Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two
Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two

Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart...

Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two

Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two

Jac Preston has taken his first ever SP Tools Australian Kart Championship round win in KZ2 at Murray Bridge, South Australia, while Ky Burke broached the top step of the podium in KA2 for the first...
Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo
Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo

Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with...

Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo

Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo

The ROK Cup Italy continues its seasonal journey with the second round held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo (PV). Almost 200 are the attendants in the seven categories competing, in a...
IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition
IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition

IPK strengthens its presence in...

IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition

IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition

Since its creation in 2010, the IPK factory has rapidly established itself as one of the leading companies in the global karting market, thanks to its innovative technology and the quality of the...
Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne
Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne

Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as...

Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne

Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne

Young Queenslander, Cooper Folley has stunned the field in his first KA2 Junior round at the opening SP Tools Australian Kart Championship, presented by Castrol event sweeping to the win at the...
Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy
Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Great weekend for Kalì Kart colours at the 36th Margutti Trophy that took place this weekend in Lonato. In the OK Junior category, Ilia Berezkin dominated the OK Junior by winning all 3 qualifying...
Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener
Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener

Italian Champion to line up in...

Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener

Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener

Italian Champion Moritz Ebner is set to make his Australian debut at the opening round of the 2025 SP Tools Australian Kart Championship presented by Castrol in Melbourne next weekend (March 28-30).
Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne
Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne

Stars of Karting take centre stage in...

Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne

Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne

Melbourne’s Grand Prix week started off with a bang with the Stars of Karting Event at Port Melbourne’s Todd Road facility on Monday. The short and sharp format saw qualifying followed up...
Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit
Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit

Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double...

Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit

Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit

The first event of the 2025 ProKart Challenge program was held on the February 28-March 2 weekend at the new K1 Circuit. The Winchester, California facility welcomed the Superkarts! USA regional...
Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy
Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy

Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025...

Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy

Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy

Karting Australia is proud to announce that Annabel Kennedy (Brisbane, QLD) and Hamish Campbell (Gold Coast, QLD) have been selected to represent the nation in the 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy...
WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026
WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026

WKA Realigns National Road Racing...

WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026

WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026

With a very busy Road Racing Calendar and events so close to each other throughout the year, racers have expressed their concerns that some events are simply not feasible to attend.  Responding...
2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga
2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga

2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury...

2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga

2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga

Karting Australia can confirm that the 2025 Rotax National Cup will be hosted at Albury Wodonga Kart Racing Club on September 13-14.
Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne
Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne

Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1...

Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne

Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne

More than 100 of Australia’s top kart racers will take centre stage at the Go-Kart Club of Victoria on Monday, March 10, as the Stars of Karting event launches "Race Week" for the...
2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon
2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon

2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the...

2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon

2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon

Fresh off a record setting campaign in Florida, the Superkarts! USA organization is turning its focus on the 2025 SKUSA Pro Tour. Set for its 16th straight season, the championship will again be...
Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!
Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!

Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the...

Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!

Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!

Back in 1978, The Blues Brothers took the world by storm with a skit on Saturday Night Live. A movie followed in 1980, then a sequel and some albums as Dan Aykroyd (Elwood) and John Belushi (Joliet...
Kalì Kart: Zvarich brothers confirmed for 2025
Kalì Kart: Zvarich brothers confirmed for 2025

Kalì Kart: Zvarich brothers confirmed...

Kalì Kart: Zvarich brothers confirmed for 2025

Kalì Kart: Zvarich brothers confirmed for 2025

In the last few days, Kalì Kart has confirmed the extension of the agreement with the three Zvarich brothers also for the 2025 season. Max, Marat and Mark, therefore, after the first contact with...
Iron Dames reveal full 2025 racing programme: 16 drivers, multiple disciplines, one mission
Iron Dames reveal full 2025 racing programme: 16 drivers, multiple disciplines, one mission

Iron Dames reveal full 2025 racing...

Iron Dames reveal full 2025 racing programme: 16 drivers, multiple disciplines, one mission

Iron Dames reveal full 2025 racing programme: 16 drivers, multiple disciplines, one mission

Iron Dames, the trailblazing all-female racing project, proudly announces its expanded 2025 programme, featuring an unprecedented line-up of 16 drivers competing across the globe. This milestone marks...
Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge sets 2025 schedule
Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge sets 2025 schedule

Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge sets...

Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge sets 2025 schedule

Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge sets 2025 schedule

The 21st edition of the Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge is projected to be one of the best seasons in the last decade. The organization’s flagship regional program is set to contest six rounds...
ROK Cup 2025 Regulations
ROK Cup 2025 Regulations

ROK Cup 2025 Regulations

ROK Cup 2025 Regulations

ROK Cup 2025 Regulations

The new regulations for the ROK Cup 2025 have been approved by ACI SPORT. Below you can find all the information and updates regarding the main changes introduced for the new season.
24 Hours Karting of Italy: the entry list becomes increasingly international
24 Hours Karting of Italy: the entry list becomes increasingly international

24 Hours Karting of Italy: the entry...

24 Hours Karting of Italy: the entry list becomes increasingly international

24 Hours Karting of Italy: the entry list becomes increasingly international

Registration of the teams coming from all over the world for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy, the reference Rental kart event among international endurance races, scheduled for next March 1-2 on the...
Zayne Burgess to Join Andretti Global Driver Development Program
Zayne Burgess to Join Andretti Global Driver Development Program

Zayne Burgess to Join Andretti Global...

Zayne Burgess to Join Andretti Global Driver Development Program

Zayne Burgess to Join Andretti Global Driver Development Program

Andretti Global and Gainbridge announced today that Zayne Burgess, 8, will join their ambitious Driver Development program designed to support young talents with the aim of leading them to pinnacle...

Postponement Rotax Max South Africa round 1 nationals

Postponement Rotax Max South Africa round 1 nationals Read more

It is with great regret that Rotax Max South Africa have been forced to postpone the first national of 2020 due to the Corona Virus restrictions.

Karting Australia; ROTAX Pro Tour opener postponed

Karting Australia; ROTAX Pro Tour opener postponed Read more

Karting Australia, International Karting Distributors and the Go-Kart Club of Victoria advises that the opening round of the 2020 Rotax Pro Tour, scheduled for this weekend (March 21/22), has been postponed.

Statement Skusa Superkarts USA: race at Monterey Bay cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis

Statement Skusa Superkarts USA: race at Monterey Bay cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis Read more

Regrettably we must relay the news that the upcoming prokartchallenge race scheduled for April 4th and 5th will be canceled, based on the COVID-19 mitigation efforts mandated by the state of California.

The 31st Andrea Margutti trophy postponed to August 30th 2020 in Lonato

The 31st Andrea Margutti trophy postponed to August 30th 2020 in Lonato Read more

Due to the Coronavirus emergency and the recent Decree-Laws aimed at slowing down its diffusion on the whole Italian territory, Parma Motorsport as the organizer of the 31st Andrea Margutti Trophy together with the management of the South Garda Karting circuit of Lonato del Garda and the Italian Federation ACI Sport decided to postpone the event to a more suitable date.

VAR signs fresh UAE F4 Champion Francesco Pizzi

VAR signs fresh UAE F4 Champion Francesco Pizzi Read more

Van Amersfoort Racing is excited to announce the joining of Francesco Pizzi. The young Italian will compete for the Dutch outfit in the 2020 Italian F4 Championship

Round 1 of the 2020 IAME Euro Series by RGMMC postponed

Round 1 of the 2020 IAME Euro Series by RGMMC postponed Read more

Race 1 of the 2020 IAME EURO SERIES, to be held at Mariembourg, BELGIUM, has been postponed die to the coronavirus.

FPAK: all motorsport activities in Portugal to be cancelled for the three weeks to come

FPAK: all motorsport activities in Portugal to be cancelled for the three weeks to come Read more

Due to worldwide developments regarding the Coronavirus SARS-COV-2 and the lung infection COVID-19 more national federations have to cancel karting events.

The first round of the IAME X30 Benelux at Mariembourg has been postponed

The first round of the IAME X30 Benelux at Mariembourg has been postponed Read more

The first round of the IAME X30 Benelux, to be held at the track of Karting des Fagnes in Mariembourg (Belgium), has been postponed. The new date for the race will be announced very soon.

Important Message to Karting Australia Members – Coronavirus Management

Important Message to Karting Australia Members – Coronavirus Management Read more

In light of recent and rapid developments regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) I want to update you on several matters related to this virus that is affecting the world. Karting Australia on the advice of our Chief Medical Officer will be leading the response to Covid-19 for our sport. We will do so with our Member States and we will be expecting our Member States to lead their Clubs consistent with the approach that we will be taking.

George Russell and Lando Norris on the British Kart Championships

George Russell and Lando Norris on the British Kart Championships Read more

Williams F1 driver George Russell and McLaren F1 star Lando Norris both came up through Karting and believe the British Kart Championships are the place to be to. Watch the video to hear from the F1 hotshots.

The Italian ACI Karting Championship round in Triscina (Trapani) postponed to May 31st

The Italian ACI Karting Championship round in Triscina (Trapani) postponed to May 31st Read more

The event in Sicily at the Circuit of Triscina is postponed from April 5th to May 31st and becomes the second round of the Italian ACI Karting Championship. The Italian karting season will kick off on May 10th from the International Circuit La Conca (Muro Leccese).

Homologation withdrawn for three helmets

Homologation withdrawn for three helmets Read more

The FIA Motorsport Safety Department and Motorsport Australia have advised the cancellation of three different helmets previously approved under the 8859-2015 Standard due to safety reasons.

24H Karting of Italy: Adria race postponed for the corona virus emergency

24H Karting of Italy: Adria race postponed for the corona virus emergency Read more

In agreement with the management of the Adria Raceway circuit and in compliance with the directives of CONI and the Italian Government aimed at containing the Covid-19 infection, CRG announces that the 24 Hours Karting of Italy scheduled for 28-29 March on the Adria track has been postponed until a later date.

Australian Kart Championship: Supercars driver takes Championship opener at the bend

Australian Kart Championship: Supercars driver takes Championship opener at the bend Read more

Virgin Australia Supercars Championship regular, James Golding has delivered one of the great upsets in the SP Tools Australian Kart Championship opening round at The Bend Motorsport Park, presented by Castrol EDGE, by taking a stunning victory in the KZ2 category on Sunday.

Emidio Pesce joins DR Formula for his Formula Regional debut

Emidio Pesce joins DR Formula for his Formula Regional debut Read more

The Italian is the first driver confirmed for the 2020 season from the team led by Danilo Rossi. Team DR Formula returns to Formula Regional European Championship. The squad led by Danilo Rossi, after taking part in the season opener, confirms its commitment in the series for the second consecutive year.

New podium in Oman for Suleiman Zanfari

New podium in Oman for Suleiman Zanfari Read more

After his victory in the Dubai O-Plate, Suleiman Zanfari shone again by mounting the second step of the podium of the MENA Nations Cup which took place in mid-February in Muscat, Oman.

Positive performances for Kosmic at the WSK Super Master Series

Positive performances for Kosmic at the WSK Super Master Series Read more

The Kosmic Kart Racing Department is the author of an excellent weekend at the South Garda Karting in Lonato, centring a great comeback, a second place in prefinal and the top ten in final.

WSK Super Master Series, the videos. The recap of the racing weekend in Lonato (ITA)

WSK Super Master Series, the videos. The recap of the racing weekend in Lonato (ITA) Read more

The second event of the WSK Super Master Series has been raced! See how the 2020 WSK Super Master Series unfolded at Lonato.

Andrea Margutti Trophy is postponed following the recent “Coronavirus” emergency issued by the Italian Health Ministery

Andrea Margutti Trophy is postponed following the recent “Coronavirus” emergency issued by the Italian Health Ministery Read more

Parmasport Ssd, as the organizer of the Andrea Margutti Trophy scheduled for next Sunday, March 1st, 2020, following the recent “Coronavirus” emergency issued by the Italian Health Ministry, in agreement with Regione Lombardia, communicates that due to force majeure reasons not attributable to the organizer, the race is postponed to a later date to be decided. 

Karting Australia: Karting kids coach celebrity drivers in grand prix challenge

Karting Australia: Karting kids coach celebrity drivers in grand prix challenge Read more

Thirteen young Karting Australia licence holders turned from Drivers to Driver Coaches as a part of the 2020 Formula 1 Rolex Formula 1 Grand Prix Celebrity Challenge in Melbourne on Saturday.

First2526272830323334Last
Progress despite adversity for Maxime Furon-Castelain
Heert-Jan van Keulen
/ Categories: CIKFIA

Progress despite adversity for Maxime Furon-Castelain

The young Luxembourg "lion" Maxime Furon-Castelain has confirmed his steady progress at the forefront of the Academy Trophy despite a technical problem. There was a change of scenery for the second round of the FIA ​​Karting Academy Trophy: after the winding circuit and cool weather of Wackersdorf (DEU), the young talents of the karting world found themselves, in a heat wave, at the Sarno (ITA) track near Naples in mid June. On this circuit with a long straight requiring excellent engine power, the young Luxembourger Maxime Furon-Castelain confirmed his rapid progress by facing the vagaries of the engines with great determination.

 

Immediately among the fastest

Although overwhelming, the heat did not affect Maxime's usual fighting spirit during the weekend. Temperatures often exceeded 35° during the day while the track reached 55° at the foot of Vesuvius. On a circuit that he was learning while racing, Maxime was immediately on the pace by posting the fastest time of the first session of Free Practice among the 48 participants from 45 countries. He confirmed his speed and his understanding of the fast pace at Sarno in Qualifying with the 3rd fastest time in his session, only 25 thousandths of a second from the leader of the Trophy, a remarkable performance for this rookie which placed him in 7th place overall, progressing since Round 1 at Wackersdorf.

Always at the forefront despite technical hazards

"Thanks to my good practice results, I was confident of performing well in the Qualifying Heats," said the Luxembourg representative in in this international competition. "I did not suspect then that I was going to have to fight with an engine which lacked punch! The usual change of engine by draw was not favourable to me. During the Warm-up on Saturday morning, I had the unpleasant surprise of finding myself very far from the lap times I had achieved so far. Instead of a few hundredths or thousandths that I was missing in practice, the deficit with the leaders sometimes reached a second a lap in the first heat, which is huge in this competition where everyone has the same equipment. In these conditions, I managed to make no mistakes during the entire race and to finish in 10th position with the 22nd time".

The Academy Trophy race service did not immediately take Maxime's mechanical problem into account and only changed his carburettor to let him start again in the second heat with the same engine block. Always penalised by his engine, Maxime managed to snatch 8th place in the middle of a turbulent group of drivers who were much faster than him, thanks to his commitment on the track.

 

The young rookie surprises his opponents

He started on Sunday morning with another engine, faster this time, and surprised his opponents in a shotgun start in the third heat where he seized 2nd place. During the six laps, he was fighting a breathless battle on the track against much older and more experienced drivers, immediately returning to his 2nd place as soon as one of his rivals managed to overtake him. Unfortunately, he made a bad choice when attempting to protect his position on the last lap and crossed the finish line in 7th place.

"The sanction was immediate, many of my opponents overtook me in one fell swoop, but I will remember the lesson! Despite my technical problems, I managed to qualify for the Final again, in 12th place, better than at Wackersdorf".

Commitment pays off in the Final

At the start of the Final, Maxime lost time, baulked by the poor start of the driver ahead of him and forced to go wide at the first corner to avoid a collision. He was only 16th on the first lap, but Maxime did not give up and started to attack in a tight pack. Highly motivated on the last lap, he managed to recover 12th place in the Final results, still progressing compared to Round 1 at Wackersdorf.

"This competition was more complicated than expected and I am not unhappy with my result in these conditions. I still learned a lot about racing at this level and I got closer to the top 10: a good experience! I want to thank VDK Racing for technical support, my loved ones and the ACL for the support and encouragement. We were all delighted by the presence of Felipe Massa, President of the CIK-FIA. The organisation by the CIK-FIA and RGMMC was perfect and the Circuito Internazionale Napoli personnel showed remarkable efficiency. A special mention for the official announcer, Jake Sanson, for his infectious enthusiasm in the race commentary."

The next big international FIA Karting meeting for Maxime Furon-Castelain will take place in a month on the Le Mans circuit (FRA) at the last round of the OK-Junior European Championship.

 

Previous Article Seventh European KZ2 Championship for Energy Corse!
Next Article Livetiming and results of the Third round in WSK Euro Series at Lonato (I)
Print
7682 Rate this article:
5.0
Please login or register to post comments.