Kartingtalent Flavio Caira dominates with a perfect score in the season opener of the GK4 Kart Series!
MARIEMBOURG - Flavio Caira earned an impressive victory in the first round of the GK4 Kart Series. The thirteen-year-old driver from Hennuyères swept all sessions in the IAME X30 Juniors class at the Mariembourg track: qualification, both heats and the final. And he did it all while watching his brother taken to the hospital in the final.
"I am very happy with my win! I won my class and it feels really good. It is the first time I have won in karting, so it is very special," said an elated Caira after his dominant performance.
The young Belgian-Italian showed that he was the fastest right from the start. "I was first in qualifying, first in the first race, first in the second race and first in the final. Only the warm-up wasn't perfect, but in the end, it didn't matter," he said, summing up a great day of racing.
What made his victory even more special was the personal pressure Caira had to perform under. His brother Livio, also competing in the junior class, was involved in an accident. "It was a great mental challenge because I saw my brother crash. I saw him trapped under the kart when the red flag came out", he explained.

Despite his concern for his brother, Flavio managed to stay focused. "I am very proud that despite all the worries about my brother and all the tension, I was still able to perform well. Afterwards, he dedicated his victory to his brother: "Unfortunately he had an accident and is now in the hospital. I think he fractured his wrist. I won this race for him."
The VDK Racing driver started karting at the age of eight, inspired by his father, who is also a car racer. "I thought it would be really fun. The first time I drove a kart was here in Mariembourg."
Then he and his brother drove in the Mini class. He persevered and this has now led to his first victory, making today the best day of his young karting career. "Today I had my best race ever, with good lap times, a good start and a good race," said Flavio.
It was similar to his father's performances in the 1990s when he raced at the famous Brands Hatch track. "I was first in qualifying and first in all the races. That was my best race so far, but I think this one will top it," said Cairo senior, referring to his son's race.

Flavio has a busy schedule this season. "In addition to the GK4 Championship, I am also racing in the IAME Benelux Series and the final round of the IAME Euro Series. His next race is in Genk, a track that the fast driver from the province of Waals-Brabant likes to drive. "It's my favorite track because of the grip on the surface. And I really like the layout there."
After his convincing victory in Mariembourg, Flavio has set himself high goals for the rest of the season. "Of course, I want to win again and keep the number one position," he said confidently.
Flavio thanks his team VDK Racing, his mechanic Mathieu Delbouf, his parents, his brother Livio, the organization and his engine tuner. Flavio Caira is supported in his racing activities by Paddock Distribution, Ben, Tercam, Madrase and Kart Republic.