More than 230 drivers, representing over 30 nations, are set to gather at the Cremona Circuit, marking one of the strongest turnouts in recent Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy history.

With just one week remaining before the start of the season, anticipation is building rapidly for the opening round of the 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy.

Young French driver Jimmy Hélias continues to impress in the top-tier of world karting. And not just by his performances! Third at Sarno at the end of 2022 on his first outing in the premium category, third again at Lonato at the beginning of February and second yesterday at Franciacorta, his consistent podium finishes are beginning to really make people sit up and take notice! All the more so as after four races his worst result is a fourth place! But Jimmy’s no flash in the pan. Instead, he’s the real deal who’s determined to forge a place for himself among the front-runners.

This year began as the last one ended for Jimmy Helias – with great results! The rising star in French karting has made a very successful transition from the Junior to the OK category. After his convincing performance concluded with a marvelous fourth place in the Winter Cup, the opening event of the season, the driver from Normandy put on another scintillating display on the Lonato circuit in Italy with the Ward Racing team.

The third round (out of four) in the FIA European Karting Championship took place on the Sarno circuit near Naples. The young French driver from Laval, Arthur Rogeon, emulated his feat in the Belgian round in May when he set the fastest time in his group, by putting on a stunningly competitive performance in qualifying in Italy.

The second round of the FIA European Karting Championship put a smile back on Arthur Rogeon’s face and revived his confidence within his new team, Ward Racing. When the young driver from Laval arrived at the Aunay-les-Bois circuit he was brimming with enthusiasm and impatient to get back in the thick of the action. He left there satisfied as to his perspectives for the rest of the season in the OK category. He showed consistency and performance in the French round that deserved a happier ending.

A former top-level kart driver, Joakim Ward has diversified his activities since the creation of his company in 1991. In particular, he manages the import and distribution of several brands in Sweden and neighbouring countries and has developed his own range of rental karts.

The young Moroccan driver Suleiman Zanfari surprised everyone by winning the Swedish OK-Junior Championship at Kristianstad on the last weekend of July. The meeting had started with average results in Qualifying, but Suleiman and his team were able to recover the situation in the rain in the Prefinal before concluding with another victory after a hard fight in the dry Final.