The just-concluded weekend was intense and filled with emotions for our young talents, engaged across the globe. At Misano, the first round of the Formula 4 Italy took place, alongside the Italian Gran Turismo Championship and the Porsche Carrera Cup Italy. Simultaneously, in Portimão, Portugal, our drivers faced the FIA Karting European Championship, while in Miami, at the F1 Academy, Maya Weug bravely defended her championship lead, once again confirming her position at the top of the standings.
Luka Sammalisto – Italian F4 Championship, Misano (Italy)
RACE 1: P7
RACE 2: DNF
RACE 4: P28
It was the first outing in the Formula 4 Italy for Luka Sammalisto, competing at the Misano circuit. It was a weekend of ups and downs for the Finnish driver, starting with a strong qualifying that saw him on the podium in race 1, only to drop to seventh due to a penalty. Race 2 saw misfortune strike with a premature retirement. In race 4, after a contact at the start, he mounted a strong comeback race, finishing in twenty-eighth place.
Despite the setbacks, Luka’s weekend was still positive. The first two races, from qualifying to race 1, showcased his abilities and demonstrated his competitiveness in the fight for top positions. Despite the challenges, Sammalisto learned a lot from this weekend and will have the opportunity to bounce back at Vallelunga next, scheduled for May 23-25.
Mattia Bucci, Italian GT Championship, Misano (Italy), AM Division 1
QUALIFYING: P2
RACE 2: P2
Misano also hosted the first round of the Italian GT Championship, where Mattia Bucci was behind the wheel of the Ferrari 296. The young driver showed remarkable speed throughout the weekend, securing pole position in his heat. During the race, Mattia and his team finished strongly in second place.
Despite his first experience in an endurance race, Mattia proved himself capable of competing with much more experienced drivers in the category. With this solid performance and his demonstrated talent, Bucci is well-positioned to aim for the top step of the podium at the next event in Monza.
Matteo Bergonzini, Italian GT Championship, Misano (Italy), AM Division 2
QUALIFYING: P5
RACE: P3
Another debutant at Misano was Matteo Bergonzini, also making his first appearance in the category this season. It was a decidedly positive weekend for Matteo, with an excellent qualifying and two brilliant stints in the race, which along with the team’s effort secured him a splendid third place finish.
Making his debut in the category after a brief appearance last year, Matteo immediately impressed, demonstrating speed, determination, and great potential. This weekend’s performance not only confirms his talent but also ignites high expectations for the upcoming races. Matteo has all the makings of a frontrunner.
Nicholas Pujatti, Porsche Carrera Cup Italy, Misano (Italy)
RACE 1: P14
RACE 2: P21
Nicholas Pujatti was the last driver at Misano, this time in the Porsche Carrera Cup Italy. The young driver had a challenging weekend, but one filled with encouraging moments. Starting from fourteenth on the grid in race 1, he maintained his position at the finish line, showing a solid and competitive pace. In race 2, a drive-through penalty for a jump start unfortunately compromised a promising start, forcing him to chase for the entire race.
Despite the difficulties, Nicholas demonstrated excellent race pace, challenging his direct competitors and showing great determination. This weekend was a valuable experience for him to grow and further refine his skills. Expectations remain high for him, and we are confident that he will showcase his full potential at the next event in Vallelunga.
Pietro Bagutti, DNQ in the FIA European Championship at Portimao (Portugal), OKJ Category
In the FIA European Championship weekend at Portimão, among the young protagonists on track was Pietro Bagutti. It was not an easy weekend for Pietro, marked by a fair share of misfortune. Despite this, he demonstrated great speed throughout the weekend, applying what he had learned from previous challenging events. Unfortunately, some contacts during the races prevented him from finishing several heats, compromising his access to the final.
Pietro is showing steady growth race after race, building experience and maturity. Even in Portimão, he confirmed his potential, and the work done so far is bringing him closer to the results he deserves. We are confident that Bagutti will soon reap the rewards of his efforts and consistently fight for top positions. The path he has taken is the right one, and soon luck will also be on his side.
Vanesa Silkunaite, DNQ in the FIA European Championship at Portimao (Portugal), OKJ Category
Vanesa Silkunaite was the second driver in the FIA European Championship at Portimão. The young driver showed consistent speed throughout the weekend, consistently staying in the midfield. However, as with Pietro Bagutti, some on-track contacts compromised her chances of reaching the final.
Despite the challenges, Vanesa continues to demonstrate her full potential and ability to compete at high levels. Luck may not have been on her side, but her determination and hard work are key to unlocking the results she deserves. We are confident that she will soon achieve significant placements and gain the satisfaction she deserves.
Nilas Malik, DNQ in the FIA European Championship at Portimao (Portugal), OKJ Category
The last junior category driver at Portimão in the European Championship was Nilas Malik. Difficult weather conditions and unfortunate situations prevented him from participating in the first two heats, thereby compromising his qualification for the final. However, in the sessions he did compete in, Nilas showed great speed and the ability to compete on equal terms with his opponents.
Malik is on the right path. Whenever he could race, he consistently demonstrated competitiveness and talent. Despite adversity, the young Dane is growing steadily, honing his speed and determination. We are confident that he will soon achieve the results he deserves and fully realize his potential.
Vladimir Ivannikov, DNQ in the FIA European Championship at Portimao (Portugal), OK Category
Also on track at Portimão, this time in the Senior category of the European Championship, was Vladimir Ivannikov. It was a challenging weekend for him, marked by complicated weather conditions and a fair amount of bad luck.
Despite the difficulties, we are certain that Vladimir will bounce back starting from the next event. In motorsport, weekends like this are part of the journey and represent a valuable opportunity for growth. Vladimir’s talent has never been in question: with his determination and ability to react, he will soon express his full potential and achieve the results he deserves.
Markas Silkunas, P18 in the FIA European Championship at Portimao (Portugal), OK Category
The last driver on track at Portimão in the Senior category was Markas Silkunas. The young driver had a positive weekend, finishing in eighteenth place. Although the result does not fully reflect his ambitions, Markas demonstrated great speed and was involved in exciting battles on track. Unfortunately, weather conditions and some contacts penalized him in the final standings.
Markas continues to grow race after race, consistently demonstrating competitiveness and determination. His speed is now well-known in the paddock, and we are confident that in the upcoming events, he will consistently fight for top positions and aim for the highest steps of the podium.
Maya Weug, F1 Academy, Miami (USA)
RACE 1: P4
RACE 2: Race Cancelled
The final driver of the weekend to hit the track was Maya Weug, at the F1 Academy in Miami. The young Ferrari Driver Academy pilot faced a challenging weekend, made even more difficult by variable weather conditions. In qualifying, Maya struggled to find a quick lap due to rain affecting the circuit. In race 1, she staged an impressive comeback, unfortunately interrupted by a Safety Car period that hindered her recovery. The second race was not held due to the bad weather.
Despite the challenges, Maya leaves Miami still leading the overall standings, with just a single point advantage over the second-placed driver. Her ability to race and climb positions confirms her determination and talent. In the upcoming stages, Maya will give her all to defend her leadership and consolidate her margin.
Author: Gabriele Bovio