F.4 – Joao Vieira in action at Imola. Once again he beats the 2014 pole.

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Joao Vieira‘s championship is going on towards the opening round of the Italian Formula 4 Championship second season at “Piero Taruffi” circuit in Vallelunga, scheduled for May 3rd.

After Monza, the Brazilian driver of Antonelli Motorsport moved on the track named after Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, which will host the Tatuus F.4 in the penultimate round in September. A two-day test in which Marco Antonelli’s staff has worked alongside the driver, in order to continue car’s development and to study its performance using different new and used compounds. Living not far from Imola, the round in Imola always has a special taste for the Brazilian. “It’s my home-race. So, I want to get ready. Last year we did a good job and in these two days we start again from where we left“, Joao Vieira says. “Both with new and used tyres I was able to stay under the pole of last year, driving respectively in 1’45″290 and 1’45″700. I could improve myself further, but at the end there was a red flag that interrupted the racing day. We are working in the right direction and every time I go out on track with this car, I find myself more and more at ease. However, there will be a more definitive result only in the first race at Vallelunga”.

“They were two very intense days in which Joao has covered several laps, collecting a lot of data that will be useful for the season, especially for the round in Imola. We were very pleased for the chronometric results scored on track through the two compounds, although we expected a greater margin. Certainly, we are working in the right direction. This year goals are ambitious and we want to start driving hard from the first race“, the manager Giovanni Minardi analyses.

On Sunday at Adria International Raceway, which will host an unprecedented challenge between Joao Vieira and Marco Antonelli, Driver VS Team Principal, in the Champion Kart first test session of Parolin. May the best man win!

Kart – Great recovery for Gianni Vigorito at Adria in WSK Super Master Series

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In the opening race of WSK Super Master Series at Adria International Raceway, Gianni Vigorito became the protagonist of an important recovery. The new bearer of the OK1 Racing Team has come back to competitions last week in Gold Cup after a year absence and he is quickly finding pace and feeling with car and new team.

Because of not perfect physical conditions, he ended the Qualifying rounds with a thirty-seventh position, but showing a great recovery in the pre-final, which was closed with an eighth place in B Group.

In the Final, he recovered three more positions, ending the comeback with an encouraging thirteenth place. The top 10 is now the aim of the champion from Sturno (Campania).

“Despite my fever, I managed to make a great recovery, showing that I’m finding the right feeling with kart. Together with team, we are working in the right direction and at the moment this is certainly the most important aspect. Going on this path results will also come. We are only at the first race of the season. The championship is still very long. Now the mind is already focused towards next race on 7 Laghi circuit“, Gianni Vigorito says.

“Despite a result certainly affected by his physical condition and some misfortunes, we are happy with Gianni’s weekend and his hard-work, developing KF materials together with OK1 staff. I am sure that we will see Vigorito’s true value at Castelletto. He is growing and integrating in the best way inside Minardi Team“, Alberto Tonti, supervisor of Minardi kart comments.

Kart – Karol Basz’s victory at Adria in the WSK Super Master Series

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A week after the success in the Gold Cup, Karol Basz gives an encore also in the opening round of WSK Master Series, confirming to be the “King” of Adria International Raceway, thanks to a peremptory victory in the final, where he crosses the finish line of the twentieth lap with an advantage over 3″ on the first pursuer.

For the Polish driver of Kosmic Racing Team, this is a weekend born under the best star right from the beginning; he leads chastely his kart in top positions during the free practice sessions, gaining one win and a second place in the Qualifying that counts as first line in view of pre-final.

The first satisfaction comes at the conclusion of the sixteen laps of the pre-final, crossing the line in the lead; a prelude to the victory that will close the first round (of four) of the Series. Karol is determined more than ever to put the sign on the weekend and to start dictating a fast pace. In the eleventh passage his advantage is already more than 1″2, coming to grow to over 3″ in the twentieth lap, managing to outdistance even the fastest lap of the race with an incredible 48″013. The Polish wins the Adria International Raceway, moving to the standings’ top with a total reward of 80 points.

“Another fantastic weekend for me and the team. Once again, we have done an outstanding job that has repaid us for this clear victory, bringing us to the top of the championship. Now we have to keep pushing also in the other three appointments“, the driver of the Minardi Management, Karol Basz, says.

“We are working on driver’s constancy and Karol is reacting well, realizing what I and Giovanni Minardi are passing on him: calm and determination. Karol is proving to be a real professional kart driver, without ever getting lost of mind and accepting the challenges with his head held high ands reacting with fast laps. Outdistance inflicted on rivals in the Final speaks for itself. We must put aside quickly what happened and think about the next challenge at Castelletto. A special thanks to all the Polish and Italians sponsors who believe strongly in us“, Alberto Tonti analyzes.

The second round of the WSK Super Master Series is scheduled for March from 19th to 22nd at International Circuit 7 Laghi.

F.4 – At Monza Joao Vieira breaks the new record

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Joao Vieira goes back to the “school desks”. The scene of the new study plan s Monza, the Temple of Speed. Therefore, the approach of the young Brazilian driver of Minardi Management is going on, with the opening race of the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth, scheduled for May 3rd at Vallelunga.

The fast Monza track will host the Tatuus F.4 for the second round of the season, while Joao continues the development work on the car set up by Antonelli Motorsport team, covering over 500 kilometres, lowering the time of 2014 pole position by more than 6 dec. Last season, Joao won a final second place, accomplishing a weekend constantly at the top.

“It was a very intense and positive working day. We raced many kilometres, collecting various data that will be useful for the race weekend. We made some small changes in set-up, scoring a fastest lap time of over 6 dec than the pole of last season”, the driver of Minardi Management, Joao Vieira, says.

“I’m really very happy with the work done by Joao. He was able to close more than 90 laps, improving constantly, until the fastest lap time of the day among other Tatuus F.4 on track, as well as beating the lap time of 2014 pole. Track conditions were incredibly optimal and thus affected his performance, but we are talking about a precious result, which proves Joao’s maturity and his excellent feeling reached with car, track and team“, the manager Giovanni Minardi analyzes.

Kart – Karol Basz wins the WSK Gold Cup

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After the parenthesis in Lonato Winter Cup, this weekend you the spotlights are switched on again on the WSK Series. At Adria International Raceway, the “Gold Cup” has been awarded and Karol Basz was the great protagonist, gaining the first trophy of the season.

Since the free practice sessions, the driver of Kosmic Racing Team was at his ease along the 1302 meters of the track of Rovigo, bringing the kart constantly in top positions. At the end of Qualifying sessions, he signed the fourth fastest time result, just 37 thousandths from the pole position and gaining later the victory and the second place in Qualifying Heat 1 and 2. In the third round, however, he has been unfortunately slowed by an electrical problem, forcing him to go down to last placement. With great determination and grit, he recovered, from 26th place up to the 13th place, winning the fourth place sum up the results in view of the pre-final, closed in third place, a prelude of the success in KF final. At 3:00pm the crucial challenge started, with Karol determined to gain his first success of the season. At the start he immediately gets to second position, behind the main opponent Nielsen, and the ninth passage, the Polish driver attacks peremptory, taking control of the race, winning the Gold Cup.

“This weekend everything went exactly as we had planned. Once again, the Kosmic provided me a great kart, which I made the most for winning the WSK Gold Cup. Everything was perfect. Since the beginning of the season, we have proved our potential and I’m sure that there will be new opportunities to hear playing the Polish anthem“, Karol Basz says.

“It continues Karol’s alignment on Kosmic’s work method, that is developing very well the material at their disposal. Together with Tony Kart, they are certainly the men to beat. In recent months, Karol grew a lot even mentally. He matured rapidly and you can see it both on track and before the races. Very quiet, calm and especially determined“, the Supervisor of Kart Minardi Alberto Tonti analyzes.

A very important result, in view of the first appointment in the WSK Master Series, planned for next round always at Adria International Raceway.

Kart – Karol Basz in Lonato, thinking to WSK

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At the International South Garda Karting Circuit the traditional event of Winter Cup has takes place, now in its XX° edition. Among the over thirty drivers entered in KF category, the bearer of Kosmic Racing Team, Karol Basz, certainly could not missing.

For the native from Krakow, the appointment of Lonato has been the occasion for tuning the material, in view f the starting of the season next week, with a double appointment on the track of Adria for the “WSK Gold Cup“(from February 26th to March 1st) and the first round of the “WSK Super Master Series” (from 5th to 8th March). Once again Karol has Left the sign, especially with difficult conditions of wet track, signing with two wins of Qualifying rounds.

“Despite the really changeable conditions, pace and speed were very good, but in Final I have been unfortunately touched by a rival who made me loose lots of positions, frustrating all the job done for Qualifying. However, Winter Cup has been an opportunity to test all the materials in view of upcoming weekends, that will certainly be better”, the driver managed by Minardi Management, Karol Basz, says.

“If we just look at the final result, the weekend was not a happy week, but if we consider the detail, we can see once again that Karol stood out in wet conditions, gaining two wins in Qualifying rounds, closing the session with a fifth placement. Thanks to the changeable weather conditions, this has been the right occasion to test all the material before the starting of the real season, that will begin next week with the Gold Cup, and then WSK Master Series”, the supervisor of Minardi Kart, Alberto Tonti, analyzes.

F.4 – Joao Vieira discovers Misano World Circuit

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Joao Vieira’s new season is going on in the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth. After two days of test at “Piero Taruffi” circuit, the Brazilian has signed his debut on Misano World Circuit, scene of the seventh and final round of the 2015 calendar in the Italian series.

At the wheel of the Tatuus F4 team of Antonelli Motorsport’s team, he discovered the secrets of 4226 meters in Santa Monica track, named after Marco Simoncelli, going on simultaneously with the development of the car, programmed together with Marco Antonelli staff.

“This circuit is as beautiful as challenging. It was certainly a very interesting day, because I had the opportunity to know a track on which I had not ever run, being able to continue the development of the car both with the engineer and all the staff. It’s wonderful being back to race with regularity. I wait for May the 3rd with enthusiasm“, the driver of Minardi Management, Joao Vieira, says.

“Today it has been a very successful day, in all aspects. Joao has had the opportunity to cover many kilometres on a track that he did not know yet, carrying on the program with his team. Despite the low temperatures, it is not raining, allowing us to complete the work. Now we go on, getting closer to the first race of Vallelunga“, the manager Giovanni Minardi comments.

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.