Sakhir, Bahrain - The 21st edition of the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals took place at the Bahrain International Karting Circuit in Sakhir in the Kingdom of Bahrain from December 11th to 18th, 2021. After a long wait since the last RMCGF in Sarno, Italy, BRP-Rotax had several premieres, which excited not only the drivers but also all the participants and followers of the Live Stream.
What a hot and action-packed week in the middle of the Kingdom of Bahrain at this fantastic karting track with the wonderful skyline of the prestigious Formula1 circuit. After two years since the last RMC Grand Finals in Italy, the Rotax Team kept their tail up and organized the annual highlight of the Rotax karting season in this truly special location. The organizers put a rigid Covid-19 safety concept in place aiming to ensure the health and safety of the participants, and the successful execution of the event.
“I am honestly very proud of the whole Rotax team and our partners, who spare no effort every year to make this event one of the most amazing and unforgettable experience for the Rotax racers, their companions and families”, stated Peter Ölsinger, General Manager, Member of the Management Board, VP Sales, Marketing RPS-Business & Communications. “I would like to congratulate all the participating drivers at the RMC Grand Finals for their outstanding performance during this week and for making this event so special. It is much more than racing. As soon as you enter the paddock, you can feel the excitement, anticipation, and team spirit as well as the passion.
378 drivers from all over the world and an RMCGF record number of 61 different countries followed the invitation of BRP-Rotax to compete for one week in Bahrain for the title victory. The drivers, of which the youngest are eight and the oldest 66 years old, are considered as the best of this season in each of their countries, demonstrated their high-class skills as well as their talent, and showed a vast number of enchanting battles through the entire week.
This 21st RMC Grand Finals saw several premieres, like the first time hosting the event in the Kingdom of Bahrain and this amazing track also offered the opportunity to hold the pre-finals under floodlights. But what really makes this growing family even more special is the premiere of the new fixed category for the Rotax Project E20 E-Kart which crowned the first-ever champion in the class in the history of the RMCGF.
“The introduction of the new Rotax Project E20 category is for sure a new step forward to the future of E-Karting and we are more than happy to see the enthusiasm of the drivers and the growing interest for this e-powered class”, Peter Ölsinger continued.
After a week of thrilling and exciting action on the track, the finals confirmed the new champions in each of the seven classes, who were awarded at the celebration prizegiving ceremony on the huge podium where the Nations Cup was also awarded.
The champions of the 21st Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals are:
125 Micro MAX: Nikita Ljubimov
125 Mini MAX: Endo Arata
125 Junior MAX: Stolcermanis Tomass
125 Senior MAX: Kimber Mark
125 MAX DD2: Van Leeuwen Martijn
125 MAX DD2 Master: Riche Morgan
Project E20: Oscar Pellemele
Nations Cup: France
The success of this event is also made possible by the commitment and support of our valued Chassis Partners: BirelART (supporting Micro MAX and MAX DD2), Praga (supporting Mini MAX and MAX DD2 Masters) and Sodikart (supporting Junior and Senior MAX, as well as the Project E20).
And the whole Rotax family would like to say a big ‘Thank you’ to the team of the Bahrain International Karting Circuit, whose dedicated effort and collaboration throughout this time, along with their support, hospitality and kindness, made us all feel extremely welcome.
Save the date for the next Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals 2022! The 22nd edition of this remarkable event will take place from November 19th to 26th, 2022 in Portimão, Portugal.