The Birel Motorsport pilot will remain in the world of kart racing to follow a team of his own employing RK technical material. Yet he will also offer his experience to the parent company for some specific initiatives to be defined
Rumours had been circulating since the weekend when last Sarno 125 World Cup was held, but official confirmation was only given on the first week of November: Francesco Laudato will officially quit racing. Following a long lasting and exceptional carrier (over 15 years in racing, winning 2 world and four European titles as well as countless national ones), the Cava dei Tirreni born pilot examined all the options for his future in the ambit of the Lissone based company.
It was certainly a long thought-out and carefully considered decision. All those who devote their life to racing just know all too well how difficult such a "transition" can be. Nonetheless Laudato is not only a talented pilot but also an excellent technician as well as a highly professional person able to assess opportunities with the best rational approach possible. And rationality combined with a craving for new challenges helped him to decide to leave racing and start a new life as a full time RK operator (Robert Kubica Kart). Jeopardy held by the next season for his category, 125 KZ1, was just too much to face.
As a matter of fact the new engine homologation rules are outlining an uncertain scenario which will probably influence the whole 2010 season. This is why it would have been difficult to find the right motivations, while the new dimension offers so many and Francesco Laudato will have the opportunity to take his chances once again. In fact, starting December, he will not only be RK brand official reseller for Campania but also manage his own Laudato Racing team on the track (www.laudatoracing.it). It must be said that Laudato had already been following his own team in national races with successful results, including the National 125 Icc title. Therefore his change of role was gradual and well-thought out. But, besides his personal activity, Laudato will very likely also be involved in further initiatives by the parent company.
Laudato himself confirms this: "Before planning 2010 I took all my time, even though some press had already uncovered my intentions. And, among the many reasons that convinced me to quit racing as a pilot, the prospect of becoming a team manager and operator in the sector was the most important. It was understood that I could have not raced forever, despite the fact karting and racing are my passion and life. So I thoroughly assessed the opportunities for my future with Ronni Sala and we came to an agreement that will enable me to continue working in this ambit as a protagonist with a totally new position. I will take care of an official RK brand point of sale, follow the Laudato Racing Team in the national ambit and even work in close contact with Birel on other extremely stimulating new initiatives. I chose rationally, evaluating all aspects, including the fact that engines have become a far too important factor in KZ1 agonistic ambit and no forecast involving 2010 can be made given the new homologation issue."
"My career as a kart pilot officially finishes today but a future as operator has just opened up, giving me the opportunity to do what I like best: racing. My role will be different but my determination in achieving results will not change. And it is also is the moment to say thank you. Firstly to my father who took me on the track for the first time and supported me up to my first national victories. This sport positively influenced our relationship making it even closer. Another essential person in my career is Ronni Sala: he has always trusted me making me confident and leading me to the top of World karting. And, of course, my girlfriend, who is now my wife, who has always encouraged me, aware that karting is not only my job but my greatest passion. This is why she has always supported me despite the limited time I can dedicate to my family." |
