F.4 – At "Piero Taruffi" circuit Joao Vieira's 2015 has started

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With two days of pre-season test session, at Vallelunga it has brought the curtain up on the new season of Joao Vieira. After four months from last appointment on the track of Adria, the Brazilian driver from Gurupi is back at the wheel of Tatuus F.4 of Antonelli Motorsport.

A comeback on track more than positive, inaugurated with the best chronometric results in both session, both in wet and dry conditions. A promising start for the driver managed by Minardi Management , who prepares its second season in the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth. So many kilometers on Campagnano’s track, working on pace and set-up in view of the first appointment of the season, scheduled for May 3rd, right on the Capitoline circuit. 

“It’s beautiful being back at the wheel after so long. Finally back to drive. There were two very intense and profitable days. I quickly found the pace and the feeling with track and technical team. After a year spent together, we know each other very well and this will make the job easier. We tried different set-up thanks to the rain that fell on Saturday”, Joao Vieira analyzes.

“A promising start. Certainly, at this point of the season, time results are to be taken with a pinch of salt, but being on the top list is leading to hope for the best. That means that Joao has quickly found again his pace and the work of last season is bearing fruit. He has driven many kilometers as well as worked with the engineers on the development of the car”, the manager Giovanni Minardi says.

F.4 – Joao Vieira gets ready for the new season at “Piero Taruffi” circuit

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The new season of Joao Vieira is ready to really getting going on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of February. On “Piero Taruffi” the Capitoline track in Vallelunga, the young Brazilian driver, whose career is managed by Minardi Management of Giovanni Minardi, will come back at the wheel of Antonelli Motorsport’s Tatuus F.4, to take part in the first two-days of pre-season test.

After his debut last season in the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth, Joao will continue working with the team of Marco Antonelli, taking advantage of the gained know-how, aiming for the tricolored title. The challenging circuit of Campagnano will inaugurate the first (of seven) round of the 2015 Championship. Subsequently, F.4 Circus will travel to Monza, Franciacorta, Mugello, Adria, Imola and Misano for the grand finale. Last year, along the 4,085 meters of the circuit, Joao stood out with amazing battles, resulting consistently among the fastest drivers and closing the three races with points.

“I’m really happy to be back behind the wheel, after four months from Adria race. Weather forecast rain and this will allow me to become familiar with the circuit in these conditions, working on the set-up. Last year I had to get to know all quickly: team, car and tracks. This year, instead, I will have the opportunity to make the most of all the work done in one year. The goal is to start immediately determined from the first race in Monza”, Joao Vieira says, ready to go to Vallelunga.

“I am glad the engines finally switch on. After the positive experience of 2014, I am sure that this year will be a successful for Joao and he can fight for the Championship win”, the manager Giovanni Minardi comments.

Kart – Pole position and second place for Karol Basz at La Conca circuit

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Second appointment at La Conca International Circuit for the WSK Championship Cup KF of karting. Like a week ago, among the major players, the bearer of the Kosmic Racing Team, Karol Basz, stood out, confirming his good feeling with track and new team.

Once again, weather was rainy in Muro Leccese and, in addition, there was an unknown factor and one more difficulty, due to players who have had to struggle with the slimy asphalt. Since the first sessions, the driver from Krakow brought his kart #201 in top placement up to pole position in Qualifying rounds, repeating the result of last week, thanks to two wins and a second place. In preparation for Pre-Final and Final, Karol finished in fourth place, outdistanced only just 174 milliseconds from the best lap, closing the weekend with two excellent second placements. Once again, the challenge will be decided on the edge of tenths. “The weekend went well, both in dry and rainy conditions and I was able to be very fast. Without the problem of last weekend, I could win the Championship Cup just like last year. I am very happy with the work with Kosmic Racing Team“, Karol Basz, Minardi driver Management, analyses.

“The positive results of this weekend highlight the constancy of Karol. The two victories in the rain is a good business card, as well as two second places in the pre-final and final with dry track. Along with the great material of Kosmic, these prove to be a very interesting combination and something to check this season“, the supervisor of Minardi Kart, Alberto Tonti, says.

The next event is scheduled for the weekend of February 22nd in Lonato for the Winter Series.

Kart – Only a problem stops Karol Basz at La Conca

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At La Conca International Circuit the new season of WSK Championship Cup in 2015 has started and among the protagonists we were waiting for the Polish Karol Basz, brand-new recruit of Kosmic Racing Team, determined to do well with the new colours.

Rain has characterized much of working days and in karting, as in car racing, the presence of rain becomes a resource, boosting performances of the most talented drivers. Along the 1250 meters of the go-kart track in Muro Leccese, the 22-year-old driver from Krakow didn’t lived up to expectations, winning the pole position in KF Qualifying sessions, thanks to a win and two second places, after testing in Qualifying test sessions that ended with a sixth place. Started from pole position in Pre-Final, there is immediately real battle with Nielsen. At the end of the sixteen rounds, the Dane overcame the Polish, who was forced to close at the foot of the podium.

In KF Final, Karol moved immediately to third place, behind Nielsen and Verschoor, but after a few laps, a downpour forced the direction to raise red flag. All drivers came back to put on wet tires (only operation allowed by regulation). At the restart, however, it came the unexpected: the engine of #201 kart of Basz stopped working. “Until then, the weekend had gone very well. Unfortunately, during formation lap I had a problem with the spark that made me turn off the engine. Really an unlucky day, because until then I had been very fast. Anyway, I’m happy with work done with my new team of Kosmic Racing Team. In a week the speedy redemption“, Karol Basz says.

“We were sure that the change of team would bring results, given the continuity with materials. Unfortunately, in the final destiny was not friend, denying Karol a possible victory“, Alberto Tonti analyzes.

Therefore, the first date of WSK Championship Cup KF is ended with a reward of fourteen points. In a week (from 5th to 8th February) the Polish driver will again be in action at “La Conca”, for the second round.

Team Italia Velocità is born: Marciello and Ghiotto team leaders

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The latest project of ACI Sport is ready to take off: Nazionale Azzurra Velocità has been officially presented in Verona, at the annual party for the “Italian Car Racing Champions” Awards.

Raffaele Marciello, brand-new test and reserve driver for Sauber team and Trident leader in GP2, and Luca Ghiotto, bearer of Maurizio Salvadori’s team in GP3 Series, are the team leaders of ACI Team Italia, the program that joins the Rally section. Together with Angelo Sticchi Damiani, who is ACI president and FIA vice-president, in the meeting room there was also Gian Carlo Minardi that commented this way the new program on www.minardi.it: “With Trident, Marciello and Ghiotto, Italia team is become reality. Waiting to turn on the spotlight on 2015, we are still in a transitional phase that celebrates the year just ended. Therefore, in Verona took place the traditional awards ceremony for those who have been able to hold high the name of Italy, awarding our champions”, the manager from Faenza says. “It has been a very interesting weekend, started with the wonderful celebration of Italian ACI 110 years in Palazzo Madama, in Turin, then in Verona”.

“Trident Team has an important card to play and I am sure it will play at its 101%. Mr. Salvadori himself said to have two excellent drivers, Marciello and Ghiotto”. Surprises, however, could not be finished. “We would expand the project to a third driver. We’ll see”.

The Adwards has been also the occasion to unveil the new logo of Automobile Club Italia, Sport section. “Extremely important point for the image strongly supported by President Angelo Sticchi Damiani”.

Karol Basz signs with Kosmic

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These are days full of news for Karol Basz. After signing with Minardi Management, the 22-year-old Polish driver from Krakow has changed team, but not kart’s components, saying good-bye to Tony Kart and preparing to embrace Kosmic Kart Racing.

Ending 2014 by winning the title in Coppa Campioni and in WSK Final Cup, with podium in Super Master Series, Karol will tread again the most prestigious stages of karting with the aim to enrich his palmares, taking advantage of the experience gained until today. New challenges will be named CIK FIA European and CIK FIA World Karting Championships, with rounds on the most prestigious circuits in Italy, Spain, England, Portugal, France, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Macau and Japan.

“I am really happy to have ended negotiations, signing with Kosmic. It will be a year where we will have the chance to fight in all championships, but, above all, we will try to focus on the two championships for excellence: CIK FIA European and CIK FIA World. In these years, Karol has showed to have the right stuff to aim for victory“, the manager Giovanni Minardi says.

“The ultimate objective is certainly winning, trying to gain good pace since the first races. It will be a season full of commitments“, Karol comments.

Gian Carlo Minardi: "What a surprise!"

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We have just welcomed the New Year, but the eyes of International Federation have already pointed to 2016. Among the most important news, new rules have been issued for Super license attribution, which is required to race in Formula 1.

It becomes mandatory coming of age and a driving license, together with having driven at least 300 km in a Grand Prix car and an award of at least 40 points in the last three seasons in preparation series. Laugh it off, drivers will be called to collect points in “Supermarket-style”. For each championship, Federation (which group has made these choices?) provided for a system of points. Plus the championship is considered prestigious and greater are the points to be won. So, it’s obvious that Formula 2 – that one which will have to be born? – (with its 60 points for winner) is considered better than GP2 (50 points) or Formula 3 European (40 points). We can notice there’s a desire to try to revive the championship, which over the historic years represented the only true prelude to the top series. “What a surprise“, Gian Carlo Minardi says speaking on www.minardi.it. “In the past, to get the Super license you had to gained some positive results, finishing among the top-five in the championships that formed the pyramid towards F.1, that’s to say F.2 and F.3, in addition to drive more than 300 km at the wheel of a Formula 1 “, the manager from Faenza continues. “It’s a return to the past with corrective actions, as the coming of age. Therefore we will not have a Verstappen-2 anymore. I agree on the fact that Super license has to be gained on track, thanks to positive results. With these scores, FIA wanted to give a guideline to drivers, mainly supporting Formulae under its control “.

Stefano Domenicali, who replaced Gerard Berger inside the International Automobile Federation, will then have the commitment to improve and grow the categories. “Over the coming weeks, as ACI, we will meet with Stefano Domenicali“, the former manufacturer from Faenza concludes, “to confront with him and draw up an agenda of work, to support existing championships, F.3 and F.4, and possibly start a study on the future F.2 that FIA would soon launch“.

FIA WEC – Davide Rigon, 2014 Revelation of the Year

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With the 6 Hours of São Paulo, Davide Rigon signed his first season in FIA WEC World Endurance Championship, at the wheel of Ferrari 458 GTE-Pro prepared by AF Corse team. A season final full of satisfaction. Along with the fifth podium of the season, there’s also Constructors’ Title for Ferrari, ahead of the direct opponents Porsche and Aston Martin, and the award as 2014 Revelation of the Year in FIA WEC. “An unexpected award, which made this moment even more beautiful, also because it takes into account the season of all drivers and not just those of category. I am pleased to have been noticed. Ending the first season in Top 7 is not bad“.

In Brazil ended your first full season in GT World Championship

It’s been a tight season, a clear proof of how challenging is this championship. The second part was very good, as evidenced by the four consecutive podium finishes out of five in all. Getting on tracks already known, I could take advantage of the experience gained last year with the 458 GTE-AM. I worked very well with both the engineer and James, with whom I created a very good relationship right away. We worked as a team, preparing the car according to our needs, without looking too much to the #51. The results and the pace of our team-mates Gimmi and Toni, newly of World Champions’ title, were a great incentive. We have much to learn from them. In the final part, anyway, we were still among the drivers that scored the most points and this bodes well for the future.

Last season you drove the last four rounds with the 458 GTE-AM of 8 Stars. What differences did you find?

Last year we had car available with 2011 approval, therefore with less downforce and different tyres. This year, with the official car, the jump has been really important. 2014 regulation, instead, has involved the same approval for “Pro” for “AM” cars. Conversely, in 2015 the changes will be included only on Pro cars.

What is your biggest regret?

The 24 Hours of Le Mans. Unfortunately, we paid more than we actually had to with a mistake of my team-mate. Otherwise, even on that occasion we could have fought for an important position. Then in Austin we had to give up after five hours of racing, because of an electrical problem while we were occupying the third position, when there was only one hour to the checkered flag. But I am fully satisfied of all the rest. We ended the season improving. Even in São Paulo we have done a good job.

You ended your season in AF Corse celebrating three titles: Drivers with Bruni and Vilander, Team for AF Corse and Constructors’ for Ferrari

A great satisfaction, because the title have been won at the wheel of a Ferrari. Both from Gimmi and from Toni I can just learn. We speak of two drivers with a wealth of experience in GT racing. Championship has been amazing and it is as good as Formula 1, considering both cars and drivers. There are prestigious brands. Every minimal imperfection is paid heavily. Details make the difference, together with the experience, which means a lot.

You flew then to Abu Dhabi for Ferrari World Finals

It was a wonderful experience. They welcomed us warmly and everyone congratulated us. For Ferrari Constructors’ title was the main goal and, having reached it, it is a great pride.

Have you been to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi?

It is something fantastic. It was like being in Maranello. All the details are flawless. I have a run on “Formula Rossa“, the fastest roller coaster in the world. From 0 to 240 km/ h in just a little more than 4 sec. Very impressive.

Last challenge: Gulf 12 Hours

This weekend I will fly again to Abu Dhabi, on Yas Marina circuit for Gulf 12 Hours with Ferrari 458 GT3 of AF Corse. It will be twelve hours really tight and very hot. Quite a challenge also for me. I could touch the track only once, during a free practice session at the wheel of GP2 car. We have a winning team. As regulation, we will share the car with a Gentleman.

2015 objective?
Being back at the start in World Endurance Championship with Amato Ferrari’s team, to make the most of the experience gained this year. Now I know what to expect.

The wind is changing

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Despite Formula 1’s starting grid is still bereft of Italian names, something in our Motor-Sport is changing, certainly for the better. The talents are not lacking, as proved by the many successes of our bearers inside and outside the Italian borders.

In past years, the Tricolor has played a role as true protagonist in the top motor racing competitions and now, at last, the wind is starting to blow again in the right direction, also thanks to the programs implemented by Federazione, through ACI and Scuola Federale. “From 2010, through its Scuola Federale, ACI has put on track numerous initiatives, aimed at the enhancement and development of our drivers. Programs, such as tutoring on racing tracks, the internships on Circuits and others, which are starting to show results right now“, Gian Carlo Minardi says, speaking on www.minardi.it. “Our School enjoys the esteem of FIA men, who had the opportunity to touch and appreciate the way we operate during the weekend of the Italian F.4 Championship and the F.3 European in Imola“. Next year, Monza (30th-31st May 2015) will be the meeting point the two categories – F.3 and F.4 – strongly desired by the Federazione Internazionale for guys’ growth towards professionalism. “Unfortunately, more than one generation of our drivers could not enjoy this support, but we wanted to remedy with specific programs that have been refined year after year and to date have been involved even 39 drivers, who have then been able to win out of national borders, such as Liberati, Cerqui, Cheever Jr. Marciello, Agostini, Fuoco, Ghiotto and Ravera, just to name a few. Newcomers, Drudi and Russo, great protagonists of F.4 Tricolore and 2014 Supercorso“.

“Our job is to make grow drivers, despite the difficulties, leading to professionalism that does not necessarily mean F1. The Circus remains the great dream, but there are lots of other realities in the world of motor racing competitions. Eddie Cheever Jr. flew overseas with Nascar, while Matteo Cairoli has been chosen by Official Porsche after starting the season in Formula 4 and winning the Italian Championship of Porsche Cup. Then, we have many guys who defend themselves very well among the open-wheels, as Agostini, Fuoco and Giovinazzi and Marciello, who signed his F1 debut with Ferrari Team during testing of Abu Dhabi “, the manager from Faenza says.

The new challenge is called Nazionale Azzurra di Velocità. “We are looking for necessary resources to support more and better our guys, through the creation of a national Italian team to place side by side the ACI TEAM ITALIA RALLY program,  that will start as early as 2015“.

FIA WEC – Sergey Zlobin LMP2 Champion

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At the end of the Six Hours of São Paulo, last round of this season for FIA World Endurance Championship, along with Ferrari’s win of Constructors’ title with Davide Rigon’s podium and the first seal marked by Porsche, an acquaintance of Minardi Team conquered the success in LMP2 category. Sergey Zlobin is the new Champion in LMP2 Endurance World and the first Muscovite driver achieving this important result.

At the end of the eight rounds of GT World Championship, Zlobin found success at the wheel of the Nissan Oreca 03R of SMP-AF Corse team. Sergey was among the first Russian drivers to cross the iron curtain, to come and race in the Old Country, signing his baptism in the F1 Circus as first Russian tester thanks to Minardi Team. “I have to congratulate Sergey for this really important result, both for him and for his Country. This success arrives during an important year for Russia, having held for the first time also the first Grand Prix in an absolutely spectacular setting“, Gian Carlo Minardi says. “Moreover, I’m also particularly happy, because with my own team, in 2002, a Russian driver signed his F1 debut. I like to remember that in 1985 we were the first Formula 1 team being present in “Red” Square, thanks to Simod’s partnership. Subsequently, in 2002 we brought Gazprom within the Circus and in 2004 SMP Bank. I’ve always maintained that this country, once developed in Motorsport world, would have produced interesting athletes, as for all other disciplines“, the manager from Faenza concludes. “Today, we have a very young Kvyat marked Red Bull, who will be a race driver in RBR next year“.

FIA WEC – Davide Rigon ends the season with podium and Constructors’ title for Ferrari

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Memorable season final for Davide Rigon, paired with team-mate James Calado and AF Corse. After the Six Hours of São Paulo, scene of World Endurance Championship’s last round, a stunning jackpot is now completed, thanks to Ferrari’s victory of Constructors’ title, after Team and Drivers’ titles (of the team-mates Bruni-Vilander ), already celebrated in Sakhir, one race in advance.

On the demanding track of Interlagos, the 27-year-old Venetian driver together with all Amato Ferrari’s staff have shown up on track with the only goal to give Maranello team’s hands the title of GT Constructors. The win came at the end of a sensational race, finished with the safety car, because of a terrible accident that involved the Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1 of Webber and Ferrari #90. Davide has ended his first season as Ferrari official driver in FIA World Endurance Championship with a fourth consecutive podium – the fifth of season – bringing the Ferrari 458 LMGTE-Pro number 71 in third place and ahead of the team-mates. “It’s been an incredible weekend. We had the Constructors’ title for Ferrari GT as the only goal. Together with this goal, also the last podium of the season is arrived, at the end of a tight race“, Davide Rigon says. “I’ve always liked a lot Interlagos circuit, because it’s old-style, with a good mix of elements. We knew we had worked well and that the title would be within our reach. It’s the perfect end of an exciting season. I have to congratulate all the mechanics and engineers of AF Corse and, above all, Ferrari. Celebrating such an important victory on a world stage with the colours of the Prancing Horse is sensational, unique“, Rigon concludes.

“Perfect end of the season for Davide, AF Corse and Ferrari, and I send them my most sincere congratulations for scoring the perfect hat trick of world championship. Winning Constructors’, Team and Drivers’ titles in such a selective and important contest as FIA WEC championship is really incredible. And they have succeeded“, the manager Giovanni Minardi says. “Racing on tracks already known, Davide has been able to give his best, bringing his contribution. Five podiums, including four in the last four rounds, are an important reward. Victory missed, but, thanks to the experience gained this year, it will be the goal of 2015“.

Next Saturday, December 6th Davide will fly to the spectacular Yas Marina Circuit, in Abu Dhabi, in order to attend Ferrari World Finals.

FIA WEC – Davide Rigon “In Brazil for Constructors’ title”

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“In São Paulo the goal will be only one: Constructors’ title for Ferrari“. These are the first words of Davide Rigon, flying to Brazil, scene of the last round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Rigon, paired with team-mate James Calado, will be at the starting grid at the wheel of Ferrari 458  #71, being confident of last three consecutive podium finishes in Japan, China and Bahrain, which launch him in sixth place of GTE-Pro standings. Right at Sakhir, Amato Ferrari’s team celebrated the achievement of titles dedicated to Teams and Drivers, with the team-mates Bruni and Vilander, neo World Champions. Now, only the last piece missing  to complete a season that could be unforgettable: Constructors’ title for Ferrari. After seven rounds, Ferrari team leads the standings with 261 points.

“São Paolo is a track that I really like, a circuit of the old-school, with several ups and downs. The asphalt has been redone and it should make the cars even faster. In these days, we worked hard to be prepared at our best for this decisive event. We are ready and determined to end the season in the best way. Two weeks ago, we won the first two titles. Now, missing the third one“, the Venetian driver continues. “It won’t certainly be easy, but, once again, I can rely on the experience of last year “.

Right on Interlagos’ track, Davide has signed his debut in World Championship with a second place.

Kart – Joao Vieira, great protagonist of the XVIII edition of SuperNationals Kart

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Exciting weekend for Joao Vieira, busy in Las Vegas for the XVIII edition of SuperNationals Kart.

The 1,370 metres of the kart track in Las Vegas, entertainment capital and most populous city in the state of Nevada, were the scene of the biggest international event of the year in karting world. Managed by Giovanni Minardi of Minardi Management, the young Brazilian driver, already winner of the edition in 2010, was once again among the great protagonists of the XVIII SuperNationals Kart edition. Right from the first free practice sessions, the Brazilian set the pace, signing the best performance in both sessions and closing Qualifying session with the tenth time, 244 thousandths from pole-position. In Qualifying race, unfortunately, the engine collapsed and its replacement caused him a heavy penalty for the final.

Having started from the 40th place of grid, Joao became the protagonist of an incredible recovery, closing the gap to the final ninth place. “The final was exciting. I really enjoyed the race, with all those overtakings“, Joao Vieira said, satisfied. “Regret certainly remains, as I could have fought for the final win with my pace. Unfortunately, because of engine’s replacement, I was forced to start from the fortieth position“.