With each event, the Champions of the Future Academy Program 2024 emphasises its many advantages, starting with its schedule which is ideally spread across Europe and the Middle East. After the Dubai Kartdrome at the beginning of October, the hundred or so drivers entered for the fifth and penultimate round of the series will once again enjoy the very pleasant subtropical climate of the United Arab Emirates and the Al Ain Raceway International Kart Circuit. In OK-N Senior, OK-N Junior and Mini 60, the situation remains open and many drivers are still hopeful of climbing onto the final podium.
A concept that appeals to drivers from all over the world
At each event, full grids with drivers from over 40 nations confirm the success of the Champions of the Future Academy Program, and there's more to come! New participants are expected from 14th to 17th November in Al-Ain. It's true that the "arrive and drive" principle limits the logistical constraints on competitors and ensures perfect sporting fairness. The organisation and management of the event are handled perfectly by promoter RGMMC, while the factories Kart Republic, Parolin Kart, IAME, TM Kart and Vega are looking after the equipment with professionalism, sending many technical staff to the event. The efforts made in terms of streaming are proving to be highly appreciated, as are the much-followed social networks and the COTF Academy Program YouTube channel.
An ideal gateway to the top level
Red Bull Junior Team driver Isaac Hadjar, who is fighting for the FIA F2 title this season, was in Dubai as a coach. The French hopeful, who has already had the opportunity to drive the Red Bull F1 car on more than one occasion, was impressed by the quality of the championship and the intensity of the races.
"I like this type of competition where the driver has to stand out from the crowd by demonstrating his talent, because all the participants start with the same chances. The equipment is the same for everyone, the number of tyres is limited and the overheads are reduced. It's not the budget that makes the difference, but the qualities of the driver. Taking part in this event brought back some of my fondest memories of karting.”
Today, all the Formula 1 teams are on the lookout for future talent and are keeping a close eye on what is happening in the major international events. This is also the case with the F1 Academy, as Managing Director Susie Wolff reminds us.
"We must continue to strengthen the pool of talent coming into our sport, increase the participation of women, create opportunities and allow them a clear progression up the motorsport ladder by carrying out talent detection work. Our collaboration with the COTF Academy Program is completely in line with this approach.”
OK-N Senior (14 and over): Who's next?
After his victory and 2nd place behind Emirati driver Mohammed Mneimneh in Dubai, France's Hugo Herrouin (392 points) has closed the gap on Spain's Luna Fluxa Cross (507). In Al-Ain, the latter will no doubt be doing her utmost to return to the top of the podium. Frenchman Philippe Karras (350) cannot relax, as his place in the overall top three is still under threat from Lithuania's Markas Silkunas (306). Poland's Maksymilian Rafalik (252) is 5th.
Equipment: KR chassis, IAME engines and Vega tyres
OK-N Junior (12-14 years): The hierarchy remains undecided
Three weeks after his podium finish in the OK-Junior World Championship in the UK in September, Australian James Anagnostiadis (439 pts) scored important points in Dubai to secure his 1st place in the Academy Program. With two podium finishes, including one on home soil, Emirati Conor Clancy (368) closed the gap on Poland's Kacper Rajpold (386), who is now in 2nd place ahead of South African William Marshall (376). Ranked 5th ahead of Monegasque Ella Hakkinen, Thailand's Toby Gale (349) has not given up his dreams of a final podium finish.
Equipment: KR chassis, IAME engines and Vega tyres
Mini 60 (9-12 years): Priam Bruno the solid leader
As in the other two categories, the starting grid for the Mini 60 category will be packed at Al-Ain. With successive 4th and 2nd place finishes in the two Dubai races, Priam Bruno has put in an excellent performance in the overall standings, which he leads with 501 points, compared with 358 for Switzerland's Albert Tamm and 356 for Italy's Nicolo Perico. Nikita Dzhalilov is now one of the drivers to have won at least one race this season.
Equipment: Parolin chassis, TM Kart engines and Vega tyres
Provisional programme
Friday 15th November
10:40 - 16:55: Free Practice
Saturday 16th November
09:00 - 09:40: Free Practice
10:05 - 10:51: Qualifying Practice
11:20 - 13:55: Qualifying Heats
15:00 - 15:20: Final 1 OK-N Junior
15:30 - 15:50: Final 1 Mini 60
16:00 - 16:25: Final 1 OK-N Senior
Podiums
Sunday 17th November
09:00 - 09:40: Free Practice
10:05 - 10:51: Qualifying Practice
11:20 - 13:55: Qualifying Heats
15:00 - 15:20: Final 2 OK-N Junior
15:30 - 15:55: Final 2 Mini 60
16:00 - 16:25: Final 2 OK-N Senior
Podiums