The 25th Edition of the Rotax Grand Finals Kicks Off in Sarno

The karting world has always viewed single-make series in two ways: as essential for the promotion of karting, and possibly for its survival during certain phases. Then, there are the purists who remain skeptical.
Attending the Rotax Finals might be a way for those still holding doubts, especially regarding Rotax, to overcome all their prejudices. The logistical effort of the Austrian company, which is bringing drivers from all over the world onto equal Rotax Max 125-powered karts for the 25th time this year, is unparalleled, especially with its format – one that has since inspired many others.
Although the Rotax Max 125, in its various versions and restrictions (which define categories from Micro to DD2 with gears), is a symbol of ‘simple’ and accessible karting worldwide, the event Rotax organizes for its champions is not open to individual drivers with their own karts or to teams – even though teams exist in the Rotax world too, such as in the UK, where the national championship runs with full Rotax setups. Rotax provides the equipment, personnel, and a colossal financial commitment to ensure that this race – the race of races – is contested with equal machines for all. But how can we ensure that the best drivers are truly the ones racing and that it’s not just about having more money to hire the best team and have more chances of winning than others?

 

Rotax’s system is fairly simple, even if in motorsport, such concepts often raise skepticism – and we can’t quite understand why. The ticket to the Finals (the "official invitations" from Rotax to individual drivers) is earned by winning national championships in the country where the driver resides. That’s why, for example, this year we will see young Raikkonen, whom we all know as Finnish, racing with Team Switzerland. Win at home? You’re probably good, because you haven’t just won one race but a full Championship over several events, so Rotax gives you the chance to compete in a race that, in this sport, can easily be compared to a World Championship.

 

The event’s spirit is further enhanced by the division into teams, national colors on uniforms, and the track parades, giving these finals the feel of a true Olympic event. Everyone is here, and that’s how it should be: from lad and dads who gave everything to make it and live the experience of a lifetime, to near-professional drivers who, having competed in very competitive categories, have also shone on the more prestigious FIA stages. Think of 2024 OK World Champion Ethan Jeff-Hall, who spent his entire career in Rotax and isn’t racing here only because, having signed with the FDA Academy, contractual clauses prevent him from competing in karting, or of Matthew Higgins, third at the PFi World Championship, and the strong British drivers in general, or drivers like Alex Irlando and Senna Van Walstijn, who won these finals in 2015 and 2018 and then became full-time professionals at the highest level of karting.

 

The program will conclude on Saturday with the finals, the awards ceremony, and the traditional announcement of where the 2025 Finals will be held. Vroom will cover the entire event live with exclusive reports, social updates, and more.

Official program here: https://grandfinals.rotax-racing.com/time-schedule