Thoughts on Karting
25/01/26
For many years now, small engine builders have vanished from the competitive karting scene. What regulatory changes drove this shift? (by Pierluigi Mancini)
Karting mirrors Formula 1 on a smaller scale. From the heroic era when drivers took excessive risks and "garage guys" British teams — as Enzo Ferrari dubbed his rivals from England...
07/06/25
KZ is suffering not only from ill-advised political/sporting decisions by the governing bodies, but also from a certain lack of appeal to younger drivers. Yet Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, the two best drivers in Formula 1 today, come from KZ... (by Pierluigi Mancini)
The career of an aspiring professional driver today essentially passes through two categories: 60 Minikart and OK. Then, at the age of 15, they move directly to single-seaters without ever having had...
03/03/25
In our second special column with Giovanni Minardi, we tackle the topic of costs head-on, delving into the details of what it takes financially to become a Pro and how to carefully evaluate investments in the medium and long term. (fm)
No financial endeavor exists without a ‘business plan,’ and climbing to the top of motorsport is no different. The journey to becoming a professional driver—whether aiming for...
01/12/24
We all knew it would be impossible to make a TV series about Ayrton Senna. And our fears turned out to be well-founded... (Pierluigi Mancini)
Edgar Allan Poe, one of the most brilliant minds of the 19th century, wrote something that ended up becoming my mantra: believe half of what you see and nothing of what you hear. A sad and...
05/03/24
The FIA CIK has recently modified the technical regulations of the OK classes allowing the use of a throttle lever mounted on the kart seat. But evidently, this is not the solution to the real problem...(pm)
Put yourself not so much in the shoes of the driver, but in the shoes of the parent who has paid over 10,000 Euros for a race in OKJ in a good team. Ready... go! and, at the first corner, a race...
02/02/24
A superficial analysis of crashes, the helmets shape or their finishes might suggest equivalent performance, but it is not the case: for karting, a helmet specifically designed for motorsports is necessary. (fm)
The existence of licenses for Karting training outside of races, proposed by some National Sporting Authorities (ASN) for "hobby and sunday drivers”, brings to light a frequently...
10/11/22
Regardless of what drives the machine, there are unique emotions that live solely and exclusively inside the track, behind the visor, inside the mind – less so in a debate (f. marangon-photo m. segato))
In a period or era in which it is easy to become polarized on any issue, let alone controversial ones, it is the task of those who seek to be above the parties, unbiased, objective - as only, now...
22/03/22
Several drivers who now are in F1 World Championship or PRO drivers, sat behind the steering wheel of karts with a lever on it that allowed them to operate the front brakes
The front brake was a short-lived novelty, whose "luck" is comparable to that of the – for some - "dark" phase that karting underwent during the period of the 125cc KF...
15/03/22
Here are some considerations for what we have seen on the track at the WSK Super Master Series.
KZ2 - Birel Art vs Sodi: a high-flying duel
Before looking at what happened in the Super Master Series, it is worth underlining that, unfortunately, there will be no other opportunities to see the...
01/11/21
That the best race of a driver's career, the cleanest drive on the track in difficult conditions and the most overwhelming supremacy in a World Championship were thwarted and rendered vain by the rules once he crosses the finish line, once again makes one think (f.m.)
While the rule that punishes the front fairing coming off at the end of the race - subject to numerous revisions, tests and changes over the years - has discouraged fighting without holds barred and...
27/07/21
The FIA wants to expand the foundations of the motorsport pyramid and chooses karting – fine and good. The challenge of deciding how to do so is, however, difficult. (f.m. photo ksp)
"Mass Inclusion Initiative". Doesn't just the thought frighten you? Seriously, the words of the FIA regarding the promotional drive that it intends to implement for our sport at the...
05/10/20
That the so-called competitive trance can make an athlete act crazily in a race (or immediately after) is a universally recognized fact: beyond a certain threshold, however, it is normal that the gesture attracts the entire world's attention and that it ends up being judged even by outsiders.
Add to it that in the social era the issue will immediately resonate far and wide, given the enormous media power of the videos that anyone can now film from any angle and make it go viral in a few...
05/10/20
Corberi was responsible for a double "reaction foul" after an accident with Ippolito during the final. An awful episode that has had worldwide reactions following the live streaming and sharing of the videos on social networks.
"He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone": a quote that does not need to cite the source, as we imagine everyone knows it. Well, frankly speaking, how many of us kart...
18/05/20
In Italy, phase 2 of COVID-19 emergency has now come alive. Italy as other countries open their borders, what future do international competitions have?
It is still difficult to predict when we will return to the international competition but good news will probably come. The karting in Italy has already returned to the track but only for a few tests...
06/03/20
The COVID-19 emergency has by now triggered the long-awaited chain reaction, especially thanks to the new regulations imposed by the Italian Government.
In addition to all the restrictions and "proper norms" observed by everyone, the world of karting and motorsport in general is experiencing a new chapter which, inevitably, leads to...
25/11/19
Lewis Hamilton goes back to talking about kart racing and proposes himself to CIK. But is it useful?
A guest on the "The Graham Norton Show", on the wave of winning his 6th Formula 1 world title, Lewis Hamilton returned to talking about karts.
In the era wherein karting is becoming...
08/08/19
In a press conference at the F1 German GP, the Ferrari driver spoke of the problem of introducing young people to the world of racing.
Before every Formula 1 Grand Prix, a press conference with a few drivers is traditionally held: at the race in Germany of course there was also Sebastian Vettel, as a German driver along with Nico...