BETWEEN MUGELLO AND CREMONA: CHALLENGES AND GROWTH FOR ALL DRIVERS

A weekend featuring multiple protagonists across different tracks, with intense races and important challenges. Luka Sammalisto, competing in the Italian Formula 4 Championship at Mugello, showed great determination with a strong performance on track. In the Porsche Carrera Cup Italia, Nicholas Pujatti faced a tough weekend but demonstrated his fighting spirit despite the issues and adverse weather conditions. Daniele Schillaci, Zack Zhu, and Benjamin Westwood competed in the Italian Karting Championship in Cremona, pushing to the limit in search of strong results across various categories.

Luka Sammalisto – Formula 4 Italy – Mugello (Italy)
RACE 1: P5
RACE 2: P7
RACE 3: P6

Luka Sammalisto was the first Minardi Management driver to hit the track at Mugello for the Formula 4 Italy weekend. Although the Tuscan circuit is not his favorite, the young Finn ended his weekend with a solid points haul and a strong performance. Race 1 saw him take an excellent P5, while in Race 2 he finished P7, showing himself to be the fastest on track at several stages. He wrapped up the weekend with a solid P6 in Race 3. This result is especially meaningful considering the mental journey Luka has faced, having suffered a serious crash at this same circuit last year. This season, he displayed great maturity, approaching the weekend with professionalism and composure, handling every challenge in the best possible way. His mental work proved crucial in maintaining focus and managing adversity.
Next up for Luka is Imola, his favorite track, where he’ll aim to collect more points and target another podium finish after his success in Monza a few weeks ago.

Nicholas Pujatti – Porsche Carrera Cup Italy – Mugello (Italy)
RACE 1: DNF
RACE 2: P26

Nicholas Pujatti was the second driver competing at Mugello, this time in the Porsche Carrera Cup Italy. Unfortunately, it was not a favorable weekend for the Italian driver. After a less-than-ideal qualifying session, Race 1 ended early with a forced retirement due to contact with another driver. In Race 2, weather conditions further complicated his efforts to recover. Rain made things even tougher for Pujatti, preventing him from climbing through the field as he had hoped. Despite the difficulties, the driver showed great determination and fought with all his strength to achieve the best result possible. It was a tough weekend, but Nicholas still highlighted his fighting spirit and ability to handle adversity. Now, the focus shifts to the next round in Imola, where he’ll aim to redeem himself and secure a strong result.

Daniele Schillaci – DNQ – Italian Karting Championship – Cremona (Italy), Senior Category
Daniele Schillaci was the first driver competing in Cremona for the Italian Karting Championship. The young driver found several positives in his team change. Although he didn’t manage to qualify for the final, Daniele delivered great heats and qualifying sessions, showing steady improvement, even if luck wasn’t on his side. The young Italian once again gave his all, aiming for the best possible result in each session. At the Cremona track, Daniele demonstrated that the team change is paying off, leading to tangible improvements and a generally positive performance despite not qualifying for the final. This weekend was also crucial in preparation for the upcoming World Championship round, also to be held in Cremona, where Daniele will have the chance to apply everything he learned and developed during this event. Now, more than ever, Daniele must keep pushing, as the long-awaited results are within reach.

Zack Zhu – DNF – Italian Karting Championship – Cremona (Italy), Junior Category
Zack Zhu competed in Cremona in the Italian Junior Karting Championship, where he had a promising weekend that ended with some disappointment. The young Frenchman showed strong competitiveness throughout all heats, proving to be very fast and consistently among the frontrunners. However, some bad luck in the pre-final prevented him from starting in a favorable position, which compromised his final. In the last session, a multi-kart collision further limited his chances of fighting for higher positions. Despite the setbacks, Zack fought hard, recovered several places, and maintained a strong pace all weekend. Even though the final result wasn’t what he had hoped for, the weekend was still important preparation for the World Championship, also to be held in Cremona. Zack will need to make the most of this experience and apply what he’s learned at the next event, knowing that good results are within reach.

Benjamin Westwood – P17 – Italian Karting Championship – Cremona (Italy), Junior Category
Benjamin Westwood made his debut in the Italian Championship with a strong performance. Incredibly fast throughout the weekend, Benji raced with great pace and determination, immediately showing his potential. Despite it being his first appearance, the young driver handled himself with the composure of a veteran, demonstrating strength and impressive speed. This weekend served as a valuable test for Benji ahead of the World Championship a prestigious event that now seems even more promising after this performance. Even though the final result wasn’t perfect, today’s showing bodes well for his future international competitions. With the talent and determination he displayed, Benjamin Westwood is ready to give it his all to secure a great result at the World Championship, going head-to-head with even the most experienced drivers.

Author: Gabriele Bovio