One week after winning the Italian Championship title and securing multiple podium finishes in the WSK during the season, Modena Racing Team have been crowned world champions! Gioele Girardello made history by becoming the first winner of the FIA Karting World Cup in OK-N Junior. The Italian completely dominated the event in Italy, on the Cremona circuit. By climbing onto the third step of the podium, Switzerland's Albert Tamm completed the triumph of this leading team, which rewarded the extreme performance of their Parolin-TM Kart combinations.
The numbers speak for themselves
The qualifying sessions got off to a perfect start for Modena Kart. Gioele Girardello and Albert Tamm each set the fastest time in their group and immediately climbed to the top two places overall. Between them, the two drivers won six heats and one Super Heat. The team found itself in the perfect position at the start of the Final with a front row consisting entirely of Modena Kart colours.
Gioele Girardello leads from start to finish
When the lights went out, Girardello made perfect use of his pole position at the start of the Final. After that, no one was able to keep up with the Italian driver's incredible pace, confirmed by his fastest lap. He continued to extend his lead until he crossed the chequered flag as the winner with a lead of more than 4 seconds.
"It's a great day for me! A big thank you to the Modena Kart team, who provided me with a super competitive Parolin-TM package," said Gioele at the finish.
Albert Tamm had the performance to take the runner-up title. But starting on the outside is never an advantage. After finishing the first lap 5th, he made a brilliant comeback to 3rd place, joining his team-mate on the podium.
Italy's Federico Mirabella had the opportunity to shine in Cremona, finishing P5 in one heat and easily qualifying for the Final. Unfortunately, he was involved in a collision at the start of the Final. Congratulations also to all the other team members who fought hard in this difficult World Cup: Grayson Walcott (USA) and Evci Ruzgar (TUR) in OK-N Junior, as well as Luca Spagni (ITA), Leyla Sulyak (TUR) and Ates Birinci (TUR) in OK-N.
Analysis by Gabriele Finocchi, Modena Kart Team Principal
"This 'World Champion' title is very emotional! Modena Kart has already won the KZ2 World Cup in 2020, and we are confirming the value of the team with this new crown. Gioele Girardello completely dominated the event, and I think his victory is truly deserved, as is Albert Tamm's podium finish. With more than 80 drivers at the start and changing weather conditions, this World Cup was never easy, but the team always made the right choices. It's a team victory, everyone contributed to the success.”
Comment from Alessandro Palloni, Modena Kart Team Manager
“We are having a fantastic year, with lots of podiums and victories. I can count on a great staff around me, and I thank Gabriele Finocchi for his trust in me. Special thanks also go to Technical Director Gionata Finocchi, data engineer Roberto Di Cioccio, all our mechanics, and to Parolin Motorsport for their valued partnership and super-effective chassis. I would also like to thank Marco Parolin and Albino Parolin for their support, and Marco Malverti for his famous radiators. M.A. Engines and Simone Catonachi have provided us with very competitive TM Kart engines throughout the season. We look forward to more moments like this. Finally, I would like to congratulate Nojus Stasionis on his victory in Cremona at the Academy Trophy, which allows him to finish 3rd in the overall standings. Nojus is one of our drivers this season in the Modena Kart team.”