#49 SUMMARY 004 EDITORIAL 005 NEWS
Fernando Alonso visits RFM at Lonato Five races on the programme for Formula 20,000 in 2019! Maxime Furon-Castelain in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy New start for Thierry Savard at the controls of STmotors Reorganisation of the Birel ART Racing Team First international success already for Cédric Sport Motors with Renaudin FIA Karting 2019 Presentation Dossier FIA Karting expands its audience with a mobile application The FIA brings together its main promoters at the Geneva Motor Show
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Motorsport.tv to broadcast FIA Karting Championships RMC Grand Finals 2019 Sarno a newcomer among chassis suppliers Margutti in Parma - 10 years already ... Mario Kart in Paris? The top 8 European circuits Register for the 30th Andrea Margutti Trophy at Lonato
053 2019 CALENDAR 059 KSP GRAND 061 INTERVIEW
061
NEWS THE FIA BRINGS TOGETHER ITS MAIN PROMOTERS AT THE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW
033 1
Luca de Donno
KARTCOM NEWS #49
NEWS THE TOP 8 EUROPEAN CIRCUITS
INTERVI LUCA DE
065 INTERNATIONAL
Lonato - WSK - Super Master Series La Conca - WSK - Super Master Series
123 NATIONAL
Portugal - Portuguese Open
139 PRODUCTS Helmet dryer Sports bag
145 CARS
Théo Pourchaire joins the Sauber Junior Team Le Castellet - Winfield Volant Ultra-protective helmets based on the new FIA standard Isack Hadjar wins the 2019 Winfield Trophy Doriane Pin honoured by the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission FR Eurocup - The season kick-off is coming!
141 CIRCUITS Angerville Sarno
147
IEW E DONNO
093
CARS LE CASTELLET WINFIELD VOLANT
INTERNATIONAL LA CONCA WSK - SUPER MASTER SERIES
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BETWEEN PAST AND FUTURE, KARTING STILL LOOKS TO THE FACTORIES 21st century karting has not revolutionised the definition of the discipline that emerged in the 1970s after the pioneering period of all-round exploration, but has only gained complexity and weight to make it a little easier to start these strange machines.
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T
he addition of a clutch, an electric starter and its accessories as essential, even though they are heavy and trouble-making, to the highest level of competition in the decade of KF definitely hurt the sport. All agree that the simplicity of the sport's origins is behind us. For those nostalgic for the golden era, there are still historic karts to occupy the long winter evenings in a well heated workshop. Although the craze for old machines has not faded, it remains marginal. An enthusiast needs to have more of the spirit of a collector than a competitor to find happiness there. For two years, the karts of the 90s have regained the favour of drivers eager to feel the joys of these powerful, light and relatively reliable machines. Luca Corberi, initiator of the KFA Series at the Lonato track, was the first to organise real races for these air-cooled 100cc karts. Combining the pleasure of restoring old machines produced in large quantities (relative to
karting as a whole) and the possibility of using them in competition is an excellent idea. A "Championship" of this kind has just been launched in France under the name of Formula 20,000, referring to the maximum speed reached by these small engines with a bewitching sound that created the legend of the discipline. However, despite their original simplicity and very convincing performance, the OK and OK-Junior categories are struggling to find their place amongst a wider audience outside of international events. Their design qualities are not in question, it is the world that out of step, as their place has been taken by manufacturers with their own one-design engines, starting electrically and marketed as a complete package including the organisation of races. Don't complain about them, it is the logic of things. For the moment, new challenges are looming on the horizon of karting, which will be
EDITORIAL
KARTCOM NEWS #49 a question of not repeating the mistakes of the past. From 2020 the new Mini class will be homologated by FIA Karting. This is an excellent opportunity to harmonise karting among the youngest from eight years old. The basis is not revolutionary, as the widely used Italian 60 Mini is the model. Its success will depend on the will of the ASNs (national federations) to follow the movement by ignoring certain protectionist reflexes. The bet has not been won in advance... Moreover, FIA Karting has not yet decided on the creation of an international title for the Mini, although it seems obvious for the sake of karting. The opening of top level competition to the youngest would boost the racing market as a whole, a fair deal after the decrease in the lower age limit for cars that has significantly weakened the field. This is a concrete challenge in the medium term, which could unite a large proportion of professionals around a common goal, at least those with enough vision.
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
FERNANDO ALONSO VISITS RFM AT LONATO He has been passionate about karting for many years and his brilliant career in motorsport has never let him forget the discipline that allowed his talent to be discovered. Two-time F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso was at the South Garda Karting track in Lonato for the second round of the WSK Super Master Series.
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T
he Spanish champion made sure he visited the British Ricky Flynn Motorsport team, which trains the young racing hopefuls under the branding of the FA Kart chassis, produced by OTK Kart Group, as he had already done at the 2017 World Championship at PFI. Fernando did not hesitate to pose with the young RFM drivers or to talk with the boss, Ricky Flynn.
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Info - Romane Didier © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
FIVE RACES ON THE PROGRAMME FOR FORMULA 20,000 IN 2019! The success at Le Mans, at the end of September 2018, during the 20,000 Revolutions / Minute race, will continue in 2019. Five historic races have been approved by the FFSA, to encourage this new trend for 100cc kart races in France. So many opportunities to remember the glorious past of the category and the super champions who made their mark on the era, from the late eighties to the early 2000s. he calendar was developed according to a three-fold logic: first of all, the desire to make common cause with the time trial events of the Trophy de France Histori'Kart of the Rétrokart France association, in order to create 100% historic meetings.
T
It would have been inconceivable and unbecoming not to return to Le Mans, in the prestigious setting of the 24 Hours Karting! We will celebrate the anniversary of the first "20,000 Revolutions / Minute", which marked the return of 100cc to the forefront.
Formula 20,000 will be on display in Marcillat-en-Combraille, in Auvergne, then at Mirecourt with the Grand Est League and at Laval in Brittany-Pays-de-la-Loire. The first two circuits mentioned can claim a rich history on a national level and the World Championships organised at Laval are still in everyone's memory.
Finally, the opportunity to go to Valence, which has experienced the emotion of two World Championships, could not be ignored. This will be a great finale for the first season of Formula 20,000!
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FORMULA 20,000 TECHNICAL INFORMATION There is no federal regulation for the category, but a "technical framework" has been defined for 2019, in line with what was decided for 20,000 Revolutions / Minute last year. The goal, for this debut year, is indeed to convince many fans and to get a maximum of karts corresponding to the basic definition of the category out of garages: karts with chassis, bodywork and 100cc air-cooled engines without a clutch. Apart from the 17 pioneers at Le Mans, let's not forget that we are starting from scratch. Here, in addition to the regulations of the day, are the guidelines to be adhered to in 2019:
CHASSIS AND ENGINE: 1986 to 2003 CHASSIS to CIK standards in its configuration of the era with bodywork sidepods, nassau panel, spoiler from 1992), rear brake only.
100CC ENGINE (with 5% tolerance) aircooled, without clutch, without starter, without limiter, tuning allowed (for the categories which authorised it at the time).
MEMBRANE
CARBURETTOR as
DRIVER EQUIPMENT: according to
HISTORIC KARTS
TYRES: all homologated hard or medium
FFSA regulations currently in force. Technical control organised before the race. The organiser reserves the right to refuse equipment in bad condition.
THE SPORTING ASPECT - Sporting regulations of the club type with Race Director, Technical Commissioner, Sporting Commissioner. - FFSA competition license (race-club, national or international) or competition participation title (on presentation of a medical certificate). For foreign drivers: national license of the country of origin with an authorisation to race abroad, issued by their ASN, communicated beforehand to the FFSA karting service. - Format: may vary according to the event. Standard format: warm-up (s), two heats with a starting grid drawn randomly and then reversed, Prefinal, Final. There is only three months left to wait before the kick-off at Marcillat. On your marks!
used during the period.
Romane Didier
AIR BOX mandatory as used during the
agence future racing commm +33 (0)2.47.55.67.79 +33 (0)6.10.65.30.16 Email : futureracing@yahoo.fr
period.
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models.
HERE ARE THE DATES OF THE FIVE EVENTS:
WEIGHT: 145kg minimum with the possibility of creating a 155kg class.
KARTCOM NEWS #49
Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May
at Marcillat-en-Combraille, Allier (ASK Marcillat)
EUROPA VINTAGE Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July at Mirecourt, Vosges (ASK Lorraine Kart)
COUPE DES AS
Saturday, 24th and Sunday 25th August at Laval, Mayenne, (ASK Laval)
20,000 REVOLUTIONS / MINUTE
Friday 27th and Saturday 28th September at Le Mans, Sarthe (ASK ACO Le Mans)
LEAGUE TROPHY
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October at Valence la Roche-de-Glun, DrĂ´me, (ASK Valence)
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo Henri Schwirtz
MAXIME FURONCASTELAIN TO REPRESENT LUXEMBOURG IN THE FIA KARTING ACADEMY TROPHY
ACL Sport has appointed the 11-year old driver to represent Luxembourg in the international competition for young talents organised by the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
D
uring the 2018 season, Maxime Furon-Castelain has already shown his immense talent by winning the Belgian Karting Championship, a victory in the final ranking of the IAME Series Benelux, as well as a victory in the final ranking of the IAME Series Belgium (in the X30 Cadet category).
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From his first participation in his new category (OK-Junior) as part of the BNL KickOff at Genk, Maxime Furon-Castelain won straight away with two victories in the two Finals contested.
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet
Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
NEW START FOR THIERRY SAVARD WITH STMOTORS
REORGANISATION OF THE BIREL ART RACING TEAM
A
fter spending many years as part of the Tecsav team, which were rich in victories and emotion, Thierry Savard has left the family business of Tecsav and created his new company STmotors. New IAME and TM engines are available for hire, for all national and international championships. An engine preparation, tuning, repair and maintenance service for all brands is on offer from leisure to racing. An ecommerce site is online for the sale of a complete range of chassis, engines and accessories for karting.
Thierry Savard STmotors 15 rue des châtaigniers 22400 Lamballe - France Tél. : +33 686 940 866 email : stmotors73@gmail.com
STMOTORS.FR
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Birel ART and Davide Fore' have agreed to end their collaboration. Birel ART thanks Davide for his valuable work as head of the Racing Team since last year. As of today, Luca Filini manages the Birel ART Racing Team, both technically and sporting.
T
his former mechanic of ART GP Karting has been among the ranks of Birel ART for five years. Thanks to his dynamism, his extensive skills and his constant involvement in the development of the company, Luca Filini has climbed the ladder to take a leading role in the running of the Racing Team. He is now the reference person as Team Principal.
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
FIRST INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS ALREADY FOR
CÉDRIC SPORT MOTORS AVEC RENAUDIN After having achieved top performances at the Winter Cup, the factory Sodikart driver Adrien Renaudin, powered by Cédric Sport Motors, clinched his first KZ2 victory of the season at the WSK Super Master Series in Lonato.
"I
am very happy to be back in the international competition as an engine tuner with the confidence of the Sodikart factory and Team CPB
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Sport," said Cédric Goudant. "We are in direct competition with the official TM Racing engines within the Sodi Racing Team and with all the other factory teams
in KZ. There is a high standard, it's a big challenge, but thanks to Renaudin, we had the opportunity to do a very good job. Obviously, we are on the right path!" Adrien began by taking pole position in Timed Practice in his official Sodi / TM. He finished 3rd after the heats and took 3rd place after a good fight in Prefinal A. Adrien returned to the front of the Final in
the wake of his team-mate Bas Lammers and seized the lead at the halfway point. He then withstood the pressure from Lammers and Paolo De Conto behind him and won a superb victory with the fastest lap in the race. Cédric Sport Motors also powered two other KZ2 drivers in the CPB Sport team. The young Slavik Putiatin (Sodi / TM) reached the Final for the first time and was 27th out of 49th, while the Estonian Mark Villem Moor (Sodi / TM) narrowly missed out.
Cédric Sport Motors equipped Evan Giltaire (Sodi / TM) and Arthur Rogeaon (Sodi / TM) at the Winter Cup for their international debuts in OK-Junior. The only driver at the WSK event, Evan achieved a distant 73rd time. He was well up in the middle of the pack in the heats, but a penalty for loss of chain-guard delayed him in the last one. Qualified for the Prefinals despite everything, he unfortunately had to throw in the towel because of a small physical problem.
technician Cyril. Jules Roussel finished 10th on his National debut, while Raphaël Narac continued his effort until the Final. Maxime Avrand was close to the top 10 in KZ2 before being delayed by a spoiler, while Pierre Gilbert, who set the 5th time in KZ2 Master, could not take part in the Final because of a technical problem.
CEDRIC-SPORT.COM
+
At the same weekend Cedric Sport Motors was at Salbris for the Open Kart with
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet
FIA KARTING 2019 PRESENTATION DOSSIER The FIA continues to develop its communication strategy with the publication of a complete presentation of its 2019 Karting Competitions for a wide audience. The richly illustrated 35-page digital document contains everything you need to know about karting, the exciting discipline that trains the greatest motorsport champions. It charts the 2019 FIA Karting season, the circuits, the categories and their winners.
A
true showcase of high-level international karting, the FIA Karting 2019 presentation dossier is designed to help broaden the audience of a spectacular discipline. It can be to be widely shared by every enthusiast and professional partners as
KARTCOM NEWS #49
FIA Karting
2019 SEASON
well as the mainstream media and the general public. The FIA Karting presentation dossier for the 2019 season is available for download at this link.
DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION DOSSIER
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PRESENTATION DOSSIER
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet
FIA KARTING EXPANDS ITS AUDIENCE WITH A MOBILE APP The FIA officially presents the new FIA Karting app for mobile devices on 5 March 2019 as part of the Geneva International Motor Show in the presence of FIA President Jean Todt and FIA Karting Promoter James Geidel.
F
ind all the FIA Karting news and videos, consult the information for each Competition, follow the races via live-timing and live-streaming, in the heart of the action and in the palm of your hand on your mobile phone or your tablet with the FIA Karting app. Available now free for iOS in the App Store and for Android on Google Play, to experience the FIA Karting Championships, Cups and Trophies around the World with even greater intensity.
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Info & © Photo FIA
THE FIA BRINGS TOGETHER
ITS MAIN PROMOTERS AT THE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW Summarising the press conference held early on Tuesday 5 March at the Geneva International Motor Show, Jean Todt commented: "The task of satisfying and creating interest across all motor sport categories is a collective one, so I am delighted to gather the promoters of the FIA's major championships here today to showcase the growth of the respective disciplines and share insights into our future direction. It is vital that we not only keep pace, but find new ways in which we can lead. Time marches on, as does technology, and what interests and inspires people. Opportunity and innovation are the fuel for improvement and I am pleased to announce these exciting new initiatives from the FIA, to enable us to better engage with our audiences and enhance our technical excellence, in order to ensure we continue ‘racing ahead'.
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JEAN TODT ANNOUNCED FOUR KEY NEW DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE FIA INCLUDING : FIA DIGITAL MOTOR SPORT WORKING GROUP which meets for the first time later today and underlines the FIA's growing commitment to esports.
RACING NEWS a brand new initiative aimed at motor sport fans globally. This weekly show will be broadcast on the FIA's digital channels,
and is the most complete way to get all the video highlights from the weekend's FIA motor sport activities.
Chase Carey, CEO and Executive Chairman, Formula 1,
Olivier Ciesla, Managing Director of WRC Promoter,
Torben Olsen, Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Motorsports (Rallycross),
Alejandro Agag, CEO, Formula E Holdings
James Geidel, President of RGMMC, expressed themselves during the press conference, which was broadcast live on Facebook.
promotion and event entertainment to attract more spectators, a new mobile application for smart phones to better engage with the fans, as well as improving our social networks, OTT channels and entering the fast-growing world of esports."
The FIA Karting Promoter James Geidel reflected on a successful transition year for the FIA Karting World Championships. "Our main focus in 2018 was to create the basis for future growth of the sport and build the foundation to market karting in a more contemporary way, creating social media platforms and OTT channels. The level of entries beat all previous figures with over 800 drivers taking part. 2019 will be an extremely exciting year, as we launch new programs which include local
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet
MOTORSPORT.TV TO BROADCAST FIA KARTING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Just like World Superbike, FIA Karting confirmed that it will join the Motorsport.tv platform and distribute its content via the freemium service.
J
ames Geidel, FIA Karting promoter, said: "We are delighted to announce this new agreement with Motorsport.tv, to be on the world's first videoon-demand platform for motorsports and the automotive industry. To make the FIA Karting Championships well known and to develop our audience, as it is here that the future World Champions develop their talent, and we therefore have spectacular races to offer the Motorsport.tv viewers this season." Motorsport.tv is a specialist in motorsport and automotive video broadcasting from
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around the world and is launching a new service to allow fans to experience their passion and give them access to a wide range of content thanks to its "freemium" on-demand video content. Bringing together the content of the Motorsport Network, this freemium service will give fans access to videos from 125 different motorsport championships, including more than a thousand live broadcasts each season, with a total of over 3000 hours of excellent videos on demand, all for free. In addition, users who take advantage of the free registration
can also create their own personalised channel and select their favourite events to be notified of at the time of broadcast. This free service once again demonstrates the mission of Motorsport Network: to put the fan at the heart of the action. For those looking for additional premium content, the subscription fee to Motorsport.tv remains unchanged and very cheap: €3.50 per month or €33.99 per year. This allows you to watch the WEC, World Superbikes, the Le Mans archive, TCR Europe, the Duke archives, ELMS and Super Formula, free of all advertising.
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
RMC GRAND FINALS 2019 SARNO: LONG-
TERM CHASSIS PARNTERS SUPPLEMENTED BY A NEW ALLY
F
or the 20th anniversary of Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals BRP-Rotax cooperates with wellknown associates and a newcomer in one of the world's biggest karting event. The proven partners BirelART, IPKarting and Sodikart are complemented by J3's Compkart chassis brand. The last race of the DEKM (German Electric Kart Championship) 2019 with the Rotax THUNDeR will be held at the RMC Grand Finals 2019.
125 MICRO MAX : PRAGA 125 MINI MAX : COMPKART 125 JUNIOR MAX : PRAGA 125 MAX : SODIKART 125 MAX DD2 : BIREL ART 125 MAX DD2 MASTERS : SODIKART ROTAX THUNDER : SODIKART
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
MARGUTTI AT PARMA
10 YEARS ALREADY ...
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The Andrea Margutti Trophy built its status as a legend of the sport at the Parma circuit. This second great Italian classic, preceded by the Winter Cup on the calendar, has always been a great sporting and popular success. Organised traditionally at the beginning of the season, and yes, the month of March was then still considered as such, the "Margutti" enjoyed exceptional fields. The tribute to the young Andrea Margutti then attracted many of his fellow drivers and the Parma track contributed to the reputation of the event in the following years.
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F
ounded in 1961, the Parma circuit was considered to be the most complete. From a technical point of view it enabled the important work of development. On the human side, a driver fast at Parma was fast everywhere else. We remember the famous kerb at the "S" before the straight that required a big heart to approach without hesitation. Missed as soon as it closed in 2009, Parma has never been replaced, although Lonato has now earned an undeniable global reputation and will serve as the setting this year at the 30th edition of the Andrea Margutti Trophy. By the way, why has the much-loved Parma track disappeared? A
recent satellite photo published on Google Maps allows you to see it ...
KARTDROMOPARMA.IT
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet
MARIO KART IN PARIS? THAT'S WHAT MUSHROOM RALLY KARTING PROMISES!
The Mushroom Rally Karting series inspired by the adventures of Mario Kart has already swept the United States. Europe is also on the programme and Paris is on the calendar of this exciting event that attracts many fans of the Nintendo character.
W
e don’t know much more yet, but it's enough to get a significant reaction on the web. We are talking about 600 competitors at most, without the information being officially confirmed. Date and venue also remain unknown so far, with racing suggested on the streets of Paris (very unlikely!) Or on a private circuit. The website Fever Up offers registration to
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be informed as soon as the tickets go on sale. Mario costumes are de rigueur for this fun meeting where the aim will be to collect stars as in the video game, while avoiding the banana skins ... The announcement remains vague enough to attract attention, to excite the internet, but also to cause a certain mistrust. So, stroke of genius or hot air?
Nintendo is not involved in this organisation, and could intervene to protect its rights, as happened in Tokyo during a similar event (see video). One to watch, or not!
VIDEO
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SAISON 2019
06-07 Avril : ANGERVILLE
OK
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)
OK
OK
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
OK
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
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo Monza Informa & KSP - Philippe Kalmès
TOP 8 MOST BEAUTIFUL EUROPEAN KARTING CIRCUITS BY RED BULL ITALY
DE KARTING PAR RED BULL ITALY
All the motorsport disciplines have their circuits of reference. The Red Bull Italy team has, without too much nationalism, put together its top eight European karting tracks, without losing sight of the fact that most F1 drivers have measured themselves here before succeeding in single-seaters. Here is a version with comments from Kartcom. Does this subjective ranking correspond to yours?
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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
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1
SOUTH GARDA KARTING, LONATO, ITALY A
temple to karting, a legendary track, the elements abound to evoke the track at Lonato, used throughout the year for testing by the biggest teams and more than a dozen race weekends. The Winter Cup taking place there in February marks the beginning of the international season. The recent extension to 1200m has not distorted the original spirit of Lonato, quite the opposite.
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2
CIRCUITO INTERNAZIONALE
NAPOLI SARNO, ITALY A
lthough recently reduced from 1699m to 1500m, Sarno remains the longest and one of the fastest of the current season. We are talking about 160km / h in KZ on the long straight ... After the fast corners, the end is more winding, all remaining very technical. Vesuvius in the background brings magnificence scenery, but also stormy rains which are sometimes torrential.
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3
PRO-KART RACELAND WACKERSDORF, GERMANY
U
ndoubtedly the most interesting German circuit, Wackersdorf is nonetheless very compact and offers a concentrated spectacle with its many sharp turns. Thunderstorms bring an extra spice to the Bavarian competitions. It is regularly the scene of major international events in KZ and KZ2.
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PFI BRANDON,
UNITED KINGDOM
B
B far the best British karting circuit, PFI offers a remarkable paddock and an inimitable atmosphere. The circuit, lengthened with the construction of a bridge and a bend, can disorient the continental drivers. It is conducive to intense battles in harmony with the combativeness of its regulars, hard to beat on their home turf. The English weather is not as rainy as you might think ...
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WORLD CIRCUIT LA CONCA MURO LECCESE, ITALY I
n the south of southern Italy, La Conca offers a superb venue, relatively modern design, but in keeping with the spirit of karting. The exceptional grip of the asphalt due to the regular application of a surface treatment tests the new generations of drivers who have not experienced the era of soft tyres. Rubber and two wheels are in prospect as soon as the thermometer goes up, while the "Senna" chicane makes the karts take off.
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HOME OF CHAMPIONS GENK, BELGIUM O
n a very well thought out site, the Genk track offers a lot of technical challenges generating an always exciting show. This is where Max Verstappen learned his trade, and we can see the result! It is regularly the scene of major international competitions that can be watched from the top of the terrace, a beer in hand. Rain? It's possible, of course ...
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46
NEWS
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KARTCOM NEWS #49
7
LE KARTING MANS INTERNATIONAL, LE MANS, FRANCE
O
ur Italian friends remembered that France has several great karting circuits ... Their choice was focused on the most obvious and the most recent, Le Mans. The site is superb with its long line of garages on the edge of the 24 Hours circuit. Very safe, the circuit is quite difficult if not very spectacular. This does not prevent tense battles during the many major events that take place there.
48
NEWS
8
CIRCUITO INTERNACIONAL DE
ZUERA SPAIN
A
lmost in the desert, Zuera is the longest track of this top eight, although for the moment it does not appear in the calendar of great international races. Often swept by a strong wind, marked in summer by a fierce heat, the track is very fast, but generates beautiful clashes in these great curves. Binoculars may be useful for tracking karts at the far side of the track.
WHAT OTHER TRACKS COULD HAVE BEEN IN A TOP 10? 49
KARTCOM NEWS #49
Varennes sur Allier (FRA) is in a good position, as well as Alcaniz (ESP), Mariembourg (BEL), Kristianstad (SWE), Alahärmä (FIN), Portimao (PRT)...
50
NEWS
Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet
ENTER THE
30 ANDREA MARGUTTI TROPHY IN LONATO TH
Registration is still open for the 30th Andrea Margutti Trophy, an event on the FIA Karting calendar organised by Parma Motorsport at the South Garda Karting circuit in Lonato from 4th to 7th April 2019.
E
ntries can be completed online at www.trofeomargutti.com with a maximum of 72 drivers in 60 Mini, 54 in OK-Junior, 34 in OK, 54 in KZ2 and 54 in X30 Senior. All categories will use Vega tyres, with the exception of X30 Senior,
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KARTCOM NEWS #49
which will race on Komet. The fuel will be Repsol Top Fuel (95 ron). This year the Andrea Margutti Trophy reaches its 30th anniversary. The race is organised in memory of the promising
young international driver Andrea Margutti. Several initiatives accompany this 30th edition, among which is the presence of the historic karts of the 90s, the 100cc KFA, a challenge created by Luca Corberi.
TROFEOMARGUTTI.COM
+
52
CALENDAR
CALENDAR 2019 MARCH 24/03
Sarno
WSK - Super Master Series
24/03
Le Mans
Championnat de France
31/03
Mariembourg
IAME - Euro Series
31/03
PF Inter.
British Karting Championships
31/03
Angerville
Championnat de France
31/03
Sarno
WSK - Euro Series
07/04
Angerville
Coupe de France
07/04
Angerville
Championnat de France
OK / FÉMININ
07/04
Lonato
Trofeo Andrea Margutti
KFA / OK-JUNIOR / 60 MINI / X30 SENIOR / OK / KZ2
14/04
PF Inter.
British Karting Championships
14/04
Lonato
Deutsche Kart Meisterschaft
21/04
Nogaro
Championnat de France
21/04
Angerville
European Championship
21/04
Magny-C. (Cars)
Championnat de France
21/04
Castelletto
IAME - Series France
21/04
Genk
Euro Trophy
28/04
PF Inter.
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
Aigues-Vives
Championnat de France
12/05
Shenington
British Karting Championships
12/05
Aigues-Vives
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
SENIOR TKM EXTREME / HONDA CADET CHAMPIONSHIP / JUNIOR TKM
26/05
Rowrah
British Karting Championships
SENIOR ROTAX MAX 177 / ROTAX MINIMAX / ROTAX SENIOR / ROTAX JUNIOR
26/05
Castelletto
IAME - Euro Series
60 MINI / OK-JUNIOR / OK / KZ2 JUNIOR X30 JUNIOR / X30 SHIFTER / X30 MINI / X30 SENIOR SENIOR ROTAX MAX 177 / ROTAX MINIMAX / ROTAX SENIOR / ROTAX JUNIOR JUNIOR 60 MINI / OK-JUNIOR / OK / KZ2
APRIL OK-JUNIOR
X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI OK / OK-JUNIOR / KZ2 F4 INTERNATIONALE OK / OK-JUNIOR SUPERKART X30 GENTLEMAN / X30 SUPER SHIFTER / X30 MASTER / X30 JUNIOR / X30 SENIOR / X30 MINIME / X30 LADY DD2 / ROTAX SENIOR / DD2 MASTER / ROTAX JUNIOR SENIOR TKM EXTREME / HONDA CADET CHAMPIONSHIP / JUNIOR TKM 60 MINI / OK / OK-JUNIOR
MAY
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KARTCOM NEWS #49
KZ / KZ2 DD2 / ROTAX MAX / DD2 MASTER / ROTAX MASTER / NATIONALE / CADET / MINIME ACADEMY X30 JUNIOR / ROK JUNIOR / ROK SENIOR / X30 SENIOR / 60 MINI / KZ2 JUNIOR X30 CADET / X30 JUNIOR / X30 SENIOR GENTLEMAN / MASTER / SENIOR OK / OK-JUNIOR / KZ2 F4 INTERNATIONALE OK / OK-JUNIOR
X30 JUNIOR / X30 SHIFTER / X30 MINI / X30 SENIOR
JUNE 02/06
Adria
Euro Trophy
02/06
Carole
Championnat de France
02/06
Kristianstad
European Championship
09/06
Larkhall
British Karting Championships
09/06
Brignoles
Coupe de France
09/06
Siena
Italian ACI Karting Champ.
16/06
Laval
IAME - Series France
16/06
Sarno
Academy Trophy
16/06
Sarno
European Championship
23/06
Varennes / Allier National Series Karting
23/06
Nogaro
Championnat de France
23/06
Lonato
WSK - Euro Series
23/06
Spa Franc. (Cars)
Championnat de France
23/06
Fulbeck
British Karting Championships
30/06
Adria
WSK - Euro Series
30/06
Mansell Race.
British Karting Championships
07/07
Le Mans
Championnat de France
OK
07/07
Ledenon
Championnat de France
F4 INTERNATIONALE
07/07
Le Mans
Coupe de France
14/07
Kerpen
Deutsche Kart Meisterschaft
14/07
Valence
Championnat de France
14/07
Kristianstad
Euro Trophy
14/07
Sarno
Italian ACI Karting Champ.
14/07
Rowrah
British Karting Championships
14/07
Dijon
Championnat de France
SUPERKART
21/07
Le Mans
Championnat de France
HANDIKART
21/07
Le Mans
European Championship
28/07
Aunay-les-Bois
Championnat de France
28/07
Wackersdorf
IAME - Euro Series
28/07
Shenington
British Karting Championships
28/07
Adria
Italian ACI Karting Champ.
DD2 / ROTAX SENIOR / DD2 MASTER / ROTAX JUNIOR KZ2 (LONG CIRCUIT) / KZ2 GENTLEMAN (LONG CIRCUIT) / KZ2 MASTER (LONG CIRCUIT) OK / OK-JUNIOR X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI NATIONALE / CADET / MINIME X30 JUNIOR / X30 SENIOR / KZN / 60 MINI / KZ2 X30 GENTLEMAN / X30 SENIOR / X30 MASTER / X30 JUNIOR / X30 SUPER SHIFTER / X30 MINIME / X30 LADY ACADEMY KZ / KZ2 DD2 / ROTAX MAX / DD2 MASTER / ROTAX MASTER / NATIONALE / CADET / MINIME SUPERKART 60 MINI / OK-JUNIOR / OK / KZ2 F4 INTERNATIONALE SENIOR TKM EXTREME / HONDA CADET CHAMPIONSHIP / JUNIOR TKM 60 MINI / OK / OK-JUNIOR SENIOR ROTAX MAX 177 / ROTAX MINIMAX / ROTAX SENIOR / ROTAX JUNIOR
JULY OK-JUNIOR / KZ2 GENTLEMAN / KZ2 MASTER / KZ2 OK / OK-JUNIOR / KZ2 GENTLEMAN / MASTER / SENIOR / JUNIOR DD2 / ROTAX SENIOR / DD2 MASTER / ROTAX JUNIOR X30 JUNIOR / KZN / ROK SENIOR / X30 SENIOR / ROK JUNIOR / 60 MINI / KZ2 X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI
OK / OK-JUNIOR JUNIOR / CADET / MINIME X30 JUNIOR / X30 SHIFTER / X30 MINI / X30 SENIOR SENIOR TKM EXTREME / HONDA CADET CHAMPIONSHIP / JUNIOR TKM ROK JUNIOR / 60 MINI / X30 JUNIOR / ROK SENIOR / X30 SENIOR / KZ2
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CALENDAR
AUGUST 04/08
Genk
Deutsche Kart Meisterschaft
18/08
Clay Pigeon
British Karting Championships
24/08
Le Mans
Rotax Max Challenge Inter.
25/08
Wigan
British Karting Championships
OK / OK-JUNIOR / KZ2 SENIOR ROTAX MAX 177 / ROTAX MINIMAX / ROTAX SENIOR / ROTAX JUNIOR
X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI
SEPTEMBER 01/09
Salbris
IAME - Euro Series
01/09
Val Vibrata
Italian ACI Karting Champ.
01/09
Pau Arnos
Championnat de France
08/09
Wackersdorf
Euro Trophy
08/09
Alaharma
World Karting Championship
08/09
Kimbolton
British Karting Championships
08/09
Budapest
Championnat de France
08/09
Varennes / Allier IAME - Series France
15/09
Laval
National Series Karting
15/09
Forest Edge
British Karting Championships
15/09
Magny-C. (Cars)
Championnat de France
22/09
Lonato
World Karting Championship
22/09
Lonato
Academy Trophy
22/09
Lonato
International Super Cup
29/09
Whilton Mill
British Karting Championships
29/09
Le Mans
24h Karting
X30 JUNIOR / X30 SHIFTER / X30 MINI / X30 SENIOR X30 JUNIOR / X30 SENIOR / KZN / 60 MINI / KZ2 KZ2 (LONG CIRCUIT) / KZ2 GENTLEMAN (LONG CIRCUIT) / KZ2 MASTER (LONG CIRCUIT) DD2 / ROTAX SENIOR / DD2 MASTER / ROTAX JUNIOR OK / OK-JUNIOR SENIOR TKM EXTREME / HONDA CADET CHAMPIONSHIP / JUNIOR TKM F4 INTERNATIONALE X30 GENTLEMAN / X30 SENIOR / X30 MASTER / X30 JUNIOR / X30 SUPER SHIFTER / X30 MINIME / X30 LADY DD2 / ROTAX MAX / DD2 MASTER / ROTAX MASTER / NATIONALE / CADET / MINIME SENIOR ROTAX MAX 177 / ROTAX MINIMAX / ROTAX SENIOR / ROTAX JUNIOR F4 INTERNATIONALE KZ ACADEMY KZ2 X30 CADET / X30 SENIOR / X30 JUNIOR / X30 MINI GROUPE 1-2-3 ET 4
OCTOBER 06/10
Salbris
Championnat de France
06/10
Ampfing
Deutsche Kart Meisterschaft
13/10
Le Mans
IAME International Final
X30 JUNIOR / X30 SUPER SHIFTER / X30 SENIOR / X30 MASTER / X30 SUPER / X30 MINI
13/10
Le Castellet (Cars)
Championnat de France
F4 INTERNATIONALE
13/10
Whilton Mill
British Karting Championships
SENIOR ROTAX MAX 177 / ROTAX MINIMAX / ROTAX SENIOR / ROTAX JUNIOR
20/10
Whilton Mill
British Karting Championships
SENIOR TKM EXTREME / HONDA CADET CHAMPIONSHIP / JUNIOR TKM
26/10
Sarno
Rotax Challenge Grand Finals
DD2 / ROTAX SENIOR / MINI MAX / MICRO MAX / DD2 MASTER / ROTAX JUNIOR
27/10
Lonato
WSK - Open Cup
27/10
Le Mans (Cars)
European Championship
KZ2 GENTLEMAN / KZ2 MASTER / KZ2 / NATIONALE OK / OK-JUNIOR / KZ2
60 MINI / OK-JUNIOR / OK / KZ2 SUPERKART
NOVEMBER
55
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 #49
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
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2019
L
Gennaio Febbraio Marzo Aprile Maggio Giugno Luglio Agosto Settembre Ottobre Novembre Dicembre
56
© Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
INTERVIEW
Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
WSK PROMOTION WORKING ON ALL FRONTS Interview with
LUCA DE DONNO "THE MORE WE KEEP AN OPEN MIND, THE MORE CHANCE WE HAVE TO SUCCEED." Kartcom had a lengthy discussion with Luca De Donno, president of WSK Promotion, on his home turf in Muro Leccese, during the third round of the WSK Super Master Series. Karting was of course on the menu of this interview, including the future of the Mini class which is being homologated by FIA Karting. The news from WSK Promotion also concerns single-seaters with the launch of the FIA-certified European Formula 3 Regional Championship, in addition to the Italian F4 Championship, with motorsport being increasingly linked with karting within a global strategy.
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Kartcom: WSK Promotion will be very busy in 2019. How many races will you organise? - Luca De Donno: Our programme has 27 races this season, 12 in karting, seven in F4 and eight in F3 Regional. Fortunately, the cars will have six meetings in common, otherwise the schedule would not have been tenable. From our core team, we had to strengthen our staff to meet these new needs. We have also invested in a new reception structure, with a pair of motorhomes joined by a large reception area as is common in MotoGP. Depending on availability, this structure can also be used in karting.
What is your vision of the continuity between karting and cars? - Participating in the construction of a true pyramid from 60 Mini to F3 is the current goal of WSK Promotion, which is an exciting challenge. The WSK karting series are well established, the Italian Championship is very successful with a maximum of 37 drivers, but the F3 Regional must find its place in a quite confusing context this year. Several series are in competition between F4 and FIA F3 and there are not enough drivers in Europe to fill all the Championships. 2019 will be a year of observation. We hope things will be clearer next year and we are working hard towards the success of the FIA ​​Certified European Regional Formula 3 Championship, which is the logical continuation from the FIA F4 National Championships. Initially, the relations of the karting industry with car racing were not very good. Cars were seen as an opponent of karting. Things have evolved well and continuity between the two disciplines is much better accepted. Some teams intend to support their drivers, either by creating their own car structure, like Danilo Rossi with DR Formula Racing or Ralf Schumacher with US Racing, as well as others working closely with single-seater teams such as Baby Race with Bhaitech Racing.
62
INTERVIEW
After 2018, a year of transition for WSK Promotion in karting, your different series are changing the European landscape. - WSK Promotion has been the official promoter of the CIK-FIA competitions for five years and last year the situation was not easy for us because of the late decision of the FIA at the end of 2017 to choose another promoter. We still managed to add some races to our schedule before re-establishing the WSK Euro Series this year. I think that if the FIA had continued with us, things would have gone well because we previously organised these races and we had a very good knowledge of the international environment. Honestly, I do not know if the teams appreciate this change or prefer the old organisation. Apparently, opinions vary, but I do not know any more. We find ourselves in a situation identical to that which existed before WSK Promotion was chosen as promoter. There are the FIA Karting events on one side and the WSK events on the other. Our collaboration with the CIK-FIA was not easy at first, but the last two seasons went very well. Our relations were excellent with the President, the VicePresident and the Commission. The FIA wanted to change the situation. I cannot say if it's better or worse for karting. We will see.
The future of the FIA Karting Championships seems to include some changes. - Other changes have occurred with the appointment of Felipe Massa as President of FIA Karting. I heard that the 2020 World Championship will be held in Brazil. Later on, it would be a question of organising the world competition over four or five events and several continents. I know that organising such events outside Europe is a very complex task. Initially, the factories are interested in this project, but it concerns only four or five teams, and sometimes their vision changes once the adventure is launched. Most of the paddock is represented by private teams. Many of them already have a full programme on our continent. Foreseeing far-flung journeys, necessarily longer, could be difficult to carry out in parallel with their European calendar which represents the major part of their financial income. We are not in Formula 1, transporting the equipment to other continents requires a lot of time and money, which I know from experience through the competitions organised in Bahrain. And again, in that case, we received exceptional support from the host country to simplify this phase and to support a large proportion of the expenses of each team and each participant. If FIA finds the budget to organise four or five events outside of Europe and teams to participate, it can work. But not all teams will want to keep
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KARTCOM NEWS #49
up, some will prefer to stay in Europe because that's where they have the most customers. I think the best idea would be first to strengthen the various national championships using the FIA Karting categories. Too few ASNs push in this direction but it would be possible now with OK and OK-Junior engines. This is what is happening this year in Belgium with the BNL Series and in France with the FFSA OK and OK-Junior events. France is one of the countries with high potential, along with Germany and Sweden, to follow this path. Let's be clear, I have nothing against single-brand series. If we had not had Rotax in the last ten years, I do not know where karting would be. Rotax, X30 and Rok are essential for attracting and training drivers to compete in many nations. Like any sport, karting is based on a pyramid whose base must be as solid as possible. But ultimately the goal must remain to increase the presence of FIA Karting categories all over the world.
As a pioneer of 60 Mini International, how do you envisage the creation of the FIA Karting Mini class? - It's a great prospect to have the same technical regulations around the world. The Mini class currently represents the best opportunity for the development of global karting. I hope that the FIA will create an international title for this class. If the will is there, it's not difficult. An international FIA Karting competition for Mini at a single event would be a very good thing.
It would be a real opportunity for international karting. KZ remains the domain of professional drivers. The two really important international categories are OK-Junior and OK and it would be very interesting to have a third with Mini. This happened in bikes and we can see that it works. The most important teams are now involved in 60 Mini, which was unimaginable in the past. The Mini and Junior races are the most exciting to experience with overtaking until the finish. The standard has progressed a lot in a few years and it's good training for the higher classes. 60 Mini has contributed to smoother running of the Junior races with better prepared rookies.
Along with others, Andrea Kimi Antonelli this year, and Gabriele Mini last year, were immediately leading the OK-Junior in their first season after Mini. My goal is to greater presence in some countries like France in the coming years, in Mini, OK-Junior and OK. This would provide more opportunities for French drivers to race at home in these categories. The introduction of the international Mini class in several countries could give impetus to international competition. We need to cooperate to develop international categories from the Mini. In this regard, it is regrettable that some federations limit the participation of their young nationals in international competitions. France has fewer Junior
and OK drivers than in the past, while the Russians, who are very open from 60 Mini cooper onwards, are very well represented at the highest level. I think it is essential for the future that everyone goes in the same direction, otherwise we will not succeed in increasing interest in karting. The FIA Karting Mini class offers an opportunity not to be missed to improve the situation. Currently the definition of the Mini categories is too different from one country to another. We have always had the goal of integrating the Mini within the same dynamic as OK and the OK-Junior: same events, same schedules, same rigour. That's how we train the drivers of tomorrow.
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INTERNATIONAL
CROWDS AND AT SOUTH GARDA KA
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KARTCOM NEWS #49
DARTING TWISTS
WSK SUPER MASTER SERIES, 2/4 LONATO
KEY POINTS ORGANISER
+
WSK Promotion
LIEU
+
South Garda Karting, Lonato, Italy – 1200 m
DATE 21st to 24th February, 2019
ENTRIES 334 drivers- 4 categories • Record number of participants • One week after the Winter Cup • KZ2 enter the scene • More than 100 Junior and 100 Mini • Vega tyres in Junior and Mini, Bridgestone in OK and KZ2 • Predictions upended • Sunny weather
Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
66
INTERNATIONAL
KZ2
RENAUDIN AHEAD OF HIS PEERS
Q
ualifying poleman Adrien Renaudin (Sodi / TM) was outperformed by his team-mate Bas Lammers (Sodi / TM) in the heats, but he managed to take a brilliant advantage midway through the Final and kept his lead until the finish for a memorable victory. Sodi achieved the double with Lammers in 2nd position while Marijn Kremers (BirelART / TM) snatched 3rd place from Paolo De Conto (CRG / TM). Giuseppe Palomba (Croc Promotions / TM) had been a formidable opponent before retiring in the Final, as did Francesco Celenta (Praga / Iame). Delayed in his first heat, Anthony Abbasse (Sodi / TM) managed to join the top five in the Final in front of Matteo Vigano (Tony Kart / Vortex). Emilien Denner (Sodi / TM) showed great speed: 3rd fastest, he finished 7th ahead of Alex Irlando (BirelART / TM) with his new team. Paul Evrard (Kosmic / Vortex) once again had a great race finishing in 14th place.
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INTERNATIONAL
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KARTCOM NEWS #49
OK
ADVANTAGE PATTERSON
T
he OK competition saw many changes in leaders before Patterson took a big win. Dino Beganovic (Tony Kart / Vortex) and Gabriele Mini (Parolin / TM) had clashed in Qualifying and the heats. Mini however dropped back in the Prefinal while Lorenzo Travisanutto (KR / Iame) returned in the race. Noah Milell (Tony Kart / Vortex) took the lead at the start of the Final, but Dexter Patterson (KR / Iame) made a strong comeback and ended up winning against Travisanutto. However, Beganovic managed to get on the third step of the podium ahead of Taylor Barnard (KR / Iame) and Genis Civico (Croc Promotions / TM). Mini regained 14 positions to finish 9th ahead of two very deserving French drivers, Sami Meguetounif (Tony Kart / Vortex) and Evann Mallet (Redspeed / Iame), later penalised for his spoiler.
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INTERNATIONAL
OK-JUNIOR
A DAY OF GLORY FOR JAMIE DAY
T
he confrontation between the Juniors reached its height with more than 100 drivers in the running. The favourites did not always win, the Final shuffling them one last time. After pole position for Thomas Ten Brinke (Kart / Vortex FA), it was Nikita Bedrin (Tony Kart / Vortex) who held the attention until the Prefinal, while Andrea Kimi Antonelli (KR / Iame) progressed directly behind him. Ugo Ugochukwu (FA Kart / Vortex) and Marcus Amand (KR / Iame) led at the start of the Final behind Antonelli who was forced to retire later due to a loose bumper. Bedrin had taken control of Artem Severiukhin (Tony Kart / Vortex) and Jamie Day (Exprit / Vortex). On the last lap, Severiukhin made a mistake that also dragged Bedrin off the track. The podium was unprecedented as Day was the winner ahead of Ten Brinke and Andrey Zhivnov (Kosmic / Vortex). James Wharton (FA Kart / Vortex) and Ugochukwu completed the top five.
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INTERNATIONAL
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KARTCOM NEWS #49
60-MINI
THE TRIUMPHAL MARCH OF AL DHAHERI
E
xcept for his 3rd place in Qualifying, Emirati Rashid Al Dhaheri (Parolin / TM) was unbeatable throughout the event. The battle was intense behind him between Akshay Bohra (Parolin / TM), Andrea Filaferro (Tony Kart / TM), Keanu Al Azhari (Parolin / TM) and Maksim Orlov (Parolin / TM). Shortened after an interruption, the Final was decided at the finish with Alex Powell (Energy / TM) coming to threaten Al Dhaheri, but losing out at the last corner. Al Dhaheri was 51 thousandths ahead of Ean Eyckmans (Parolin / TM) and Filaferro finished 3rd, while Powell was relegated to 4th position. Further back, Bohra was in 5th position. The only qualified Frenchman, Jules Caranta (Tony Kart / Vortex) finish 27th.
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
BIREL ART A KZ2 PODIUM TO START THE WSK SUPER MASTER
In the wake of the Winter Cup, the performances of the Birel Art Racing drivers were at their peak at the first KZ2 meeting of the WSK Super Master Series at the Lonato circuit. The results have improved compared to the previous week as Kremers mounted the Final podium while Irlando was in the top five and Dahlberg reached the top ten. Coluccio was also very competitive in OK.
"W
e can be satisfied with the weekend’s performance of this as it was better overall than last week," said Ronni Sala, President of Birel ART Group. "Irlando and Kremers were able to fight with the best in the top three of KZ2, which is an important point early in the season, and Dahlberg continued to climb the rankings. Marseglia also did some great things in Qualifying and in the heats. This confirms that we have a very competitive chassis / engine package with TM Racing, in our second race. Needless to say, the team is extremely motivated to further improve our potential." Leonardo Marseglia clearly upped the pace this weekend with 14th in Qualifying and 5th place in a heat with the fastest lap. The smile of Alexander Dahlberg was a pleasure to see: the 5th place in the Prefinal, confirmed by 10th in the Final, were definitely something to cheer this promising driver. Alex Irlando had a great run at the wheel of his new Birel ART / TM Racing
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kart. Visibly more comfortable than during his first race, he ensured very good Qualifying Heats before running 2nd place in the Final during a fierce battle. His 5th place is a reward appreciated by the team. "I am very happy to be on the podium of Lonato, especially with the pain of a rib injury from a heat at the Winter Cup," said Marijn Kremers in front of the cameras, before adding off the microphone: “It is very enjoyable for a driver to be able to fight using such efficient equipment. Confidence reigns in the team, we have a good working atmosphere and these first results encourage us to continue our efforts". After two fastest laps and a win in the heats, Marijn fought a very good battle to finish 3rd. Luigi Coluccio had three great heats in the top three, but a retirement increased his score before the Finals. He managed to reach 3rd position in his Prefinal, before being slowed down by a carburettor problem in the Final and finishing 8th. In OK-Junior, Cristian Bertucca ensured a strong Final comeback of 17 places to finish 12th after some disappointments during Qualifying.
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
SODI CONTINUES TO WIN AT LONATO
A week after Anthony Abbasse's victory in the Winter Cup, Sodikart can legitimately be proud of a winning double with the two other Sodi Racing Team drivers, the young Adrien Renaudin and the experienced Bas Lammers, during the WSK Super Master Series.
C
onsidered to be the epicenter of the karting world, the South Garda Karting circuit in Lonato produces extremely high-profile confrontations because of its technical layout and constant presence of all the major international teams. These special conditions make it impossible to win by chance on this track, especially in the top category, KZ2, and the competition was very tough at the venue for the FIA World Karting Championship in September.
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"We were already happy to have won the Winter Cup, but to secure a new victory and a 2nd place the following weekend is a great reward that motivates the whole team," commented Julien Dexmier, the Team Manager of Sodi Racing Team. "The work done during the offseason is already bearing fruit, confirmed by our three drivers constantly being at the peak of performance. Whether prepared by the factory or by Cédric Motors, the TM Racing engines have also proven to
be at the top. On the other hand, the potential was there as well in our satellite team CPB Sport with 7th place for Emilien Denner and the strong progression of its other drivers. There is no question of resting on our laurels. The season is just beginning, we must use our current advantage to further our efforts. In addition, I want to highlight the performance of the drivers who have been admirable from start to finish, while showing good team spirit." A new recruit to the Sodi Racing Team, Adrien Renaudin quickly made his mark alongside two great professionals Anthony Abbasse and Bas Lammers. After taking pole position on Friday, he confirmed his form in the top three of the heats before driving a splendid Final. Starting 5th, Adrien came back
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to the front in the wake of and took control at halfway. kept pace until the finish to big win with the fastest lap in
Lammers He then secure a the race.
Leader of the heats and winner of Prefinal A, Bas Lammers also had a great race. He notably managed to dislodge two formidable opponents from the top places at the start of the Final, before taking an ideal 2nd place for the team, which also earned him the lead in the provisional classification of the WSK Super Master Series in front of Renaudin. Anthony Abbasse was not to be outdone with his two heat wins following a retirement in the battle. Returning to 4th in the Prefinal, a spoiler penalty relegated him to 15th on the starting grid of the Final. Anthony managed to gain 10 places to reach a Final top five that was very rewarding for the team. The Sodi Racing Team will now intensify its preparation for the upcoming competitions during test sessions on different European circuits.
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Info KARTCOM - Renaud Didier Š Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
ROSBERG RACING ACADEMY ANTONELLI TAKES THE LEAD, BARNARD CONFIRMS
The second round of the WSK Super Master Series, which was run on the same circuit of Lonato as the Winter Cup held the week before, validated the directions taken by the Rosberg Racing Academy, allowing its drivers to fight at the top of the rankings. Of the three Ravenol-branded KR-IAME karts, Taylor Barnard scored the best result with a 4th place finish in OK. Despite a technical problem that probably deprived him of the win in Junior, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is at the top of the rankings in this very competitive series.
CONSTANT PROGRESS
T
he preparation for the big FIA Karting Championships continues for the Rosberg Racing Academy, whose development aspect is confirmed at each new international event. "Along with Nico Rosberg, we are proud of the squad that makes up the academy this season," said Kart Republic team manager Dino Chiesa. "We are aware that our 2019 challenge is not easy. Britain's Taylor Barnard has great potential, but it must be
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remembered that he has only had one full season at the highest level in OK-Junior and he has just started in OK." "The Chinese driver Cenyu Han is in the same situation and we are putting many things in place to allow him to get closer to the best in the near future. In OK-Junior, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is already in a good dynamic, even though he was still in 60 Mini only a few months ago."
ANTONELLI STARTS WELL In the north of Italy, in very pleasant weather throughout the competition, Antonelli was again impressive during Qualifying, then in the Prefinal which he won with flying colours. The start of the Final set the tone, with Antonelli the leader on the first lap and able to make the difference with significant performances in the midst of fierce competition. Alas, shortly before half-distance, he was forced to return to the parc fermĂŠ because of a breakage of the rear bumper attachment. Although the victory had disappeared, the young Italian has put the Ravenol colours in 1st place of the general classification halfway through the series.
BARNARD AMONG THE FASTEST In OK, Cenyu Han thought he had secured his qualification in his Prefinal after noticeable progress, but a fairing penalty destroyed his hopes. His teammate Taylor Barnard was in a position to get on the podium. Indeed, the Brit finished his heats in 4th, 2nd, 3rd and 2nd places, then his Prefinal in 2nd. Driven off the track at the start, he finished the first lap in only 12th position! His great competitiveness allowed him to return to 4th, but with the regret of having missed out o a better result, as demonstrated with his second fastest time in the race.
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
PAROLIN CHASES THE SERIES WIN
WITH AL DHAHERI AT LONATO Still well represented, the Parolin brand has just achieved more success at the second round of the WSK Super Master Series at Lonato. More than half of the 60 Mini finalists at South Garda Karting actually raced on Parolin chassis, five of which finished in the top ten. With pole position, 12 wins out of 15, two wins in the Prefinals, and the Final victory, the score is once again eloquent for the company from Bassano del Grappa.
"A
fter the form shown in the rain at Adria, the second round of the WSK Super Master Series demonstrated our potential in the dry," commented Marco Parolin. "In the sun at Lonato, our chassis have been very effective. In 60 Mini, our driver Rashid Al Dhaheri dominated from start to finish with a high level of skill. It was more complicated for the other Parolin Racing
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Team drivers as well as in OK-Junior, a category in full swing for us in which the performances unfortunately did not lead to the expected results, partly because of lively battles on the track. In OK, Gabriele Mini' was undoubtedly the most powerful driver in the Qualifying Phases, before being delayed in the battle of the Prefinal. In any case, our level of competitiveness has been reinforced again."
Gabriele Mini' clearly dominated the OK category after his 2nd fastest time by brilliantly winning his four Qualifying Heats. He managed a remarkable recovery of 14 places in the Final and finished in 9th position, again one of the fastest on the track. Already a winner at Adria, Rashid Al Dhaheri repeated his feat at Lonato. 3rd fastest in Qualifying, he took the lead in the heats with three wins and two fastest laps of the race. As the battle became even more intense, Rashid won the Prefinal and triumphed in an epic fight up to the final metres of the Final. He therefore reinforced his lead in the provisional classification of the WSK Super Master Series. Keanu Al Azhari and Valerio Rinicella were in the top five in the Prefinals before lo-
sing their chances in the Final battles. Giovanni Trentin made a good debut with the team with three top threes in the heats and a gain of 12 places in the Final before a spoiler penalty. The OK-Junior drivers were not celebrating as sappointing Qualifying fierce clashes in the
Badoer was forced to retire in the Prefinal, while Martinuis Stenshorne took a 9th position in the Prefinal and was in the top 10 of the Final with the second fastest time when he had to retire with a broken chain.
of the team a result of diPractices and pack. Brando
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Info KARTCOM - Renaud Didier Š Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
ALEX POWELL ANOTHER TOP FIVE
AFTER AN INCREDIBLE FINAL In the sun, with very high temperatures for the season, the second WSK Super Master Series event was instructive for Alex Powell, who confirmed his constant presence at the forefront of the 60 Mini category. The high standard of performances continue for the young karting hopeful. In the fight for victory until the last corner at the famous circuit of Lonato, the Jamaican driver from the Energy Corse team found himself caught in a scramble and had to be satisfied with 4th place.
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AT THE HEART OF THE PACK Already noticed by decision makers in motorsport, Alex Powell has again shown his talent on the circuit that serves as a reference testing base for the biggest international teams. The contenders for victory are still numerous at South Garda Karting and this new race was the proof. Well managed by the entire Energy
Corse team, he was determined to recover after a penalty incurred on Saturday. "Overall, the Qualifying Heats were good, as I finished 4th three times and 3rd once with a fastest lap in the race," commented Alex. "But in another heat that I had finished in 2nd position, I was one of several drivers to be surprised by a race neutralisation and overtook involuntarily during this period. I received a 10 second penalty and lost several places in the accumulated points from the heats."
FOUR DRIVERS IN ONE TENTH Fortunately, Alex Powell completed a superb Prefinal and took advantage of his competitiveness to win his place on the second row for the Final. But the Jamaican did not stop there. Thanks to a strategy of attacking at all times, he managed to go back to 2nd position, then put pressure on the leader. But while he thought he had found the opening in the last corner, the two drivers behind him took the opportunity to try to overtake. There were no
less than four karts attacking on the final straight up to the line! Alex suddenly found himself trapped between two karts and lost some precious hundredths in the fight. Although close to going off the track, he managed to cross the finish line, but the podium, or even the victory, had disappeared. This 4th place in the Final and the points gleaned during the weekend allow him to move up from 5th to 3rd overall and to remain a contender for the title in the WSK Super Master Series.
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CHANGES IN THE GRIP AT LA CONCA
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WSK SUPER MASTER SERIES 3/4 LA CONCA
KEY POINTS ORGANISER
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WSK Promotion
LIEU
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World Circuit La Conca, Muro Leccese, Italy – 1250 m
DATE 7th to 10th March, 2019
ENTRIES 182 drivers- 3 categories • High grip for the first time of the season • Many twists and turns • Changes in the hierarchy • 1st victory for Mini and Parolin in OK • Sunny weather • Temperatures rising
Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
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OK
VALTANEN OUSTED, MINI WINS
T
eam Kohtala Sports driver, Finland's Juho Valtanen (Kosmic / Iame) created a surprise by dominating the OK class unchallenged until the Prefinal. Sent off the track at the first corner of the Final, he lost all the benefit of his efforts. In the lead, Gabriele Mini (Parolin / TM) resisted the pressure from Pedro Hiltbrand (CRG / Iame) before taking off to win his first victory in OK. We will never know if he could have beaten Valtanen in normal circumstances, but the duel would have been interesting to follow. Poleman in Qualifying, Dexter Patterson (KR / Iame) finally took 2nd place in front of the Spanish champion for another podium. Constantly at the front, Taylor Barnard (KR / Iame) took 4th position ahead of Joseph Turney (Tony Kart / Vortex). Moving up well to 8th place in his Prefinal, Sami Meguetounif (Tony Kart / Vortex) had to retire in the Final.
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ANTONELLI CONTINUES ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
F
ollowing a scenario already seen in Lonato, Rosberg Academy driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli (KR / Iame) won the Junior class one year after winning the 60 Mini category. Consistently in the top three, he was able to increase the pace at the right time to win. Delayed on the formation lap of his Prefinal, Thomas Ten Brinke (FA Kart / Vortex) made an incredible 21-place recovery in the Final to climb on the second step of the podium ahead of Nikita Bedrin (Tony Kart / Vortex), one of the most exciting drivers of the weekend. Undefeated poleman in the heats, Arvid Lindblad (Exprit / TM) finished 4th in front of Marcus Amand (KR / Iame) again on top form.
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60 MINI
POWELL, A FORMIDABLE FINISHER
T
he winner of the Winter Cup (Mini Rok) found his way to success in WSK 60 Mini in a tremendous Final in which he gained seven places to win against Ean Eyckmans (Parolin / TM), who was threatening until the last lap. The poleman Coskun Irfan (Parolin / TM) was on the third step of the podium, beating two strong names in the category, William MacIntyre (Parolin / TM) and Maksimilian Popov (Parolin / TM). Three Frenchmen qualified for the Final: Jules Caranta (Tony Kart / Vortex) was back in 25th position, Loris ClĂŠricy (Parolin / TM) finished 30th and Guillaume Bouzar (IPKarting / TM) lost places in the fight before retiring one lap from his goal.
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
BIREL ART CONSTRUCTIVE RACES IN STRONG GRIP AT LA CONCA
The performances on the adhesive track of Muro Leccese from Luigi Coluccio and Alex Irlando in OK, as well as by Rafael Camara and Cristian Bertuca in Junior, validated the work undertaken by the Birel ART Racing Team since the beginning of the season. The team were able to take advantage of these still unprecedented conditions to improve their preparation for the upcoming major events.
T
he third of the four events of the WSK Super Master was a meeting in southern Italy at the La Conca circuit. As temperatures were significantly higher than at the start of the season, the Muro Leccese track offered much stronger grip than usual. Under the management of Luca Filini, the Birel Racing Team has used its great experience to adapt to this new situation and gather important data for the rest of the season.
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"Our work plan continues unabated," said Ronni Sala, President of Birel ART Group. "We had good performances this weekend, although the races were sometimes difficult on La Conca's rubber. Young drivers do not always have the skills or the physical condition to easily address these conditions. It was a good workout for everyone!"
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Usually a KZ driver, Alex Irlando began preparing for the FIA Karting European Championship - OK by competing at La Conca in this direct-drive category. He quickly got his bearings and was around the top 10 throughout the event. Luigi Coluccio was very much at the forefront during the Qualifying stages where he was regularly among the top five with excellent lap times. A decline in performance caused by a carburettor problem did not allow him to fight for victory on Sunday and he finished 11th in the Final after a spoiler penalty. There was no lack good performances either in the Birel ART Racing Team in OK-Junior. Cristian Bertuca made a very convincing recovery of 22 places during the Qualifying Heats, but he could not finish the Final. Rafael Camara had several serious setbacks in his heats after taking 10th in Qualifying. He was 30th after the Heats and managed to finish 12th in the Final. The two female drivers of the Richard Mille Young Talent Academy faced the Muro Leccese meeting with determination. Maja Weug made good progress in OK by entering the top 10 of her Prefinal and gaining places again in the Final to finish in an excellent 13th position, a result that moved her up the standings of the series significantly. Discovering the Muro Leccese track and running in the rubber was a difficult challenge for Julia Ayoub. Unqualified for the Final following a retirement in the Prefinal, the young Brazilian showed her motivation by moving up no less than 16 places to finish 14th in the B Final. Armed with these latest lessons, the Birel ART Racing Team will head to the Sarno track to prepare for the WSK Super Master round and the first WSK Euro Series event, while anticipating the conclusion of the FIA Karting European Championship - KZ and KZ2 to be held on the Neapolitan circuit in mid-June.
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Info KARTCOM - Renaud Didier © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
ROSBERG RACING ACADEMY ANTONELLI IMPRESSES The progress of the young drivers of the Rosberg Racing Academy is confirmed at every race. As well as ensuring the ideal preparation for the upcoming FIA Karting European Championship, the performance and victory were there. At the third round of the WSK Super Master Series in Muro Leccese (Southern Italy), Andrea Kimi Antonelli achieved another great success in OK-Junior with his KR-IAME in Ravenol branding. In OK, Taylor Barnard remains a regular in the top five ...
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WORK CONTINUES TO PAY OFF FOR ANTONELLI
A
rising star of international karting, Andrea Kimi Antonelli continues to flourish within the Rosberg Racing Academy. With the Kart Republic structure, the young Italian has found the perfect environment to continue his top level development.
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and 3rd! He was the fastest in his Prefinal where he finished in 2nd place, but there was a stormy start in the Final. The Briton immediately dropped to 9th place, losing all chances of victory. Not decided to give up, Taylor Barnard came back to 4th place and took the opportunity to return to 3rd place in the provisional standings of the WSK Super Master Series.
At the La Conca circuit, known for its demanding layout and highgrip surface, Andrea Kimi Antonelli impressed the most discerning observers. 2nd in Qualifying and in the heats, he won three of his four Qualifying Heats, each time achieving the fastest lap. Once again 2nd in his Prefinal, he managed a fabulous start to the race by gaining three places in six short laps in the Final! Once in the lead, the determined Italian set times as consistent as they were fast so as to no longer be worried by his rivals. With only one event left in the WSK Super Master Series, Andrea Kimi Antonelli consolidated his lead in the overall standings with this win.
BARNARD STILL VERY COMPETITIVE
In the pack, his teammate Cenyu Han gained five places to finish 28th in the Final, after a meeting where luck was not always on the side of the promising Chinese driver.
THE LAST WORD FROM DINO CHIESA
"I
think Taylor Barnard really had the potential to win, but the start of the Final was fatal," said the team manager of Rosberg Racing Academy. "His 15th fastest time shows that Cenyu Han is getting faster and faster. Alas, his opponents were hard on him in the Qualifying Heats and his progress was affected after that. As for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, he did the job with a lot of maturity for his young age. This is an excellent result for the Rosberg Racing Academy and its main partners, Ravenol and Kart Republic."
I
n OK, the leading category of the meeting, Taylor Barnard made progress similar to that of Antonelli, with a 2nd fastest time in Qualifying and continuously at the forefront in the Qualifying Heats: 2nd, 1st
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
PAROLIN SUPERB OK WIN IN THE RUBBER AT MURO LECCESE
The third event of the WSK Super Master Series took place at La Conca in very strong grip conditions. Parolin chassis demonstrated their exceptional versatility by enabling their drivers to achieve top results at all levels. The success of Parolin was magnificently highlighted by the remarkable victory by Gabriele Mini in the prestigious OK category.
T
he challenge was however complex and the competition proved particularly formidable at La Conca. The track in southern Italy is known to collect rubber over the laps and the hot weather of the weekend accentuated the phenomenon with which the young drivers are still not familiar.
"We can be proud of the way Gabriele Mini won in OK," said Marco Parolin. "He had a lot of problems during this meeting and few people were expecting him to finish at this level in the Final. It was of course not a surprise for us! We worked hard to find the best chassis configuration and we were rewarded. This is a very important result for the rest of the season."
Fast from Qualifying onwards with his 3rd fastest time, Gabriele lost the benefit of his good start when he retired with multiple problems in his second heat. Downgraded to 10th place, the Sicilian driver recovered the situation in the Prefinal before a spectacular Final in front of his most serious rivals. Leader for 19 of the 20 laps, he finished more than a second ahead with the fastest lap in the race. The Parolin Racing Team's Junior drivers had to face the harshness of racing. Martinius Stenshorne and Brando Badoer both finished in 3rd place in their Prefinals, after much effort in the heats. The last race was not the easiest to negotiate. Only Badoer managed to confirm in 8th
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position while Stenshorne was delayed in a collision at the start. To finish 18th in these conditions remains an impressive feat. Not spared by problems, Alessandro Cenedese ended on a positive note by gaining 12 positions in this Final. The race was no easier in 60 Mini. Rashid Al Dhaheri was initially held up by two competitors with problems ahead of him in Qualifying. Expecting to take pole position, he had to settle for 20th. Rashid then retired in two heats but still managed to move up to 12th in the Final and take 2nd in the WSK Super Master standings. Keanu Al Azhari was no better off with his 28th time, but he had a series of very good races with three fastest laps. He finished well in 8th place, again with the fastest lap. The incredible recovery by Giovanni Trentin, from 59th to 11th, completed a very positive picture for Parolin. The Italian brand could indeed congratulate itself on seeing in 60 Mini its products to take pole position, seven places among the top 10 of the heats, victory in the two Prefinals and seven places in the top eight of the Final, including the three fastest laps of the race. At La Conca, the Parolin Racing Team took its fifth podium of the season.
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Info KARTCOM - Renaud Didier Š Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
ANOTHER VICTORY WITH PANACHE FOR
ALEX POWELL Alex Powell is continuing his success in karting. Two weeks after mounting the top step of the podium at the Winter Cup in Lonato, the young Jamaican repeated his success at the third round of the WSK Super Master Series in Southern Italy. On the way the Energy Corse team driver completed a convincing recovery from 8th place, demonstrating once again all his determination in a very competitive 60 Mini category!
AT EASE IN ALL CONDITIONS
L
ocated in the municipality of Muro Leccese near Brindisi, the circuit of La Conca has the cha-
racteristic of high grip asphalt, which is difficult to master. "The temperatures were much higher than those encountered at the start of the season and the grip of the La Conca track is still putting the drivers to the test," said Simone Sorio, Alex Powell's technician within the Energy Corse team. "But I have to say
that Alex managed these conditions perfectly throughout the meeting." It began with 8th in Qualifying out of a total of 78 drivers. The Qualifying Heats then allowed him to move up to 3rd position, thanks to successive finishes of 4th, 1st, 2nd, 2nd and 1st, with a fastest lap in the race.
A DRIVER AND A TEAM AT THE TOP
I
n his Prefinal, Powell knew there would be a tumultuous first lap and retreated a few places, which he was not able to recover from completely. But the speed, fighting spirit
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and determination of the Jamaican still worked wonders in the Final. In a leading group with extremely small gaps (up to 10 drivers within less than three seconds) and constant overtaking, Alex Powell was one of the most enterprising, exploiting the qualities of his Energy Corse-TM. From his 8th place, Alex quickly joined the leader, who he passed on the seventh of the 10 laps to win brilliantly. "We really have to congratulate Alex for this victory," said team manager Mick Panigada. "In addition to the technical team of Energy Corse, our engine and the people who support him, Alex has done a great job. Congratulations to them!" 3rd in the provisional standings of the WSK Super Master Series, Alex Powell will try to improve this position during the fourth and final event scheduled for 24th March in Sarno.
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo KSP - Philippe Kalmès
RFM FIRST HOT RACE AT LA CONCA
In the extreme south of Italy, at Muro Leccese, the third event of the WSK Super Master Series took place in temperatures approaching 20° for the first time this season. Known for its strong adhesion, the La Conca track did not fail in its reputation of having much higher grip levels than is usual at the other circuits. The course of the competition changed with the appearance of rubber deposits on the asphalt. After a tremendous comeback, Thomas Ten Brinke mounted the OK-Junior podium for the third time this year, the sixth for the RFM team in five races.
T
he Ricky Flynn Motorsport team used all its experience to hone the settings of the FA Kart / Vor-
tex on the unique layout of La Conca. The performance was there once again in both categories. However, driving in the rubber was not straightforward
for all, with the risk of going up on two wheels, and the racing was sometimes chaotic. The young Ugo Ugochukwu had started very well with a 3rd place in the Qualifying session before three great runs in the heats. Unfortunately, he had to give up in the last heat and did not find it as easy later. James Wharton was very fast in the top three in three of his heats and was preparing to fight for the Prefinal B victory when he went off track at the Senna chicane. Conrad Laursen came back solidly in the top 10 of the heats but starting from the fourth row for the Final, he was unfortunately eliminated during a clash at the start. Christian Ho confirmed his progress by
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regaining 16 positions during the heats before finishing 9th in the Final. With two fastest times in the heats, but also penalised twice for his spoiler, Laurens Van Hoepen gained 14 places in the Finals to finish 7th. Ranked 13th in Qualifying, Thomas Ten Brinke won two heats and came back to 3rd. Ideally placed on the front row for his Prefinal, he was delayed on the formation lap and had to start at the back of the pack. He still achieved the fastest lap to return to 12th at the finish with a gain of 19 positions. Thomas managed a remarkable 21-place recovery in the Final and could congratulate himself on reaching the second step of the podium, which allowed him to remain 2nd in the Championship standings. In OK, Harry Thompson was running in the top six from Qualifying until Prefinal B. His Final ended prematurely when he went off track in the battle. Kai Askey had a solid run that took him from 28th to 15th place, his best result of the season in this Championship. The WSK Super Master Series will conclude in less than two weeks near Naples on the Sarno circuit.
RFM.TEAM
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PORT S
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TUGUESE KARTING SEASON KICKS OFF WITH THE PORTUGUESE OPEN
PORTUGUESE OPEN BOMBARRAL
KEY POINTS ORGANISER ACDME
LIEU
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Kartódromo do Oeste (KIRO), Bombarral, Portugal – 1225 m
DATE 23rd and 24th February, 2019
ENTRIES 60 drivers- 6 categories
Info Karting Global - Jorge Cabrita © Photo VVL Sport Image Lourenço José
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INICIAÇÃO GUILHERME MORGADO WITHOUT RIVAL
W
ith only five drivers present for the first challenge of the year, it was Guilherme Morgado (Parolin) who dominated the category after pole position for Joana Lima (Birel ART). Winner of both heats, Morgado won the Final 1.5' ahead of Xavier Lázaro (Birel ART), while Romeu Mello (Birel ART) was again ranked 3rd.
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CADETES MARIA GERMANO DOMINATES THE EVENT
A
mong the 16 drivers present, the Praga Kart Portugal driver Maria Germano was the strongest driver of the weekend: fastest time, victory in the first heat, victorious clash with Tiago Lima (EKR) in the second, with her team-mate JoĂŁo Maria Gouveia finishing 3rd. Maria Germano led from start to finish in the Final to win against Tiago Lima, with Santiago Alves (Mad Croc) on the third step of the podium.
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JUVENIS JOSÉ PINHEIRO TAKES THE VICTORY
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espite only five drivers, the youth category proved very competitive. Miguel Couteiro (Parolin) set the fastest time before José Pinheiro (Praga) took the lead in the first heat. Unwell the day before, João Miguel Oliveira (Tony Kart) won the second heat on Sunday morning, Pinheiro ensured a comfortable Final victory more than 3'' ahead of Couteiro, Oliveira, not quite recovered, finished 3rd.
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JÚNIOR TRIUMPH FOR TOMÁS RIBEIRO 131
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omás Ribeiro (Tony Kart) was the only real contender of the 10 Juniors at Bombarral. He was already outdistancing his rivals by more than 3 tenths during the practice sessions and accentuated his advantage during the heats. Ribeiro was also imperial in the Final with a more than 8'' lead over the 2nd, Luis Leão (Exprit) and Matilde Ferreira (Praga) who celebrated his birthday by mounting the podium.
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X30 WINNING BATTLE FOR GUILHERME DE OLIVEIRA
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uilherme de Oliveira (Tony Kart) quickly became the favourite of the 13 participants in X30. Dominating Qualifying and two heats, he was forced to fight in the Final to win against Mariana Machado (Praga). Gabriel Caรงoilo (Tony Kart) was on the third step of the podium.
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X30 SUPER SHIFTER RICARDO BORGES, WINNER AFTER THE SUSPENSE
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t was without a doubt the most thrilling category of the weekend with great uncertainty until the end of the Final. The leaders followed one another: the defending champion Rodrigo Ferreira (Praga) first took pole, Tiago Teixeira (Birel ART) won the first heat and Hugo Marreiros (DR) won the second. Teixeira and Marreiros engaged in an intense battle in the Final to the point that they crashed and gave up on the last lap. Ricardo Borges recovered the victory by 0.284'' against Miguel Ramos (CRG). Borges won in Senior, followed by Rodrigo Ferreira and Miguel Ramos. Joel Magalhães (Birel ART) won the Masters Open, ahead of Fábio Mota (CRG) and João Barros (Birel ART).
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PRODUCTS
ITAKA SHOP
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ASUGA INNOVATIVE HELMET DRYER WITH IONIZER This ASUGA innovative helmet dryer with ionizer meets the needs not only of professional drivers but of all lovers of driving. It is a unique solution that helps quickly dry an helmet. ASUGA's operation is incredibly simple but effective, in fact it use an high performance fan to conveying a huge amount of aiflow on the helmet. Incoming air is sanitized thanks to the built-in ionizer that purifies air from germs and bacteria and eliminates annoying smells, guarantees low electrical consumption while working in maximum safety.
HYPER IONIZER
It is an electronic device that emits negative ions, these eliminate or reduce significantly bad smells, molds, bacteria, mites, etc.It uses the same system in nature and purifies the air by destroying most of the organic and chemical elements present. It is a natural disinfectant which, without any use of chemical products, sanitizes in an ecological and natural way.
COLD AIR SYSTEM
ASUGA does not need the heat to dry and sanitize the helmet, it is very fast with a max drying time of 20 minutes, thanks to a powerful flow of ionized air at room temperature.
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Fast, light and hitech Structure made entirely of anodized aluminium that ensures a minimum bulk, a very high impact resistance and a comfortable lightness. Compact, very sturdy, but at the same time very practical to carry. Delivered with a helmet bag made of technical fabric. The dimensions are designed specifically to accomodate this helmet dryer and a full-face helmet. With side pocket for visors, front and rear compartment, ventilation holes on the bottom, double high-resistance zipper and red velvet interior, prevents scratches to the helmet and ASUGA helmet dryer. Drying time: Maximum 20 minutes Fan speed : 3200 RPM Air flow: 3.68 m3/min Lightening: Switch on/off and ambient led light Sizes: 400 x 265 x 100 mm Weight: 1 kg power supply excluded Power: Input: 100-240 VAC 1.5A @ 50-60HZ / Output: 12Vdc 4A Reference : EQ767.003
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SODI RACING SPORTS BAG
Refonte couleur logotype ITAKASHOP
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Black and orange Sodi Racing sports bag of 81 liters. Removable shoulder strap. 2 side pockets with Itakashop.com, Box's, Mekaone and Tekneex logos. Sodi logos on front and rear. Dimensions: 70 cm (L) x 34 cm (l) x 34 cm (H) Reference : EQ718.014
PANTONE 485C
Black
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ANGERVILLE FRANCE
GPS
AIRPORT
48°17'24.45"N / 2°00'22.17"E
Orly ( 60 km ) Roissy Charles De Gaulle ( 90 km )
length : 1 198 m width : 8-10 m
TRAIN
Angerville ( 1 km ) Etampes ( 15 km )
ASN
FFSA – 32 avenue de New York – 75 781 Paris Cedex 16 – France Patrick Bausola Tél. : +33 144 302 400 E-mail : pbausola@ffsa.org
FFSAKARTING.ORG
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CIRCUIT
TOURISM OFFICER
Bureau de l'Office du Tourisme Place de la Halle – 91 660 – Méréville - France Tél. : +33 164 951 800 E-mail : cdt@tourisme-essonne.com
TOURISME-ESSONNE.COM
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Circuit Gabriel Thirouin Villeneuve 91 670 Angerville - France Tél. : +33 169 950 000 Fax. : +33 169 951 258 E-mail : askangerville@wanadoo.fr
ASKANGERVILLE.FR
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SARNO ITALY
GPS
AIRPORT
length : 1.547 m width : 8-11 m
TRAIN
40°50´21´´ N / 14°33´59´´ E
Sarno-Salerno ( 5km )
ASN
ACI-CSAI Via Solferino 32 00185 Roma – Italy Tel. : +39 06 499 82 815 E-mail : bastianelli@acisportspa.it
CSAI.ACI.IT
Capodichino-Napoli ( 30km )
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TOURISM OFFICER
Azienda Carsnoma di Cura Soggiorno e Turismo Via Sacra 1 - 80045 Pompei - Italy Tél. : +39 081 850 7255 E-mail : pompei@uniserv.uniplan.it
CIRCUIT
Circuito Internazionale Napoli Via Sarno Palma 84087 Sarno-Salerno (SA) - Italy Tél. : +39 081 968 229 E-mail : info@circuitointernazionalenapoli.com
CIRCUITOINTERNAZIONALENAPOLI.COM
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo DR
THÉO POURCHAIRE JOINS THE SAUBER JUNIOR TEAM Noticed since his first season in single-seater after which he became French F4 Junior Championship, Théo Pourchaire has just joined the Sauber Junior Team. The prestigious Swiss team created by Peter Sauber holds the record for participation in F1 Grands Prix and has been close to Ferrari since 2011. Currently headed by Frédéric Vasseur, it has officially taken the name of Alfa Romeo Racing in F1. Sauber decided to create its own initiative to train and support young talents from F4 to F2 in association with Charouz Racing System.
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founder of ART Grand Prix and a great connoisseur of the different single-seater formulae, Frédéric Vasseur explains that "Sauber is used to helping young drivers to develop their potential, after having worked with Michael Schumacher (in endurance), Sebastian Vettel and the rising star Charles Leclerc. With this project, Sauber strengthens its strategy with a comprehensive program ranging
Championship. "To join this sector at 15 years of age for me constitutes a superb opportunity", rejoiced the driver of Grasse. "Sauber Motorsport has supported the development of many young drivers. I hope to follow in their footsteps. The challenge that awaits me is hard in the face of fierce competition. It's up to me to learn quickly to participate in the title race."
from championships for youth to the peak of motorsport. We are delighted to partner with Charouz Racing System, a very professional team that is enjoying success in all championships." Théo joins a group of eight drivers racing in F2, F3 and F4. This year he will compete in an ambitious double F4 programme in the ADAC Championship in Germany and in the Italian ACI Sport
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Info KARTCOM - Renaud Didier © Photo Creative Photographer - Thomas Fenetre & Morgan Mathurin
2019 WINFIELD
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VOLANT
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JULES METTETAL THE NEW WINFIELD VOLANT WINNER
With the second edition of the modern Winfield Volant at the Paul Ricard circuit, the organisers set the bar even higher in terms of training, detection, sporting fairness and quality of the field. A world-class kart racer, 16-year-old Jules Mettetal, emerged as the winner of an exciting and uncertain confrontation. The Frenchman has won a full season in the 2019 French FIA F4 Championship organised by the FFSA Academy. A prize worth more than €200,000, including several days of testing.
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n 2018, the Winfield Volant fulfilled its mission completely, as recalled by Frédéric Garcia, President of Winfield Group. "The winner last year, the Brazilian Caio Collet, became French FIA F4 Champion in the Winfield colours and is now a member of the Renault Sport Academy. As for Théo Pourchaire, the winner of the Winfield Trophy for the youngest dri-
vers, he then won the French F4 Junior Championship and has just joined the Sauber Racing Team. Eight of the top 10 in the French Championship have also participated in the Winfield Volant, where they received valuable training for their careers. We represent a bridge between karting and cars, but our role does not stop on the evening of the Volant. We support the champions we
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find, to put them in the best conditions to win in F4 and try to place them in a driver development programme.� This is why the 18 young drivers selected from the many candidates arrived at the Paul Ricard circuit in the south of France with overflowing motivation. Again very international with participants coming from Spain, Switzerland, Great Britain, Belgium and the United States, in addition to France, the 2019 vintage gathered talent from karting for the most part, as well as three women and an e-Sport champion.
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VALUABLE LEARNING
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he drivers were first put into the hands of the Winfield experts for several training workshops and various evaluations: physical and mental tests, car dynamics, discovery of the FIA F4 Mygale-Renault and the Castellet circuit, media training, regulations, tyre management, visualisation and recall work, and more. The next day, drivers aged 14 to 17 went out on the track for four sessions each. Viewing the onboard cameras and analysing the data acquisition with qualified instructors, recruited by Winfield for the event, enabled the trainees to progress rapidly. "Turn by turn, we pointed out their faults and put them on the track to improve their lap times," said Julien Gilbert, one of the instructors. "In the end, everyone set their fastest lap during the last session of the day. The vast majority managed to catch up with the fastest. It really was a day of good work for everyone."
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A DIFFICULT SELECTION
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n Monday, 25th February, the candidates returned to the heart of the matter, with the official Timed Qualifying sessions. For the panel, choosing the four finalists was not easy. "Our decision was not solely guided by the timing data," commented former F1 driver Jarno Trulli, a jury member. "We analysed their performances during off-track activities and the results of the multiple-choice test conducted after the training workshops." Frenchman Hadrien David (15), Briton Callum Bradshaw (17), American Nicky Hays (17) and Frenchman Jules Mettetal (16) won their ticket to the finals, in ideal weather conditions.
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Already the fastest in the morning showdowns, Mettetal confirmed his brilliance in the afternoon in the Final, but Hays, very fast too, David and Bradshaw pushed him to the end in the last session. The last word went to the panel, which announced the victory of Jules Mettetal. He will join the French F4 grid this season. Reserved for the youngest drivers, the Winfield Trophy was won by Isack Hadjar. The Frenchman won two days of testing with the FFSA Academy and a race in F4. Awarded in partnership with the FIA “Women in Motorsport" Commission, the award for the best female went to Doriane Pin.
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Info & Š Photo FIA
ULTRA-PROTECTIVE HELMETS BASED ON NEW FIA STANDARD The next generation of ultra-protective helmets, based on the FIA's new top-level helmet standard, have made their debut at F1 pre-season testing.
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hese new helmets offer a number of safety benefits, including advanced ballistic protection, increased energy absorption and an extended area of protection for drivers. This follows over a decade of research to create the most stringent standards so far for helmet manufacturers to meet to further increase safety. Throughout this process, FIA researchers worked closely with F1 helmet manufacturers such as Stilo and Bell Racing, who have now produced helmets based on the new standard.
Called FIA 8860-2018, this standard outlines the construction and testing requirements that the helmet manufacturers must achieve to provide equipment for the FIA's top series. Tests that the new helmets must undergo include a 225g metal disc fired at 250km/h, a 10kg weight falling five metres, an air rifle shot directly at the visor and exposure to a 790°C flame. The standard is mandatory in Formula One this season and will become so for other championships soon.
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CHANGES BASED ON THE NEW STANDARD INCLUDE: - Top of visor opening lowered by 10mm to incorporate advanced ballistic protection that achieves unprecedented levels of safety during impact from debris. - Extended areas of protection on sides to offer compatibility with latest singleseater headrests and closed car seat-side head protection systems, ensuring energy management is exactly where headrests are positioned. - Helmet shell construction using advanced composite materials to ensure it is not only tough but also resistant to crushing and penetration. - Test methods include variable crash speeds to account for different accidents and a range of weights to account for different mass headforms.
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo Creative Photographer - Thomas Fenetre
ISACK HADJAR WINS THE 2019 WINFIELD TROPHY The second edition of the new Winfield Volant took place on the Paul Ricard Circuit from February 23rd to 25th, 2019. Selected from more than 70 applications, 18 young drivers aged between 14 and 17 were evaluated for three days on their physical and athletic abilities, as well as mental, media and technical skills in many workshops. The 14-year-old Isack Hadjar was one of the five youngest in the Winfield Trophy.
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he various sessions organised on the 3.8 km version of the Circuit Paul at the wheel of the Mygale /
Renault F4 then let the stopwatch speak. Isack used the advice provided by the Winfield Racing School instructors during
the debriefings on video and data acquisition. Motivated and applied, he learned the track and progressed from 16th to 7th in the Sunday afternoon sessions. With great determination, but without rushing, Isack was on the pace on Monday morning and finished with the 3rd fastest time, a remarkable performance for a junior who was well ahead of much older drivers in the Winfield Volant. The jury, composed of several motorsport personalities including Jarno Trulli (former F1 driver), Éric Boullier (ex McLaren F1 team principal) and Christophe Lollier (national technical director), did not hesitate to award to Isack the 2019 Winfield Trophy for his excellent performances. In the footsteps of Théo Pourchaire, the best junior of 2018, Isack won two test days with the FFSA Academy as well as the budget for the last F4 race at Paul Ricard, with Winfield preparation and coaching included for testing and racing. This is a very good way to approach the French F4 Championship which will start at the end of April on the Nogaro circuit.
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Info KARTCOM - Frédéric Billet © Photo Creative Photographer - Thomas Fenetre
DORIANE PIN HONOURED BY THE FIA WOMEN IN MOTORSPORT COMMISSION
In preparation for her first season in single-seaters, Doriane Pin was selected from 71 candidates to participate in the Winfield Volant at the Paul Ricard circuit. She was the youngest of the 2019 Volant contenders.
because that's the main goal of my season. I thank the FIA "Women in Motorsport" Commission, Winfield Racing School and FFSA Academy for these three very rewarding days."
"I
Like most drivers, Doriane is also taking advantage of the weeks left before the start of the series to continue to gather new partners for her project. There is no doubt that her performances at the Winfield Volant and the prize awarded by the FIA "Women in Motorsport" Commission will help her in her search for sponsors.
'm excited to have the opportunity to drive an F4 again," said Doriane. "I learned the unique layout of the Paul Ricard circuit in excellent conditions thanks to the supervision of the instructors of the Winfield Racing School. The driving sessions were followed by video debriefings and analysis of data acquisition. We also participated in several very interesting workshops on the physical and mental aspects, and on the dynamics of the car. It was very informative!" The track sessions in the Mygale / Renault FIA F4 were eagerly awaited by all participants, especially as the Castellet region was bathed in beautiful sun at the end of January. Doriane progressed with each run by focusing on closing the gap with the fastest. Despite her young age, she
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achieved remarkable performances. After these three exciting days, Doriane was pleased to receive the FIA Commission's "Women in Motorsport" award as best female in the selection, which earned her the congratulations of Jarno Trulli, who was a member of the panel. She will benefit from two days of F4 testing on the Paul Ricard Circuit with the FFSA Academy, as well as a day of training including simulator work, physical and mental preparation sessions, and coaching with the Winfield Racing School. "I did not expect to be rewarded like this!” added Doriane. "It motivates me even more as the F4 French Championship gets underway in April,
Doriane has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to which everyone can contribute on the site www.gofundme.com. Follow Doriane's F4 season on her website
DORIANEPIN.COM
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Info & © Photo Renault Sport
EUROCUP THE SEASON KICKOFF IS COMING!
The Renault Eurocup Formula line-up has been completed with around 20 single-seaters at Magny-Cours and an already competitive grid, split between high-performance repeaters and ambitious new drivers.
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mong the competitors already registered, four have already raced in the category, but the cards are shuffled this year with the arrival of the Formula Renault FR-19. Champion last year with Max Fewtrell and last two years the winner in the teams rankings, R-ace GP again hopes to be the team to beat. To achieve their goals, Thibaut de Mérindol and Cyril Comte’s team have also attracted three promising talents. 8th and 12th respectively in their first Formula Renault campaigns, Australian Oscar Piastri and Russia's Alexander Smolyar - a protégé of SMP Racing - have only one goal: to win the first title of their career. Winner of the Winfield Volant and the French F4 Championship in his first year in single-seaters, the Brazilian Caio Collet completes the trio in the French
structure with the firm intention to confirm the hopes placed in him by the Renault Sport Academy. The competition, however, looks fierce. After taking Christian Lundgaard to the front of the rookie pack, the MP Motorsport team hit hard by recruiting two of the revelations of the 2018 season to take the final step to its first crowns in the Formula Renault Eurocup. 5th and 6th for their debuts in the category, Victor Martins and Lorenzo Colombo are logically among the favourites this year. The Frenchman from the Renault Sport Academy and the Italian are aiming for nothing other than 1st place, as is their new team that also includes the Belgian Amaury Cordeel, with whom they were crowned in the Spanish Formula 4 Championship last year.
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For JD Motorsport, we hope that the story is repeated 19 years after taking Felipe Massa and his Tatuus to the title when the one-design format was introduced to the Formula Renault Eurocup! After having found the front of the field last year, the Italian team intends to continue its momentum relying in particular on the Belgian Ugo de Wilde, French F4 ViceChampion in 2018. Despite only two years of experience in Formula Renault, Arden Motorsport has already met with some success by guiding Daniel Ticktum to victory and Oscar Piastri to the podium. This year, the British team wants to do better with Patrik Pasma, 3rd in the MRF Challenge this winter. The Finn’s team-mates are not yet known, but Sebastian Fernandez and Frank Bird will be at his side during the first pre-season tests this week at Magny-Cours. New teams full of ambition are also preparing to make their debuts with the desire to win in one of the most competitive promotional formulae on the planet. Headed by Fernando Alonso and Pedro de la Rosa, FA Racing by Drivex is one of the most watched teams since the announcement of its entry in Formula Renault Eurocup. For his first steps in the category, the double F1 World Champion with Renault will distil all his know-how to the Spanish kart driver Brad Benavides and the Swiss Patrick Schott, 5th in the most recent Spanish F4 Championship. After winning in New Zealand, M2 Competition has returned to Europe to expand its activities. Based in Belgium, Jonathan and Élise Moury's team has chosen to bet on the Indian Kush Maini,
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3rd in the BRDC Formula 3 Championship, and the Belgian Esteban Muth, protégé of André Lotterer, a protagonist in the French F4 Championship and a contender for the title in the Toyota Racing Series. At Magny-Cours, American Cameron Das will drive the team's third car. BhaiTech Racing is also going strong after having distinguished itself for several years in the Italian F4 Championship. For their first year in Formula Renault, the Bada brothers will rely on the Czech Petr Ptáček and the Italian Federico Malvestiti, two drivers having respectively ranked 5th and 6th last year on the other side of the Alps. At Magny-Cours, the various contenders will benefit from 20 hours of track time over three days of testing to get the measure of their new vehicles. The competitors will then continue their preparations on the other circuits on the calendar, where new drivers are expected to increase the field to beyond 20 entries this season. Benoît Nogier, Commercial Racing Director of Renault Sport Racing: "Since the shakedown in early February, the teams involved and Renault Sport Racing have worked tirelessly to build a very competitive platform. The results are tangible with nearly 20 cars present for the first collective tests of the year. By the second week of testing at the Circuit Paul Ricard, this figure will increase towards our goal of having 22 to 24 cars starting the first race. This represents an initial success for the new era of Formula Renault, which has easily reached the necessary threshold of competitors to obtain points for the Superlicence. We are therefore eager to see a large proportion
of these aspiring F1 drivers to launch the season on the Circuit Nevers MagnyCours tomorrow!"
LIST OF ENTRANTS
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2019 CALENDAR OF THE RENAULT EUROCUP FORMULA 12th-14th April Autodromo di Monza, Italy¹
10th-12th May Silverstone, Great Britain¹
23rd-26th May Monaco
31st May-2nd June Circuit Paul Ricard, France
25th-27th July Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium¹
30th August-1st September Nürburgring, Germany¹
6th-8th September Hungaroring, Hungary¹
27th-29th September Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain
4th-6th October Hockenheimring, Germany
24th-26th October Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
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