According to the egalitarian principle which has always prevailed in this competition, the 86 or so drivers entered this season in each of the two FIA Karting Academy Trophies, Senior and Junior categories, have had the use of strictly identical equipment: this includes chassis and engines (supplied by OTK), tyres (provided by Maxxis or LeCont, depending on the category), overalls and gloves (branded OMP) and the data acquisition system (of the Alfano brand).
Let's meet Angelo Alfano, an engineer of Italian origin established in Belgium, who is the creator of the eponymous brand of these dials that the Academy members had in front of them once installed on board their karts, and from which they have been able to draw copious analytical information to perfect their schooling of the race.
The name Alfano is well known among karting specialists. When did your projects in karting first begin?
AA: Our first product dates back to the 90s. I was then practising amateur karting myself and to progress as a driver, I found it frustrating not to be able to know my lap times directly without having to stop at the paddock to read the times recorded and noted by the friends who accompanied me. Not to mention the drivers who even went alone to the tracks for their training. So I designed an on-board timer, fixed directly on the steering wheel and triggered on each pass by a magnetic strip inserted into the track. Alfano has a patent for this technology. The cost was minimal for the circuit owners, many of whom very quickly adopted the equipment, especially since it was in high demand from the drivers. And the system was extremely precise. We had installed magnetic strips on an average of 80% of the outdoor tracks around the world.
From a simple timer, the system quickly evolved into a device for collecting more data
AA: Inevitably, seeing what was already widespread in high-level motor sport, I thought of developing the system. The key aspect of the Alfano was that it operated thanks to this magnetic strip integrated into the asphalt of the circuits. There was no need to install antennas, looms or beamers by the side of the track. To the timing functions, we then added other recordings, such as those for the engine revs, speed and engine temperature. A whole generation of drivers grew up with the Alfano Pro, created in 1999, and some of these systems are still used today! It was a real bestseller.
The sport has evolved a lot and has become extremely professional. How has Alfano positioned itself in this movement?
AA: The teams, manufacturers and drivers have of course, requested more features, given the development of data acquisition in motor sport, and specialised analysis tools. This has always motivated our constant search for innovations. At the same time, technologies have also evolved a lot, making it possible to exploit high frequency GPS or activate Bluetooth communication with mobile devices for data analysis via our ADA and ADA Pro dedicated applications/software. Since recently, as part of a range of constantly evolving wireless sensors, we have exploited internal tyre sensors capable of monitoring the pressure and temperature of the air in real time.
However, we have always striven to remain faithful to our philosophy: to provide systems that are robust and powerful, but easy to install, configure and use. Our devices, which are now in their seventh generation, are designed to meet the needs of amateur drivers as well as the most demanding professional karting teams
Has Karting always been your preference?
AA: Karting is undoubtedly our main activity, and we want to maintain an approach that is as specialised and targeted as possible in this area. In addition, I have always been personally passionate about karting. This does not mean that our on-board products are not also used in motor and motorcycle racing. We may not be present at the highest level of their competitions, but our systems enjoy some success among amateur drivers and Track Day enthusiasts. In the professional automotive and motorcycle sectors, we are more active with other devices such as portable pressure gauges and chronometers. For example, in our range of products, Alfano offers Tyrecontrol 2, a pressure gauge and a pyrometer much appreciated for their precision in the measurement of tyre pressure and temperature, and used far beyond the world of karting.
Why has Alfano decided to supply the Karting FIA Academy Trophy?
AA: There are two reasons for our involvement. On the one hand, the OTK group, an exclusive supplier designated by the FIA for the Karts used in the Academy Trophy and owner of the Tony Kart Racing Team, with which we have established a technical partnership, expressed its desire to also use our systems in this competition.
On the other hand, on a personal level, the spirit that the FIA inspires in the Academy Trophy mirrors my philosophy of Karting. It is an affordable formula and I really appreciate this approach that the CIK and the FIA have adopted to incentivise young drivers by offering them an accessible, formative and resolutely international platform with so much promotion and visibility. I have personally attended various races of the Trophy this year and have found great satisfaction in supporting and advising all these young drivers from around the world. Knowing that our system can help them to analyse their driving and to improve is a source of great pride, both for me and for the whole of Alfano.
As OTK is also the supplier of the Karts for the FIA Karting “Arrive & Drive” World Cups, the Alfano data acquisition systems will also be made available to the 108 drivers who will compete for them in the first edition, taking place on 14-16 November at the Lyl International circuit in Malaysia.