In Italy, the end of January marked the start of the new season for KR Motorsport and WSK Promotion, with the opening of the Super Master Series at the World Circuit La Conca. With a total of six podium finishes, the KR chassis proved that it remains a major force on the international scene. Several teams that chose the Italian equipment produced in Veneto were also delighted with the high performance of the new IAME engines.
30% KR chassis at Muro Leccese
The chassis from the Kart Republic factory, a member of the Korus group, remains popular at the start of the season. 90 drivers chose it, representing 30% of the total field. In the five categories in which it was present, KR took 42% of the places in the various top 10s.
Victorious transition from Mini to OK-N Junior for Niccolo Perico
A member of the KR Motorsport team, Italy's Perico dominated the OK-N Junior category. He started by winning his three Qualifying Heats, twice with the fastest lap, then the Prefinal. He led the Final from start to finish, crossing the finish line more than five seconds ahead and again with the fastest lap. Four other KR chassis were in the top eight, including those driven by Sebastian Riedel and Marco Verde from Team Driver Racing Kart.
Anagnostiadis, the leader, but denied victory in OK
Named top rookie in OK by FIA Karting in 2025, James Anagnostiadis started 2026 with high ambitions. Winner of two Qualifying Heats, the KR Motorsport team driver made the difference in the Final after starting in 5th position. However, from the very first metres of the race, his front fairing was no longer in its initial position, resulting in a penalty. Despite setting the fastest lap, the Australian dropped back to 6th behind Dan Allemann (VDK Racing), who made a brilliant debut with his KR chassis at La Conca. Congratulations to Zac Drummond (Fusion Motorsport) for his superb 2nd place. The Briton also took pole position ahead of his team-mate Sebastian Minns.
Four KR-IAME karts in the top five in OK-Junior
Qualifying got off to a strong start for KR Motorsport with Lorenzo Di Pietrantonio on pole position, Lucas Palacio and Many Nuvolini in 3rd and 4th positions behind Priam Bruno (VictoryLane). The KR Motorsport team's strong showing continued into the Final with Many Nuvolini returning to 2nd place ahead of Will Green, Lucas Palacio and Alessandro Truchot.
Podium finish in Mini too!
Once again, the Driver Racing Kart and Kidix Driver Performance teams made perfect use of the KR chassis' qualities: P2 Oliver Weytjens, P4 Zev Godschalk with the fastest lap, P5 Denver Bos, P8 Giovanni Ventorino and P10 Jack Fynn Wolff (KR Motorsport) in Mini U10, as well as P4 Andrea Buffo, P7 Devin Titz and P10 Phawin Warakitsupachok (+13) in Mini 60 Gr.3.
Comment from Dino Chiesa, head of KR Global Motorsport Company
"The season is off to an extremely positive start. We are competitive in both dry and wet conditions. The weather is often difficult at this time of the season and I congratulate both the drivers and the teams for their efforts. Some of the young drivers were discovering a new category, while others were new to our working methods. I have noticed that some of our competitors are also very strong, so the work will quickly intensify. I must not forget to compliment IAME and the engine builders. The recently CIK-FIA homologated engines proved to be very competitive in this first round of the WSK.”