe de France

12/05

Wackersdorf

Deutsche Kart Meisterschaft

19/05

Pau Ville

Championnat de France

19/05

Genk

European Championship

19/05

Rissington

British Karting Championships

MINI ROK / OK / OK-JUNIOR / KZ2

MARCH JUNIOR X30 JUNIOR / X30 SHIFTER / X30 MINI / X30 SENIOR JUNIOR SENIOR ROTAX MAX 177 / ROTAX MINIMAX / ROTAX SENIOR / ROTAX JUNIOR

APRIL

OK / OK-JUNIOR / KZ2 X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI OK / OK-JUNIOR X30 GENTL. / X30 SUPER SHIFTER / X30 MASTER / X30 J. / X30 SENIOR / X30 MINIME / X30 LADY F4 INTERNATIONALE X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI / X30 SENIOR / X30 CADET 60 MINI / OK / OK-JUNIOR

MAY

KARTCOM NEWS #48

KZ / KZ2 DD2 / ROTAX MAX / DD2 MASTER / ROTAX MASTER / NATIONALE / CADET / MINIME ACADEMY

JUNIOR X30 CADET / X30 JUNIOR / X30 SENIOR GENTLEMAN / MASTER / SENIOR OK / OK-JUNIOR / KZ2 F4 INTERNATIONALE OK / OK-JUNIOR X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI

26/05

Rowrah

British Karting Championships

26/05

TBA

IAME - Euro Series

02/06

Kristianstad

European Championship

02/06

Carole

Championnat de France

09/06

Larkhall

09/06

Spa Francor.

09/06

Siena

Italian ACI Karting Champ.

09/06

Brignoles

Â Coupe de France

NATIONALE / CADET / MINIME

16/06

Sarno

Academy Trophy

ACADEMY

16/06

Sarno

European Championship

16/06

Laval

IAME - Series France

23/06

Varennes / Allier

National Series Karting

23/06

Lonato

WSK - Euro Series

23/06

Fulbeck

British Karting Championships

30/06

Adria

WSK - Euro Series

30/06

Mansell Raceway

British Karting Championships

07/07

Le Mans

Championnat de France

07/07

Ledenon

Championnat de France

F4 INTERNATIONALE

07/07

Le Mans

Coupe de France

14/07

Valence

Championnat de France

14/07

Sarno

Italian ACI Karting Champ.

14/07

Kerpen

Deutsche Kart Meisterschaft

14/07

Rowrah

British Karting Championships

21/07

Le Mans

European Championship

21/07

Le Mans

Championnat de France

28/07

Wackersdorf

IAME - Euro Series

28/07

Aunay-les-Bois

Championnat de France

28/07

Shenington

British Karting Championships

28/07

Adria

Italian ACI Karting Champ.

SENIOR ROTAX MAX 177 / ROTAX MINIMAX / ROTAX SENIOR / ROTAX JUNIOR X30 JUNIOR / X30 SHIFTER / X30 MINI / X30 SENIOR

JUNE British Karting Championships (Auto)

Championnat de France

OK / OK-JUNIOR KZ2 (LONG CIRCUIT) / KZ2 GENTLEMAN (LONG CIRCUIT) / KZ2 MASTER (LONG CIRCUIT) X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI F4 INTERNATIONALE

KZ / KZ2 X30 GENTL. / X30 SENIOR / X30 MASTER / X30 J. / X30 SUPER SHIFTER / X30 MINIME / X30 LADY DD2 / ROTAX MAX / DD2 MASTER / ROTAX MASTER / NATIONALE / CADET / MINIME 60 MINI / OK-JUNIOR / OK / KZ2 X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI 60 MINI / OK / OK-JUNIOR SENIOR ROTAX MAX 177 / ROTAX MINIMAX / ROTAX SENIOR / ROTAX JUNIOR

JULY OK-JUNIOR / KZ2 GENTLEMAN / KZ2 MASTER / KZ2 GENTLEMAN / MASTER / SENIOR / JUNIOR

OK / OK-JUNIOR / KZ2 X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI OK / OK-JUNIOR HANDIKART X30 JUNIOR / X30 SHIFTER / X30 MINI / X30 SENIOR JUNIOR / CADET / MINIME X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI

CALENDAR

AUGUST 04/08

Genk

Deutsche Kart Meisterschaft

18/08

Clay Pigeon

British Karting Championships

SENIOR ROTAX MAX 177 / ROTAX MINIMAX / ROTAX SENIOR / ROTAX JUNIOR

25/08

Wigan

British Karting Championships

X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI

OK / OK-JUNIOR / KZ2

SEPTEMBER 01/09

Castelletto

IAME - Euro Series

01/09

Pau Arnos

Championnat de France

01/09

Val Vibrata

Italian ACI Karting Champ.

08/09

Budapest

Championnat de France

08/09

Alaharma

World Karting Championship

08/09

Kimbolton

British Karting Championships

08/09

Varennes / Allier

IAME - Series France

15/09

Magny-Cours

Championnat de France

15/09

Forest Edge

British Karting Championships

15/09

Laval

National Series Karting

22/09

Lonato

International Super Cup

22/09

Lonato

World Karting Championship

22/09

Lonato

Academy Trophy

29/09

Whilton Mill

British Karting Championships

29/09

Le Mans

24h Karting

(Auto)

X30 JUNIOR / X30 SHIFTER / X30 MINI / X30 SENIOR KZ2 (LONG CIRCUIT) / KZ2 GENTLEMAN (LONG CIRCUIT) / KZ2 MASTER (LONG CIRCUIT)

F4 INTERNATIONALE OK / OK-JUNIOR X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI X30 GENTL. / X30 SENIOR / X30 MASTER / X30 J. / X30 SUPER SHIFTER / X30 MINIME / X30 LADY F4 INTERNATIONALE SENIOR ROTAX MAX 177 / ROTAX MINIMAX / ROTAX SENIOR / ROTAX JUNIOR DD2 / ROTAX MAX / DD2 MASTER / ROTAX MASTER / NATIONALE / CADET / MINIME KZ2 KZ ACADEMY X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI GROUPE 1-2-3 ET 4

OCTOBER 06/10

Salbris

Coupe de France

06/10

Salbris

Championnat de France

06/10

Ampfing

Deutsche Kart Meisterschaft

13/10

Whilton Mill

13/10

Le Castellet

20/10

Arce

Coppa Italian ACI Karting

20/10

Whilton Mill

British Karting Championships

27/10

Lonato

WSK - Open Cup

27/10

Le Mans

(Auto)

British Karting Championships (Auto)

Championnat de France

European Championship

NATIONALE KZ2 GENTLEMAN / KZ2 MASTER / KZ2 OK / OK-JUNIOR / KZ2 SENIOR ROTAX MAX 177 / ROTAX MINIMAX / ROTAX SENIOR / ROTAX JUNIOR F4 INTERNATIONALE

X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI 60 MINI / OK-JUNIOR / OK / KZ2 SUPERKART

NOVEMBER

03/11

Lonato

Trofeo delle Industrie

03/11

Ledenon

Championnat de France

10/11

Castelletto

WSK - Open Cup

60 MINI / OK / OK-JUNIOR

17/11

Adria

WSK - Final Cup

60 MINI / OK-JUNIOR / OK / KZ2

KARTCOM NEWS #48

60 MINI / OK-JUNIOR / X30 SENIOR / OK / KZ2 KZ2 (LONG CIRCUIT) / KZ2 GENTLEMAN (LONG CIRCUIT) / KZ2 MASTER (LONG CIRCUIT)

Ines Trocchia - Ph: Sirio Serughetti - Art Direction: Guido Monfrini / Makelab.it - Make-up: Lorenza Bacchieri - Location: Vega Srl, Saronno (VA) - Riproduzione vietata - Imposta di pubblicitĂ a cura di chi lo espone in pubblico - Backstage:

www.vegatyres.com/backstage

www.vegatyres.com

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 7

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 7

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

2019

Gennaio Febbraio Marzo Aprile Maggio Giugno Luglio Agosto Settembre Ottobre Novembre Dicembre

REPORT

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Frédéric Billet

27 OFFENBACH KARTING SHOW th

KARTCOM NEWS #48

REPORT

KARTCOM NEWS #48

On the 26th and 27th of January, the biggest exhibition dedicated to karting was held in Offenbach, in the suburbs of Frankfurt am Main, the fourth largest city in Germany and the leading financial centre. The face of this show evolves over time according to the fluctuations of the market. In 2019, the share of the exhibitors specialising in racing seemed to decline with the absence of some big names like Birel ART and CRG, traditional pillars of the event. While the world of leisure karting was still well represented, several stands selling accessories and gadgets completed the products on offer to the public.

2019

being a year of engine homologation for the CIK-FIA, the new engines were presented by IAME, TM Racing and LKE. On the most beautiful competition stand, the Kart Republic colours were reminiscent of the McLaren branding thanks to Dรถrr Racing and the TB Racing team as part of the McLaren Customer Racing Driving School.

Electric propulsion has long been of interest to the Germans, but the gap seems to be widening both in the leisure market and in competition between original concepts that are more or less well developed and solid such as the Rotax THUNDeR used in DEKM and those of the big Rental manufacturers, led by Sodikart.

Offenbach still offers great networking and meeting opportunities for most members of the international karting community.

INTERVIEW

Info CRG ÂŠ Photo KSP - Philippe KalmĂ¨s

AN INTERVIEW WITH

GIANCARLO TININI INTERSEASON: GIANCARLO TININI TALKS ABOUT KARTING AND CRG While the racing season has just restarted, Giancarlo Tinini, President of CRG SpA, broadcast a long interview about the 2018 season before discussing the prospects of his company and karting in general. Here are some excerpts.

THE CRG 2018 RANGE

"CRG's overall record in the racing sector was positive in 2018, particularly with regard to the results and feedback that various private teams and customers have given us on the new chassis offered in the last few years of FIA homologations. In KZ,

KARTCOM NEWS #48

the Road Rebel remains a benchmark, but we also did a great job with the KT4 which, under certain track conditions, proved to be an effective alternative. Due to its versatility and adaptation to different tyres, the KT2 chassis has been a bestseller in the direct-drive categories. In this market seg-

ment, we are also very satisfied with the feedback from the Heron chassis, which is particularly effective on medium-duty hard tyres and on less grippy tracks."

GOOD RACING RESULTS

"A very questionable decision by the commissioners deprived Paolo De Conto of the European KZ title, but another CRG, that of Jorrit Pex prevailed. A minor incident, a breakage of the cooling hose, delayed both De Conto and Pedro Hiltbrand at the World Championship at Genk. Hiltbrand finished on the podium of the OK World Championship, but the greatest satisfaction came from Gabriel Bortoleto, 3rd in the European Championship and the OK-Junior World Championship."

NEW STRATEGY FOR 2019

"The most important innovation for the Racing Team will be in-house engine management thanks to Maxter's resources. This will allow us to keep a handle on all technical aspects during events. We will also reduce the number of races for the Racing Team to better focus on the preparation for and running of the FIA Karting events. The goal is also to offer a better service to our drivers as well as to our representatives and the teams who trust us."

THE FIA KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP

"In terms of organising and promoting events, I have not seen any major differences from the past. I regret, however, that many tracks hosting FIA international events do not offer adequate services and facilities. I also have reservations about the announced ban on warming up the engines in the paddock: a transitional solu-

tion would probably have been preferable with a space reserved for this purpose.

mat would be more effective to promote karting and I give him my total support.

What interests me most, however, is the long-term vision of karting held by the FIA. First of all, we must affirm the concept that international races are only awarded to countries that promote the OK and OKJ international categories, in addition to the KZs. ASNs must be more strongly encouraged to promote internationally homologated chassis and engines in their championships. It is not acceptable that ASNs such as France, Spain and Italy award national titles to single-brand Championships using engines without FIA homologation.

Finally, the International Federation must adopt concrete policies to contain costs. First of all, you have to consider one by one the different expenses of a race weekend, free practice, fuel, tyres and entry fees. Taken separately each item does not seem significant, but for a team at the end of the year, the total is impressive.

On the other hand, I had the opportunity to discuss with Felipe Massa the idea of organising the World Championships on several events and to limit the European Championships to only one event: this for-

We must seriously consider reducing the number of days of competition, as this would reduce the costs of technical staff, hotels and logistics. And in all likelihood, less expensive and less demanding races would bring many teams that have left international karting for other events back to the FIA events."

INTERNATIONAL

A RATHE COLD OPENIN

KARTCOM NEWS #48

ER NG RACE

WSK CHAMPIONS CUP, ADRIA

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

WSK Promotion

LOCATION

Adria Karting Raceway Italie – 1302 m

DATE 25th to 27th January, 2019

ENTRIES 159 drivers – 3 categories • One week after the WSK collective tests • Entries down • No KZ2, few OK • Vega tyres in 60 Mini and OK-Junior • Bridgestone tyres in OK • Competitive races • Clear and dry weather, but cold

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #48

BARNARD ALREADY A WINNER

arry Thompson (FA Kart / Vortex) appeared as the favourite after the Qualifying Heats, but a collision in the Prefinal and another retirement in the Final caused him to disappear from the screens. Lorenzo Travisanutto (KR / Iame) also retired in the Prefinal, but managed to finish 10th in the Final. It was poleman Taylor Barnard (KR / Iame) under the colours of Rosberg Academy who won brilliantly in the Finals in front of Gabriele Mini (Parolin / TM) and Cristian Comanduci (Tony Kart / Iame). In 14th, Thomas Imbourg (Kosmic / Iame) was the top Frenchman.

INTERNATIONAL

OK-JUNIOR

VICTORY FOR DUNNE

ames Wharton (FA Kart / Vortex) dominated the start of the meeting until Paolo Gallo (CRG / Iame) and Andrea Kimi Antonelli (KR / Iame) stole the show in the Prefinals. Wharton was the early leader in the Final from Antonelli, but Alex Dunne (Exprit / TM) took the lead and escaped to victory. Arvid Lindblad (Exprit / TM) took advantage of the last few laps to take 2nd place, followed by Thomas Ten Brinke (FA Kart / Vortex). Antonelli and Wharton completed the top five and Marcus Amand (KR / Iame) finished 8th.

KARTCOM NEWS #48

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #48

60 MINI

FILAFERRO THWARTS THE PREDICTIONS IN THE FINAL

oskun Irfan (Parolin / TM) had won all his heats as well as his Prefinal. Andrea Filaferro (Tony Kart / TM) quickly took the lead in the Final and headed for victory. Francesco Marenghi (Tony Kart / TM) came back to the poleman Maksim Orlov (Parolin / TM) and took 2nd place, while Rashid Al Dhaheri (Parolin / TM) was 3tf on the podium in front of Joel Bergstrom (Parolin / TM) and Lukas Malek (Parolin / TM).

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #48

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

RFM ON THE MARCH IN 2019 While there have already been many test sessions in northern Italy since the beginning of the year, the first competition of the season took place on the last weekend of January in Adria. The Ricky Flynn Motorsport team had eight drivers at the start of the WSK Champions Cup in cold weather for karting, though quite dry.

ictory did not reward the excellent performance of the FA Kart / Vortex karts from the British team this time, but there were several reasons for satisfaction. Firstly, the newly homologated Vortex engines have already demonstrated their strength in the hands of the tuner One Engines. Two new Junior drivers, Ugo Ugochukwu and Laurens Van Hoepen, joined the team while Kai Askey moved up to the top category. He ensured a good performance for his first race in OK, running at the front with great consistency before finishing 8th. The 2018 European Vice-Champion Harry Thompson took the lead of the

category after the heats, but lost all his chances in a clash at the end of the Prefinal. Fast-paced Australian James Wharton confirmed his form from the WSK Final Cup last November, making him a longtime favourite as a result of his pole position and four heat wins. A solid 2nd in the Final, he was demoted to 5th in a scramble near the finish. It was the Dutchman Thomas Ten Brinke, until then fighting in the top five, who took the opportunity to mount the third step of the podium, completing an ascending course throughout the weekend. Remarkable in his first OK-Junior event, Ugo Ugochukwu of the United States resumed racing after

a promising performance in 60 Mini in 2017. He set the 3rd fastest time in Qualifying and recovered from a retirement in the first heat with a 5th place in Prefinal A. Ugo was a brilliant 6th in the Final before dropping to 9th because of a spoiler penalty. The 20th-fastest driver, Conrad Laursen of Denmark, constantly regained places, 15th at the end of the heats and 12th in the Final. The Dutchman Laurens Van Hoepen quickly took the measure of his new team and achieved two fastest laps in his heats. He gained another five places in the Final by finishing 13th. Finally the young Chinese Singaporean Christian Ho revealed a significant progress since his debut with RFM at the WSK Final Cup. 23rd out of 50 in both Qualifying and the heats, he came back to 16th place.

WWW.RFM.TEAM

INTERNATIONAL

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

MAXENS VERBRUGGE, FINALIST IN HIS FIRST RACE IN 60 MINI The reigning French Minime Champion, Maxens Verbrugge has just made his debut in 60 Mini as a factory driver of the Parolin Racing Team. In the WSK Champions Cup, at the Adria (ITA) circuit, Maxens made his debut by making steady progress among more experienced drivers. Starting from a distance in Qualifying, he managed to qualify for the Final, a very encouraging performance for his age.

A 57

fter a modest 50th in Qualifying, Maxens then concentrated on getting back into the

KARTCOM NEWS #48

pack, always a delicate exercise, while improving his lap times. Back to 41st after the heats, he managed to secure his qualification with 17th place in his Prefinal. He then gained seven places in the Final, but an unhooked spoiler dropped him down to 31st position.

Maxens will continue his international apprenticeship next weekend, again at Adria, for the first round of the WSK Super Master Series against 87 opponents.

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #48

Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès

PAROLIN THE 2019 SEASON BEGINS ON A SOLID FOUNDATION

Parolin Racing Kart has already made an impression at the very beginning of the 2019 season. Excellent results have been achieved in the USA as part of the Florida Winter Series, with four victories at Homestead Miami, as well as in Indonesia for the opening of the IAME Asia Series. In Europe, they competed in the WSK Champions Cup at Adria and Parolin has already taken two podiums in all three categories, a positive sign for the brand's ambitions to progress its drivers from Mini to OK.

ery well established in 60 Mini, as shown by the results and participation figures at this first event, the Italian brand has also extended its area of expertise in OK-Junior with growing representation, and finished strongly in OK, the advanced category where Gabriele Mini shone. Moreover, with a factory renovated and revamped during the winter, Parolin starts the new year better placed than ever to extend its influence on kart racing in many countries.

A GOOD START IN OK

With a very convincing performance in the OK category, Gabriele Mini was able to mount the second step of the WSK Champions Cup podium, even though a technical problem forced him to start from last position in the heats. The World Junior Vice-Champion made a great comeback, reaching the front in the Qualifying Heats, then the top five in the Prefinal. He continued his climb to 2nd place in the Final, an extremely encouraging result for the rest of the season.

TOP THREE AND NUMERICAL DOMINANCE IN MINI

The spearhead of the strategy for Parolin for two years, 60 Mini is undeniably influenced by the brand from Romano D'Ezzelino. A good half of the field of the WSK Champions Cup were indeed using the Parolin chassis. They took pole position and the four fastest laps, then nine wins in the 15 races, as well as two wins in the Prefinals and the fastest lap in the Final. Five Parolin chassis were ranked in the top eight in the Final. The official Parolin team relied on six young drivers, including five newcomers, to defend the colours of the factory. As soon as he arrived in his new team, Rashid Al Dhaheri fulfilled his mission perfectly as he was often in 2nd place during practice and in the heats. Penalised for his spoiler in the Prefinal, despite this he managed to get on the Final podium. Keanu

INTERNATIONAL

Al Azhari, also from the UAE, was the lap record holder of the event, with several fastest laps in the race. Fast in Qualifying, the Belgian Douwe Dedecker was in the top 10 of the heats but had to retire in the Prefinal. The Italian Valerio Rinicella was more and more successful during the races. 7th in his Prefinal, he was delayed in the Final. The Frenchman Maxens Verbrugge reached the Final of his first race in 60 Mini and ranked 31st out of 82 despite a penalty. Chinese driver Chi Newman Zhen Rui took part in his first European competition.

EXPANDED PRESENCE IN JUNIOR

The results obtained last year by Gabriele Mini have had a strong impact on the competition. At Adria, the Parolin team was strong with five drivers, mostly young talents coming directly from the Mini categories. At this high level, the Italian Brando Badoer made a convincing run into the top 10 in the Final while his new teammates, the Norwegian Martinius Stenshorne and the Brazilian Vinicius Tessaro were already performing well. Like Tessaro, Alessandro Cenedese missed his qualification in the Final because of a spoiler penalty, but they caught up by finishing 1st and 3rd in Final B. The Mexican Jesse Alenjandro Carrasquero Parada for his part took his first steps in European competition. "We are now extending our strategy to other categories and other continents," explained Marco Parolin. "Our recent Mini and Junior performances have strengthened our development potential and we are building on these achievements in a number of areas. The basis of our work is the production of very competitive chassis, which are easy to use. We continue our efforts in this direction based on our leading results."

KARTCOM NEWS #48

INTERNATIONAL

Info KARTCOM - Renaud Didier ÂŠ Photo KSP - Philippe KalmĂ¨s

ALEX POWELL READY FOR A BIG SEASON The revelation of 2018 in the Mini category, where he collected podiums and victories, the Jamaican Alex Powell has been consistently impressive during his debut on the European continent, where he raced against fast and seasoned drivers. This promising young driver has just started a new season in Mini, for which he has high hopes with the Energy Corse team.

A WHOLE TEAM BEHIND ALEX

For Alex Powell, 2019 started with the WSK Champions Cup on 25th-27th January at the Adria International Raceway circuit in northeastern Italy. The Jamaican was eager to regain the competitive spirit that drives him. "This year, the Energy Corse team will again make every effort to ensure that Alex is in the best position to achieve his goals, as we do for all our drivers," commented Mick Panigada, head of the team. "With Luigina Guerrini, our team manager, and Simone Sorio, who is assisting, he knows he can count on the experienced technicians around him." In addition to its Energy Corse / TM kart in constant development, Alex Powell is continually improving thanks to the advice of his coach Mike Wilson, the most successful driver in the history of karting.

KARTCOM NEWS #48

A TOP 10 TO START THE 2019 SEASON

At Adria, Alex Powell has collected leading performances. Ranked 8th in the overall standings out of 82 drivers, he won three of his heats and was on the front row for his Prefinal. On Sunday, intense duels took place between multiple contenders for victory. After incessant and sometimes ro-

bust attacks, Alex had to be satisfied with 9th position in the Final. "The current standard of 60 Mini is even higher than 2018. There is very little between them," confirmed Mick Panigada. "And even though Alex was one of only three drivers out of the 34 finalists to drop below the 55-second mark, the race did not work in his favour, even though he had already finished 5th in the combination of the Prefinals.â&#x20AC;?

But a big programme of races is in prospect in 2019 for Alex Powell, who has already decided to regain the podium as soon as possible...

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #48

Info KARTCOM - Renaud Didier ÂŠ Photo KSP - Philippe KalmĂ¨s

ROSBERG RACING ACADEMY NEW COLOURS,

NEW AMBITIONS AND ALREADY THE FIRST SUCCESS OF 2019 The 2019 international karting season has begun as it ended with the Rosberg Racing Academy and its driver Taylor Barnard: a victory! At Adria in Italy, the young Briton celebrated his move to the next level with his first success in OK at the WSK Champions Cup. In addition, convincing performances from the other two drivers of the Rosberg Racing Academy, the Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli and the Chinese driver Cenyu Han, reinforced the decisions made during the winter and the quality of the partners who support the operation created by Nico Rosberg.

rowned World Karting Champion in 2018 with Lorenzo Travisanutto in its first year of existence, the Rosberg Racing Academy has no intention of resting on its newly-won laurels. It did not fail to use the off-season to refine its strategy, select new drivers and sign new partnerships to ensure its continued development, as with Ravenol lubricants.

INTERNATIONAL

DOMINANT EVENT FOR BARNARD

Scheduled very early in the season on 25th-27th January, the WSK Champions Cup saw Taylor Barnard win with panache in OK. At the wheel of his KR-IAME, the Briton achieved pole position and was able to return to 1st place in the Prefinal despite starting in 6th position, following a retirement in a heat. In the Final, he dominated his opponents by leading from start to finish and winning by more than three seconds. "Taylor was able to stay on the same dynamic at the end of last season, where he won an excellent World Championship and the WSK Final Cup," said his team manager Dino Chiesa. "To start a new category with a win is very encouraging."

2019 ROSBERG RACING ACADEMY CALENDAR

03/02 Adria - WSK - Super Master Series

17/02 Lonato - Winter Cup

24/02 Lonato - WSK - Super Master Series

10/03 La Conca - WSK - Super Master Series

24/03 Sarno - WSK - Super Master Series

31/03 Sarno - WSK - Euro Series

07/04 Angerville - Championnat & Coupe de France

21/04 Angerville - European Championship

28/04 Angerville - WSK - Euro Series

19/05 Genk - European Championship

For his first competition with the Rosberg Racing Academy, the former Junior Cenyu Han had a lot to learn for his debut in OK. In this environment conducive to training and progress, the young Chinese driver recovered at the end of the meeting to 13th position, although he was only 20th in Qualifying.

02/06 Kristianstad - European Championship

23/06 Lonato - WSK - Euro Series

30/06 Adria - WSK - Euro Series

07/07 Le Mans - Championnat & Coupe de France

21/07 Le Mans - European Championship

In OK-Junior, Andrea Kimi Antonelli constantly fought at the front: 2nd in Qualifying, 2nd after three successes in the heats and new achievement in the Prefinal with the victory and the fastest lap in the race. "In the Final, Andrea was still among the fastest, but he lacked experience and had to be satisfied with 4th place. It should be remembered that he was still in Mini in 2018 and that he joined the Academy in OK-Junior only last October," said Dino Chiesa of Kart Republic.

25/08 Alaharma - Finland Championship

08/09 Alaharma - World Karting Championship

27/10 Lonato - WSK - Open Cup

10/11 Castelletto - WSK - Open Cup

PROMISING YOUNG DRIVERS IN THE ACADEMY

The season got off to a flying start for the KR-IAME karts from the Rosberg Racing Academy in the Ravenol colours, and 2019 is only just beginning ...

17/11 Adria - WSK - Final Cup

LIVE TIMING FIA KARTING

LIVE STREAMING FIA KARTING

LIVE TIMING WSK PROMOTION

LIVE STREAMING WSK PROMOTION

KARTCOM NEWS #48

INTERNATIONAL

RAIN CHANGES THE GAME 71

KARTCOM NEWS #48

WSK SUPER MASTER SERIES 1/4, ADRIA

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

WSK Promotion

LOCATION

Adria Karting Raceway Italie – 1302 m

DATE 1st - 3rd February 2019

ENTRIES 186 drivers – 3 categories • One week after the WSK Champions Cup • First of four WSK Super Master Series events • The field gets stronger with the return of the big teams • No KZ2 • Vega tyres in 60 Mini and OKJunior • Bridgestone tyres in OK • Highly contested and lively races in the rain • Rain and slippery track up to the Prefinals

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #48

TRAVISANUTTO FINDS THE WAY TO VICTORY

he competition had several leaders, as Sebastian Ogaard (Tony Kart / Vortex) took pole, Dexter Patterson (KR / Iame) led in the heats, then Dilan Van T'Hoff (Exprit / TM) and Kas Haverkort (CRG / TM) won their Prefinals. But Lorenzo Travisanutto (KR / Iame) took the lead halfway while Harry Thompson (FA Kart / Vortex) made a legendary comeback from 24th. Travisanutto won, Thompson was 2nd on the line but penalised to 5th, Haverkort recovered 2nd place ahead of Patterson and Taylor Barnard (KR / Iame). Gabriele Mini (Parolin / TM) broke his chain. Franck Chappard (Redspeed / Iame) finished in 8th position, Sami Meguetounif (Tony Kart / Vortex) finished skilfully in 10th and Loris Cabirou (Kosmic / Iame) was 15th.

INTERNATIONAL

OK-JUNIOR

CAMARA AT THE FINISH

fter pole position for Paolo Ferrari (Righetti / TM), Conrad Laursen (FA Kart / Vortex) shone in the heats. Andrea Kimi Antonelli (KR / Iame) won Prefinal A and led the Final. William Silverholm (Tony Kart / Vortex) and Rafael Camara (BirelART / TM), the winner of Prefinal B, battled for 1st place while Antonelli dropped back after a contact, Josep Maria Marti Sobrepera (Tony Kart / Vortex) fought Silverholm until the last lap. First on the line, Marti was penalized for pushing Silverholm and Camara recovered a good victory in front of Robert De Haan (Energy / TM) and Thomas Ten Brinke (FA Kart / Vortex). Marcus Amand (KR / Iame) saved his weekend by moving back into the top 10.

KARTCOM NEWS #48

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #48

60 MNI

TRIUMPH FOR AL DHAHERI AND THE PAROLIN TRIO

irill Kutskov (Energy / TM) caused a sensation during the heats and Prefinal A ahead of William MacIntyre (Tony Kart / Vortex). However, it was Rashid Al Dhaheri (Parolin / TM) who won the Final, despite his 33rd place in Qualifying. Ean Eyckmans (Parolin / TM) managed to secure 2nd place after a constant fight. Dmitry Matveev (Energy / TM) was penalised for pushing Alex Powell (Energy / TM) and Maksimilian Popov (Parolin / TM) recovered 3rd position. Loris ClĂŠricy (Parolin / TM) finished 15th, Louis Iglesias (IPKarting / TM) dropped to 23rd, Jules Caranta (Tony Kart / Vortex) finished 26th, Jimmy Helias (Tony Kart / Vortex) 27th and Guillaume Bouzar (IPKarting / TM) 31st with a penalty.

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #48

VERBRUGGE MAKES A GOOD START IN THE WSK SUPER MASTER SERIES

In his second race in 60 Mini, Maxens Verbrugge (Parolin / TM) made a good start by achieving the 4th fastest time of his group in Qualifying in the rain at Adria. Ranked 11th out of the 86 drivers in the WSK Super Master Series Qualifying Heats, he was the fastest of Parolin Racing Team at this stage. Performing on a sometimes wet track, he lost some ground in the battle of the heats, but ended with a good 4th place which allowed him to rank 15th in the Intermediate Classification on Saturday night.

ontested on Sunday morning in the fog on a still very slippery track, Prefinal A was the scene of tough battles. Maxens gave up a few places at the start before being sent back to 29th position in the third lap. The young Parolin driver was disappointed not to qualify. He proved, however, during Final B, the only race of the

weekend in the dry, that he had progressed well in terms of performance since the previous week and gained seven places. The next meeting will be at Lonato for the second round of the WSK Super Master Series from 21st to 24th February.

INTERNATIONAL

CAMARA WINS IN OK-JUNIOR

AS THE SEASON STARTS AT ADRIA

KARTCOM NEWS #48

The resumption of racing was not easy for the drivers from the Birel ART Racing Team during the first meeting of the WSK Super Master Series at the Adria Karting Raceway. As demonstrated by the great victory from Rafael Camara in OK-Junior, the team worked well during the winter and the equipment is already very competitive. This very positive result has been confirmed by the final comeback of Luigi Coluccio finishing in the top 10 of the OK category.

reduced team took the road to Adria this weekend in early February. Indeed, the KZ / KZ2 were not invited to this event and not all the drivers were ready to compete at this time of the year. The weather was not favourable during the three days of the event with the frequent rain and limited grip up to the Prefinals, all in very cool temperatures. Slips and penalties made it difficult for the less experienced drivers to join in with the 2019 competition. However, despite not always favourable circumstances, the quality of the Birel ART chassis and TM Racing engines, entrusted to its various preparers, recorded interesting performances. No doubt, for its 60th anniversary, the brand from Lissone has the strength to achieve the ambitious goals it has set.

CAMARA WINS WITH BRIO Newly joined the Birel ART Junior Team, under the responsibility of Giorgio Pantano, the Brazilian Rafael Camara was able to make the most of the potential of his new OK-Junior equipment to the great satisfaction of his team. Indeed, his high level of performance from the

first meeting of the season has allowed technicians to collect a lot of very useful data to continue their development work. After a relatively average Qualifying, Camara was able to raise the bar in the Qualifying Heats, brilliantly achieving top three finishes each time with a fastest lap in the race. Back in 2nd position on Saturday night, he improved his score again on Sunday by winning Prefinal B and the Final against very determined opposition. Lorenzo Ressico D'Aloisio also started on a good pace, but several spoiler penalties hindered his progress. This did not prevent him from finishing a beautiful Prefinal A in 3rd position. Well placed in the top five early in the Final, Lorenzo was then caught in a whirlwind of aggression in which he let slip a few places until he finished 15th. Cristian Bertucca made his debut in OK-Junior in a demanding situation. It was not easy for him to integrate all the new parameters of the category in the middle of agitated packs, but he nevertheless came close to qualification for the Final which he would have been achieved had he not been given a penalty.

COLUCCIO MOVES UP IN THE TOP 10 The only representative of the team in OK, Luigi Coluccio secured the first part of the event with consistency in the rain before being unleashed during the Final when the track was practically dry again. He quickly climbed into the top 10 of the competition, maintaining 9th position, a gain of 11 places, until the penultimate lap of the race. A contact in the middle of the battle then caused him to lose three places at once.

PROGRESS IN 60 MINI DESPITE THE RAIN The kick-off of the season immediately put the 60 Mini Junior Team drivers in the heat of the moment. Relatively far back in the Qualifying rankings, they had to face the tough battles of the pack on a slippery track. This robust experience was useful to them as we saw them begin to climb the order during the Prefinals. "It was not an easy weekend," said Ronni Sala, President of Birel ART. "But this event was very instructive and we had the satisfaction of concluding with a victory in OK-Junior. I would like to congratulate Rafael Camara for his brilliant race management. This kind of success builds the confidence of the whole team for future competitions and gives us good indications for better preparation."

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #48

Info KARTCOM - Renaud Didier ÂŠ Photo KSP - Philippe KalmĂ¨s

ENERGY A STRENGTHENED AND ENERGETIC TEAM TO START 2019

More than ever, Energy Corse justifies its status of a benchmark team in international karting, with an extensive race programme and a line-up of talented drivers in the main categories. The training of the youngest drivers, as well as the fight for podiums, will always be on the agenda for the team led by Mick Panigada.

LAUNCH AT THE WSK CHAMPIONS CUP Several of the drivers announced for 2019 were at work at the end of January on the Adria circuit for the first big event of the season, the WSK Champions Cup, already with a very strong 60 Mini field, as well as many entries in OK-Junior. "Since our last race in 2018, we have not been inactive," said Mick Panigada. "We continued the development of the equipment while solidifying agreements with our partners and engine builders. The races are continuing at a constant pace and it was important to be ready for the Champions Cup."

With several qualified drivers among the 34 finalists, the Energy Corse team has made the most of its season debut and has already celebrated its first two top 10 finishes in 60 Mini, with 7th place for the Russian Dmitriy Matveev and 9th for the Jamaican Alex Powell, also winner of several heats. The Russian drivers have definitely shown that they are not lacking in talent in getting noticed in OK-Junior. In the Final, Roman Shaparov made a 13-place climb to cross the finish 18th, two positions ahead of his Dutch team-mate Robert De Haan. The latter was penalised for his spoiler, as was Maksim Soldatov (25th), who had brilliantly ranked 6th in his Prefinal. Re-

cent winner of the Rotax Max Grand Finals in Brazil, De Haan deserved better after finishing the heats in 7th position.

DE HAAN: FROM THE ROTAX WORLD CUP TO THE PODIUM WITH ENERGY The Energy Corse team stayed at the Adria circuit for the first of four WSK Super Master Series events, organised just a week later. It was raining during a major part of the meeting, but the dry track was back for the Finals. In 60 Mini, the Final ranking did not really reflect the performance of the drivers of the team who had started full of optimism after Prefinal A. In this race five Energy chassis finished in the top 10, with the top three places going to Kirill Kutskov (leader after the heats), Alex Powell and Dmitriy Matveev! In the end, the best position went to Alex Powell, 4th in the Final. Vladimir Verkholantsev (RUS), Yaroslav Trukhin (RUS), Marcus Saeter (NOR, Revolution Motorsport) and Ger-

INTERNATIONAL

man Foteev (RUS) also held the spotlight. Ranked 3rd in the Champions Cup Final B, Foteev returned to 11th the following week, this time in Final A. In OK-Junior, Robert De Haan confirmed his talent by climbing on the second step of the podium after fighting all weekend at the forefront. The De Haan-Energy association has already produced sparks! As for Maksim Soldatov and Roman Shaparov, they again earned their places in the Final at the wheel of their Energy Corse-TM Racing karts. This is promising...

TOP THREES FOR POWELL AND JOHNSON The blue, red and white chassis are seen on the circuits throughout the world, such as the excellent results achieved by the AKT Energy Racing Team in the United States. At the SKUSA Winter Series, Alex Powell placed 2nd in the Mini Swift Race 1 at the first event in Miami, where the Florida Winter Tour also opened. Nikita Johnson took 3rd place in Mini Rok. "We are pleased to have such motivated and high potential drivers in our team," continued Mick Panigada. "At Adria, our squad was not yet complete, as other drivers will soon join us. When the KZ2 enter the track, we can also count on two very determined Swedish drivers, Emil Skaras and Isak Sijokvist, while two Australians will join the Energy Corse team for the FIA Karting international meetings." The 2019 Energy Corse programme will include the World and European FIA Karting events, all the WSK Promotion races, the Winter Cup in Lonato, the Andrea Margutti Trophy, the Supernationals in Las Vegas, the International Finals for IAME at Le Mans and the Rok Cup at Lonato, as well as the Italian Championship in 60 Mini! So many opportunities to see the colours of the chassis and the Energy Corse factory team shine ...

KARTCOM NEWS #48

INTERNATIONAL

AL DHAHERI, WINS 60 MINI IN THE CHALLENGING WSK SUPER MASTER AT ADRIA

In the first event of the WSK Super Master Series, the Adria track remained wet and slippery until the Prefinals. In these winter conditions, the Parolin chassis once again demonstrated their versatility on all terrain, allowing many drivers to express their talent. The superb victory for Rashid Al Dhaheri in Mini, and the performances of Brando Badoer in Junior and Gabriele Mini' in OK, brought great satisfaction to the Parolin Racing Team.

hile most of the season’s competitors were there for the opening of the WSK Super Master Series, the Parolin brand has remained the best represented on the grid, not only in Mini, but also in Junior, and our project is also progressing in the top category," said Marco Parolin. "Our successes in Mini confirm this as much as our breakthrough in OK-Junior and our level of performance in OK. However the weekend at Adria was very wet with consequent numerous incidents and pe-

KARTCOM NEWS #48

nalties. The victory for Rashid Al Dhaheri in Mini is all the more beautiful as he started from a long way back. The 100% Parolin 60 Mini podium obviously gives us great satisfaction".

AL DHAHERI ON A CLOUD

It was the young Maxens Verbrugge who set the fastest time of the official Parolin team in 60 Mini, but incidents and a penalty in the Prefinal caused him to miss his qualification. Meanwhile, Rashid Al Dhaheri was back in 5th position with

three wins, a feat after starting from 33rd place in Qualifying. Strong and determined, he fought in the leading group for the Final victory and managed to win after a crazy race, thus taking the lead in the championship. With great determination, Douwe Dedecker managed to recover from 60th place in Qualifying and reached the top 20 of the Final. The other drivers of the team suffered in the pack as a result of poor performance in Qualifying in the rain. They all made good progress in the heats, for example Keanu Al Azhari regained 31 places in five heats, but their starting handicap was too great to allow them to reach the Final.

BADOER LONG IN THE TOP FIVE

4th in Qualifying, Brando Badoer represented the best chances of the Parolin Racing Team in OK-Junior. Winner for the first time of a heat in his new category, he was delayed by a retirement, but re-

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #48

mained in the game by finishing in the top five of Prefinal B. The Final did not go as well as expected in the dry, and Brando first lost ground before taking back positions at the end of the race to finish 19th. Alessandro Cenedese, Martinius Stenshorme and Vinicius Tessaro also had to give up in the fight of one of their heats. Cenedese was penalised in the Prefinal before finishing 26th in a complicated Final. Tessaro made up for a very good Final B where he finished in 2nd position while Jesse Carrasquero continued his progress in the pack.

MINI IN THE FRAME IN THE RAIN

Although rain is not his favourite conditions, Gabriele Mini' did not leave the front of the OK category. 5th in Qualifying, he won one of his heats before taking 3rd place in his Prefinal while posting the fastest lap in the race. Gabriele fought for a long time between 3rd and 5th position in the Final and planned to ensure a good result at the finish, but a broken chain decided otherwise two laps from the goal. The next meeting for the Parolin Racing Team will be at the end of February at Lonato for the second round of the WSK Super Master Series.

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #48

Info KARTCOM - Renaud Didier ÂŠ Photo KSP - Philippe KalmĂ¨s

POWELL PLACES HIMSELF AMONG THE BEST On the Adria circuit, the first of four WSK Super Master Series 2019 events further highlighted Alex Powell and his Energy Corse team's level of performance in the 60 Mini Karting category. However, the unpredictable weather that prevailed in northern Italy in early February complicated the task of the young and talented Jamaican. Ranked 2nd in his Prefinal and 4th in the Final, Alex Powell was able to manage the situation to be among the favourites of the series already.

DETERMINED AND COMPETITIVE Cold weather, rain, fog, a drying track or a perfectly dry track in the Final ... Alex

Powell experienced different conditions during the meeting, but was always one of the fastest drivers on the magnificent Adria circuit. In a strong category with 86 entries, he reached the top ten in Qualifying, before experiencing an initial heat disappointment. A collision at the start sent him to the back of the pack and Alex could do no better than 17th. He took his revenge by finishing 2nd in the next two races, including once with the fastest lap in

the race. Despite two other perfectly negotiated heats, the extra points taken in the first heat forced him to be satisfied with 11th place overall

IN THE MIDDLE OF A THRILLING BATTLE The track was still wet on Sunday morning for Prefinal A, where Alex Powell made a high-flying performance when he returned to 2nd with a new fastest lap to his credit. Always well supervised by the staff of the Energy Corse team and his coach Mike Wilson, Alex was to experience a particularly lively Final, with positions changing constantly in the leading group. Focused on his goal of the podium, Alex Powell found the opening to join the top three on the last lap. Unfortunately, a final scuffle caused him to lose some of the benefits of his performance. 4th in the Final and 5th in the standings, Alex Powell knows that the season has just begun and that he will have many more opportunities to reach the podium in these extremely high level international events.

INTERNATIONAL

BARNARD & ANTONELLI CLOSE TO THE PODIUM Already well established after the WSK Champions Cup, the Rosberg Racing Academy stayed at the Adria Karting Raceway in early February for the start of the WSK Super Master Series. The preparation of 2019’s young drivers continues for a season full of promise. Following Barnard's victory a week earlier, the performance was still there for the KR-IAME equipment in the Ravenol colours, with two more top sixes and narrowly missed podiums for Taylor Barnard in OK and Andrea Kimi Antonelli in OK-Junior.

LEARNING IN DIFFICULT CONDITIONS At Adria, Timed Practice and Qualifying Heats took place on a very wet and cold track, forcing drivers to race on wet tyres. "These conditions are never easy, but that's part of the drivers’ training. A driver must also know how to be fast in the rain," said team manager Dino Chiesa. "Antonelli did well in OK-Junior with three 2nd places. Han gained experience that will be

KARTCOM NEWS #48

useful for the future, but Barnard did not have much success at the beginning of the meeting. Very fast in the rain in free practice, he broke his valves in Qualifying, then had a crash and a technical problem in the heats. Fortunately, the result was much better for him... " For the drivers, supported by Ravenol lubricants, the situation became clearer on Sunday, as did the sky in northeastern Italy. The Junior Antonelli managed his Prefinal perfectly to win with the lap record. In OK, Barnard made a significant

INTERNATIONAL

KARTCOM NEWS #48

comeback to 11th on the starting grid of the OK Final, while the Chinese driver Cenyu Han assured his qualification.

THE ACADEMY STILL AT THE FOREFRONT The young drivers of the Rosberg Racing Academy continued their efforts in the Final, this time on a perfectly dry track. In OK-Junior, Andrea Kimi Antonelli spent 10 of the 16 race laps in 1st place, but contact with another driver unfortunately caused him to lose several places. "It's a shame, because I really think that victory was possible in the Final. In the end, this incident dropped me to 6th position," regretted the Italian hopeful. "For now, I'm 3rd in the standings and I still have three events in this series to improve this position." In OK, Cenyu Han was able to apply the advice given by his team to make a nice comeback from 29th to 21st place in the Final. Meanwhile, Taylor Barnard was one of the main protagonists of the pack, coming back brilliantly to 4th after starting in 11th place, with the second fastest time in the race. Undoubtedly, many positive elements can be taken away from this opening of the WSK Super Master Series for the Rosberg Racing Academy, Ravenol and Kart Republic.

INTERNATIONAL

GR AT THE E

KARTCOM NEWS #48

REAT SHOW EDGE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

IAME WINTER CUP, VALENCIA

KEY POINTS ORGANISER

RGMMC

LOCATION

Kartodromo Internacional Lucas Guerrero, Chiva, Valencia, España – 1428 m

DATE 7th to 10th February, 2019

ENTRIES 196 drivers – 4 categories • First IAME event of the season • Entries rising, except in Super Shifter MG tyres • Hard-fought races • Exciting performance • Fine sunny and warm weather until Saturday • Fully dry track

100

INTERNATIONAL

X30 SENIOR CELEBRATION FOR MACDONALD

ntered in the race for fun, without any pressure, Dean MacDonald (GBR Tony Kart-Strawberry Racing) flew ahead of the battle from Qualifying to the Final. The category was still eventful among his pursuers and many contenders suffered. 4th in the Repechage, Joseph Turney (GBR-Kosmic-KR Sport) remarkably returned to the top five in the Prefinal, then climbed on to the second step of the podium in front of his teammate Clayton Ravenscroft. Slim Leedmaa (EST-Exprit-Aix Racing) and Morgan Porter (GBR-KR-M Sport) completed the top five. The top French driver, Arnaud Malizia (CRG), finished 25th after a penalty, so Romain Leroux (Tony Kart-Strawberry Racing) achieved the best tricolour performance.

101

KARTCOM NEWS #48

102

INTERNATIONAL

103

KARTCOM NEWS #48

X30 JUNIOR BEARMAN UNDEFEATED

liver Bearman (GBR-Kosmic-KR Sport) was the 4th fastest time in Qualifying and then won everything including an indisputable Final victory. Josh Rowledge (GBR-Tony Kart-Strawberry Racing), Oli Pylka (POL-FA Kart-DHR) and Joseph Taylor (GBR Tony Kart-Coles Racing) followed him in this order as well in the Prefinal and in the Final, not without delivering epic battles. Oliver Gray (GBR-FA Kart-DHR) finished 5th after a climb of 28 places.

104

INTERNATIONAL

105

KARTCOM NEWS #48

X30 MINI FREDDIE SLATER DOMINATES

xcept for a 4th place in his first heat, Freddie Slater (GBR-KR-Fusion) won everything in Valencia. His teammate Leo Robinson did not make his job easy, especially in the Prefinal, but he had to settle for 3rd place in the Final behind Tiziano Monza (SGP KR-Team Driver Racing Kart).

106

INTERNATIONAL

X30 SUPER SHIFTER BENAVIDES BREAKS THE SUSPENSE

espite a small number of participants, the show was there, especially during the Finals. The big favourite, Kaspar Korjus (EST-Exprit-Aix Racing) was eliminated from the Final at the start due to a collision. Brad Benavides of the United States (ESP-Sodi-Campos Racing) settled in 1st and resisted the return of Kevin LÃ¼di (CHE-Kosmic-Spirit Racing), joined in 3rd position by his team-mate Philipp Seewer.

107

KARTCOM NEWS #48

108

INTERNATIONAL

SUCCESSF SEASON LAU AT SOUTH GARDA KA

109

KARTCOM NEWS #48

FUL UNCH ARTING

WINTER CUP LONATO

KEY POINTS LOCATION

South Garda Karting, Lonato, Italie – 1200 m

DATE 14th to 17th February, 2019

ENTRIES 310 drivers – 4 categories • 24th edition of the grand classic of the beginning of the season • 98 drivers in KZ2 • Thrilling races in all categories • Super Heats replace Prefinals • Very good weather • Mild temperatures • Large audience • Bridgestone in KZ2, OK and Mini Rok Vega in OKJ • Engine starts prohibited in the paddock

110

INTERNATIONAL

KZ2 A FIRST FOR ABBASSE AND SODI

nd in 2018, Anthony Abbasse (Sodi / TM) this year won a magnificent Final against Paolo De Conto (CRG / TM) and Marco Ardigo (Tony Kart / Vortex) while Marijn Kremers (BirelART / TM) was 4th in front of Fabian Federer (Maranello / TM). The Italians Giacomo Pollini (Formula K / TM) 2nd at the start of the Final, Giuseppe Palomba (Croc Promotions / TM) 6th, William Lanzeni (Vemme / TM) 8th and Massimo Dante (Maranello / TM) 7th, brilliantly participated in the battles. The young driver Emilien Denner (Sodi / TM) was close to the top 10.

111

KARTCOM NEWS #48

112

INTERNATIONAL

113

KARTCOM NEWS #48

OK TRAVISANUTTO AHEAD OF THE ROOKIES

orenzo Travisanutto (KR / Iame), who took pole position, faced tough opposition from Dexter Patterson (KR / Iame) 2nd, Taylor Barnard (KR / Iame) 11th, Leandro Anderutti (KR / Iame) 4th and the revelation of the weekend Joseph Turney (Tony Kart / Vortex) in 3rd while being capable of winning. Harry Thompson (FA Kart / Vortex) was 5th and Pedro Hiltbrand (CRG / Iame) 6th ahead of Luigi Coluccio (BirelART / TM). Sami Meguetounif (Tony Kart / Vortex) returned to 12th place in the Final. Although among the favourites, Gabriele Mini (Parolin / TM) arrived too late to participate in the Final.

114

INTERNATIONAL

115

KARTCOM NEWS #48

OK-JUNIOR ANTONELLI ALREADY AT THE TOP

he winner last year in Mini Rok, Andrea Kimi Antonelli (KR / Iame) clearly dominated Juniors this time. James Wharton (FA Kart / Vortex) and Conrad Laursen (FA Kart / Vortex) reached the podium in front of two Russians, Andrey Zhivnov (Kosmic / Vortex) and Artem Severiukhin (Tony Kart / Vortex) while Thomas Ten Brinke (FA Kart / Vortex) retired from 2nd position.

116

INTERNATIONAL

MINI-ROK POWELL WINS AN OUTSTANDING CONFRONTATION

oskun Irfan (Parolin) and Rashid Al Dhaheri (Parolin) shone in the heats and Super Heats before delivering a great battle in the Final. After many changes of leader, Alex Powell (Energy) took the lead on the last lap and won against Al Dhaheri who was penalised. Kirill Kutskov (Energy) inherited 2nd place ahead of Coskun, Matteo De Palo (Parolin) finished 4th and Maksimilian Popov (Parolin) 5th.

117

KARTCOM NEWS #48

118

CARS

2019 WINFIELD VOLANT PROGRAMME UNVEILED In search of a new talent following a 2018 edition marked by the rise of the young Caio Collet, successively winner of the Winfield Volant and the FIA F4 French Championship and now a member of the Renault Sport Academy, the legendary driving school unveils its training and selection programme for 2019.

119

KARTCOM NEWS #48

fter a successful 2018 season, which has further enriched the record of the prestigious driving school, the Winfield Volant returns from 23th to 25th February 2019 at the Paul Ricard circuit. The three-day programme can accommodate up to 18 participants and is accessible to all young drivers, from 14 to 17 years old, male or female, with or without experience.

120

CARS

121

KARTCOM NEWS #48

During the previous edition, there were no less than six young people with no experience of driving a single-seater on a circuit. More than just a selection to obtain a seat for the 2019 FIA French F4 Championship organised by the French Federation of Motor Sport and the FFSA Academy, the training dimension is especially dominant in the Winfield Volant. Media training, mental preparation, physical assessment and preparation, nutrition, work with engineers, understanding of the dynamics of a car and tyres, with many workshops to help understand the profession of a driver and to approach the season with relevant tools. A testament to the results of the contenders of the 2018 season: victory in the championship for the winner of the Volant Caio Collet, and no less than eight students ranked in the top 10 of the championship. "Thanks to the Winfield Volant, we enable young people to show their talent and help them launch their careers in the world of motorsport," confirms Frédéric Garcia, president of the Winfield Group. "The case of Caio (Collet) is a perfect example of our commitment! After winning the Volant, then the French F4 Championship, Caio is now a member of a young driver scheme of a manufacturer involved in F1" At Winfield Racing School, everyone has a chance. Track performance is not the only selection criteria as the winner will also be chosen on the basis of their results in various off-track evaluations as well as their personal qualities, sporting and interpersonal in particular.

WINFIELDRACINGSCHOOL.COM

THE PROGRAMME IN DETAIL SATURDAY, 23RD FEBRUARY - Arrival and administrative checks - Presentation of the Winfield team and the programme - First training workshops, interviews, physical evaluation, theoretical courses ...

SUNDAY, 24TH FEBRUARY - Training workshops and briefings - Four training sessions per participant - Debriefing of driving sessions

MONDAY, 25TH FEBRUARY - Multiple choice test for validation of prior learning - Briefing drivers and draws for cars - Two qualifying sessions per participant - Deliberation of the panel and announcement of the three finalists - Final over three sessions for finalists - Interview with the panel - 2019 Winfield Volant Winner announced, Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception The various scheduled driving sessions take place on the Circuit Paul Ricard in its 3.8km configuration, offering competitors a wide range of technical specificities. The MygaleRenault F4 cars of the Winfield school are identical to those used in the FIA French F4 Championship, allowing rapid learning of the category for the upcoming season. Finally, supervision is provided by more than 40 professionals from the world of motorsport, all qualified in their fields.

THE KEY FIGURES OF THE VOLANT: - 3 DAYS OF TRAINING AND SELECTION - 4740 KILOMETRES TRAVELLED IN TOTAL - 330 KM BY EACH DRIVER - 1500 LITRES OF PETROL - 128 PIRELLI TYRES - 40 PROFESSIONALS - 10 TRAINING ACTIVITIES - 1 WINNER OF A FULL SEASON IN THE FIA FRENCH F4 CHAMPIONSHIP

122

CARS

CAIO COLLET JOINS THE RENAULT SPORT ACADEMY Caio Collet, 16-year-old Brazilian from Sao Paulo, won the 2018 French F4 Championship with seven wins in 21 races, after winning the Winfield Volant at the start of the season.

his year Caio will progress into Formula Renault Eurocup in the reigning champion team R-ace GP and will race on nine Grand Prix circuits. Among them will be Monaco in May and Abu Dhabi Yas Marina, a track on which Caio won his first single-seater race in February 2018. Caio is one of the most talented Brazilians of his generation. After making his karting debut at the age of seven, he won in several Brazilian Championships between 2010 and 2015 before coming to Europe and being recognised as 2015 CIK-FIA Rookie of the Year.

123

KARTCOM NEWS #48

He debuted in single-seater last year and finished 3rd in his first race in Dubai before winning a week later in Abu Dhabi. He then moved on to take the title of French F4 Champion after seven victories and six podiums. "We are very pleased to confirm Caio as a Renault Sport Academy driver, Brazil has a long tradition of producing talented racing drivers and Caio has the skills to continue this trend. He is one of many exciting talents we have at the Academy, his karting record is very good and he made an impressive transition to cars, as evidenced by his victory in the

French F4 Championship, and we look forward to working closely with him and the team at All Road Management over the next few years to advance him in the established motor sport ladder as part of the Academy,” said Mia Sharizman, Director of the Renault Sport Academy "I am very happy to join the Renault Sport Academy and I knew that as part of the prize for winning the F4 France, there would be an opportunity to join the programme, so it was a huge motivation last season. I will only grow from here, because I want to show Renault that I deserve a place in the Academy and that this will mean having a successful season on the Formula Renault Eurocup circuit, so I will work very hard to achieve my goals and I look forward to working with Renault and using its support,” said the driver.

124

CARS

ISACK HADJAR READY FOR FRENCH F4 Discovered in 2017 in the French Junior Championship of the FFSA Academy after a brilliant Cadet debut, Isack Hadjar then raced an international season in OK-Junior with the British team Forza Racing.

he 2018 season really enriched my experience, it is a challenge to be confronted with two objectives of excellence, sports and education," said Isack. "High level international competition is extremely demanding, requiring training and circuit knowledge. I needed to prepare in a serious way and to show mental strength, in parallel with school imposing a schedule often incompatible with the competing in sport at a high level. I learned a lot in a team like Forza Racing that applies rigorous methods. My results have not met my expectations, but I know that I made good progress in my eight races.” Always very demanding of himself, Isack still finished 16th in the FIA Kar-

125

KARTCOM NEWS #48

ting Junior European Championship by making a strong recovery of 20 places to 7th position during the last race. He was also a finalist at the World Junior Championship in Sweden, again achieving a superb performance in the Final. For his 15th year, Isack decided to take up a new challenge while maintaining the same academic constraints. To take the step towards cars in 2019, he will return to the FFSA Academy team and working methods by participating in the French F4 Championship. Confident after the first conclusive tests, Isack is preparing to compete in seven events of three races each on major French and international circuits. "I'm thrilled to be driving in single-seaters this year. With the supervision of

the FFSA Academy and the coaches who support us at each race, it is an excellent formula to train in motorsport." Isack's attacking qualities and his fierce determination to succeed have already attracted generous partners. Therefore, from the beginning of the season he will have a new partner, GeFi Assurance, a recognised player in the field. That's enough to give the young Parisian driver extra motivation to aim for the top step of the podium. The French F4 Championship, set up by the FFSA Academy, is competing on new one-design cars meeting the FIA F4 specifications, with a Mygale carbon hull and Renault Sport 2-litre engine. The competition is on a level playing field between 20 young French and international drivers. Isack will be among the youngest prospects in 2019 and will be one of the most exciting new recruits this season.

FRENCH F4 CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE 1st round

20th-22nd APRIL NOGARO

GEFI ASSURANCE: PARTNER OF ISACK HADJAR IN F4

Created more than 20 years ago, GeFi Assurance is a brokerage and consultancy firm specialising in all aspects of the complementary social protection of employees. Through a partnership with

more than 15 insurance operators, GeFi Assurance represents the interests of many international groups and leading companies. The company, its employees and their beneficiaries, are at the centre of each system with a goal of optimisation, expertise and quality of services, in one of the most sensitive areas of total compensation.

2nd round

17th-19th MAY PAU

3rd round

21th-23rd JUNE SPA FRANCORCHAMPS

4th round

5th-7th JULY LÃ&#x2030;DENON

5th round

6th-8th SEPTEMBER HUNGARORING

6th test

13th-15th SEPTEMBER MAGNY-COURS

7th round

11th-13th OCTOBER PAUL RICARD

126

VIDEO

PLAYER

TEASER

The NSK 2019 is announced in video

127

KARTCOM NEWS #48

VERSTAPPEN AND GASLY

on ice with Kart Republic

R VIDEO

ADRIA

WSK Super Master Series OK-Junior Final

WINFIELD VOLANT

The spirit of the Winfield Volant

128