The drivers of DAG Management are back on track in the WSK Super Master Series. Nilas Malik returned to the podium at the Campillos circuit for the Spanish Karting Championship. Season debut for Noeppel in the French Championship at Salbris.

Tariq Soofi – P56 – WSK Super Master Series, Franciacorta (Italy), Mini GR3 Category
The first driver to take the track to the WSK Super Master Series at Franciacorta, Tariq continues his growth journey, facing a challenging championship of the highest level. The young Bahraini talent is currently in a phase of adaptation, competing against very experienced and highly competitive rivals, but each session represents a valuable opportunity to improve and gain knowledge.
Despite initial difficulties, the work done is laying a solid foundation. Tariq is determined to take the next step toward the front, and his commitment shows promising potential for growth. The journey is still long, but it is precisely through these challenges that the most complete drivers are shaped: with time, experience, and consistency, results will eventually come.

Benjamin Westwood – DNF – WSK Super Master Series, Franciacorta (Italy), OKJ Category
Benjamin Westwood started the weekend strongly, securing a brilliant P7 in qualifying, immediately demonstrating speed and determination. During the heats, he maintained his strong start, consistently staying in the top positions and showing solid performance on track.
In the Prefinal, Westwood was among the protagonists: while in P3, contact with another driver forced him to restart from the back for the final session, further complicating his path. In the Final, unfortunately, an incident forced him to retire early.
Although the final result does not reflect his strong performance, Benjamin was a standout throughout the weekend, showcasing talent, determination, and great fighting spirit.

Julia Angelard – P39 – WSK Super Master Series, Franciacorta (Italy), OKJ Category
Julia’s weekend started with challenges due to qualifying difficulties related to setup and engine issues. Despite a tough start, the young Polish driver remained determined.
In the following sessions, Julia found her rhythm, delivering a strong and spirited performance. She achieved an extraordinary comeback, gaining sixteen positions in one heat and maintaining competitive levels in the following sessions. This was a clear sign of her growth and resilience.
Despite missing the Final by just three positions, the weekend demonstrated her fighting spirit and potential. This experience represents another step forward, with even more significant results expected in the future.

Jason Kosmopoulos – P55 – WSK Super Master Series, Franciacorta (Italy), OKJ Category
Jason started the weekend well, securing a P7 in qualifying and showing his speed and potential from the beginning. During the heats, setup challenges and several on-track contacts prevented him from fully capitalizing on his potential. Nevertheless, Jason showed incisive driving, with strong starts and competitive pace.
What was missing was consistency and a bit of luck at key moments, preventing him from reaching the Final. The weekend, however, was rich in positive signs: speed and determination are evident, and with some adjustments, he has all the tools to convert these performances into solid results in upcoming rounds.

Zack Zhu – P13 – WSK Super Master Series, Franciacorta (Italy), OKJ Category
Zack had a fantastic start, finishing qualifying in P5 and immediately showcasing his speed and potential. A promising beginning, placing him among the front runners. In the subsequent sessions, he couldn’t fully maintain his qualifying performance and had to fight back. The young driver under Chinese license showed determination, staging a strong comeback in the Final and demonstrating great character.
Zack is consistently close to the podium. His speed is undeniable, providing a strong foundation. With more consistency and some favorable circumstances, he has all the potential to achieve the result he deserves soon.

Matteo Gallo – P72 – WSK Super Master Series, Franciacorta (Italy), OK Category
Matteo Gallo’s first race under DAG Management in the WSK Super Master Series was a significant debut in a highly competitive context. He faced the championship’s intensity from the start, encountering some qualifying difficulties and tough battles in the heats against determined opponents.
Despite challenges, Matteo approached the weekend with maturity, showing solid performance and determination. Every session was a learning opportunity, essential at this stage of his development. The road ahead is long, but his effort, willingness to improve, and fighting spirit are key for growth. Continued focus will bring results in the future.

Vladimir Ivannikov – P26 – WSK Super Master Series, Franciacorta (Italy), OK Category
Vladimir had a good weekend, showing consistency throughout. After a positive P12 in qualifying, he built solid performances, standing out in the heats with impressive comebacks, overtaking around eight opponents in each session and maintaining top positions. In the Prefinal, he secured P6, entering the Final with confidence. Unfortunately, a contact at the start forced him to restart from the back, finishing in P26.
Although the final result doesn’t reflect his strong performance, Vladimir showed speed, determination, and excellent comeback skills—positive signs for future rounds.

Nefeli Kosmopoulou – P67 – WSK Super Master Series, Franciacorta (Italy), OK Category
In her third race, Nefeli started the weekend with engine problems affecting the early sessions. Despite this, the young Greek driver showed great determination.
During the heats, she staged a remarkable comeback, gaining around forty positions overall, demonstrating grit, speed, and excellent track management. Although she did not reach the Final, her performance highlighted potential and continuous growth.
Her approach points in the right direction, and with continued effort, results will follow.

Vanesa Silkunaite – P55 – WSK Super Master Series, Franciacorta (Italy), OK Category
Vanesa returned to the track after a difficult qualifying session. Despite the need to chase from the start, she turned the situation into an opportunity to showcase her talent.
Throughout the heats, she staged an impressive comeback, gaining nineteen positions in four sessions. This trend continued in the Prefinal, where she gained eleven more positions, showing increasingly competitive pace.
Although she missed the Final, her performance demonstrated exceptional grit and mental strength. The weekend highlighted her growth and leaves promising prospects for upcoming rounds.

Maxime Noeppel – DNF – FFSA Academy Junior Championship Round 1, Salbris (France)
Maxime made his season debut in the FFSA at Salbris, showing a very positive start despite slightly different regulations from major European championships. He began with a brilliant P6 in qualifying, immediately demonstrating speed and competitiveness. Some contacts during the heats forced him to fight back, showing determination and fighting spirit. Unfortunately, he could not finish the race while running in P24, concluding a weekend that could have been better.
Despite the outcome, Maxime proved very fast after a two-month break, confirming his potential and promising strong prospects for upcoming rounds.

Nilas Malik – Spanish Championship, Campillos (Spain)
Race 1: P2
Race 2: P29
In the first round of the Spanish Championship at Campillos, Nilas Malik showed his full potential. He maintained top-ten positions from the start, demonstrating strong race pace.
This promising start culminated in an excellent P2 in Race 1, marking a well-deserved return to the podium after much hard work and dedication. A solid and convincing performance rewarding Nilas’s consistent growth and determination.
In Race 2, despite a good start, contact forced him back to P29. A misfortune that does not overshadow his excellent performance during the weekend.
Nilas returns to the podium and continues his journey with confidence, achieving a long-awaited result that gives a strong boost for the season ahead.

Author: Gabriele Bovio

In our seventh issue (April 2024), we introduced you to Minardi Management and their female racing drivers. Minardi Management supports racing drivers on their journey in motorsport. Having an agency like this at their side is a huge relief for young talents. Minardi Management stands for precisely this kind of talent promotion in motorsport. The path in motorsport is not easy and is often dominated by big money. That‘s why it‘s important to me to report on this agency and its female racing drivers. Being visible in the media is also a very important factor for young girls in motorsport. I have been in contact with Dorothea Schulz from Minardi Management since 2024, which has given me the opportunity to offer a personal review of the 2025 season of Vanesa Silkunaite, Milla Sjöstrand, Nefeli Kosmopoulou and Julia Angelard through theier statements.

Statement by Milla SjöStrand:
The 2025 season was very instructive for me and I developed both as a driver and as a person. I feel that one moment in particular had a big impact on me, namely my very first Formula 4 race. I didn‘t have much experience with a formula car and it was one of the last races of the season. The other drivers therefore had much more experience than me and a huge advantage.

I did my best and drove well. The worst moment for me was when I had some technical problems. But I kept a cool head, didn‘t let it get me down and did my best under the circumstances. So it turned out to be a really good weekend for me. I scored points in the races and was the best woman of the entire weekend. I think that‘s a great start to my Formula 4 career.

I‘m really looking forward to returning to the racetrack in 2026. I definitely want to race. My plans for the 2026 season are to race in Formula 4 and get on the podium. I want to make an impression in Formula 4 and continue to gain experience there.

WOMEN@RACETRACK #14 – Text: Petra Röhrig

In our seventh issue (April 2024), we introduced you to Minardi Management and their female racing drivers. Minardi Management supports racing drivers on their journey in motorsport. Having an agency like this at their side is a huge relief for young talents. Minardi Management stands for precisely this kind of talent promotion in motorsport. The path in motorsport is not easy and is often dominated by big money. That‘s why it‘s important to me to report on this agency and its female racing drivers. Being visible in the media is also a very important factor for young girls in motorsport. I have been in contact with Dorothea Schulz from Minardi Management since 2024, which has given me the opportunity to offer a personal review of the 2025 season of Vanesa Silkunaite, Milla Sjöstrand, Nefeli Kosmopoulou and Julia Angelard through theier statements.

Statement by Julia Angelard:
In the 2025 season, I took part in around 25 race weekends in Europe and the United Arab Emirates. This year, I focused on gaining as much experience as possible as a kart driver at , with a long-term plan for the future. I raced in the Champions of the Future Academy, the WSK, the Rok Cup Italy and in several races in the Rok Cup Poland, and of course in the Polish Karting Championship.

I achieved my best results in Jesolo, where I took pole position, came first and second in the qualifying races and managed to secure second place in the final on Sunday. I also came fourth in the WSK pre-final in Lonato and twelfth in the final, my very first WSK race. I came fourth in the Rok Cup Italy in Castelletto.

My worst and most disappointing moment was in the final of the last race in Al Forsan in the Emirates, when my rear axle simply broke during the final race and flew off together with the rear wheel. I‘ve had my ups and downs, but that‘s how it is in racing. I consider it a good experience. I have even more ambitious plans for 2026. I will compete in the WSK, Croft and FIA European Championships, the World Championships and the Polish Championships. I will also begin the transition from karting to car racing.

I am very happy that in 2026 I will receive support from the Orlen Motorsport Academy together with the Polish ASN, which is very important for my 2026 programme. Soon, I will be able to announce more exciting news about the support I will receive in 2026. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dorothea and Giovanni from Minardi Management, as well as my entire team, for believing in me and supporting me in my career so far. I would also like to thank Maya Weug for helping me during some race weekends this year.

WOMEN@RACETRACK #14 – Text: Petra Röhrig

Young Swedish driver Mio Olert will compete in the 2026 CEZ Formula 4 championship for the Italian team SG Motors, also making their debut in the series.

Mio, who just turned 17, is managed by DAG Management and has a background in international karting, where he showed excellent potential, so much so that he was chosen by the Swedish Federation as one of its representatives in the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games. In 2025, he was confirmed by the Federation in the Academy Trophy, where he performed admirably, finishing sixth out of thirty-six participants. The Söråker native also has a unique history of tenacity and resilience, which has forced him to face and overcome serious health issues in the past. Hardened in body and mind, Mio has already begun a single-seater preparation program to arrive at the first race at the Red Bull Ring in the best possible condition.

Sandro Giuliani, SG Motors: “We are delighted to welcome Mio to this new adventure. We have had the opportunity to appreciate his potential and are confident that he will enjoy a successful growth path throughout the entire season. We thank Mio and his family, as well as Giovanni Minardi and Dorothea Schulz of DAG Management for their trust, and we will do our best, as a team, to demonstrate that we can carve out a significant niche in the challenging championship that will be the CEZ in 2026.”

Mio Olert: “I’m excited for the season to start and I’m ready to face new challenges with this team supporting me all the way. So far so good during testing etc, and I feel like we’re making a nice band with the team, and I’m ready to move forward. One step at the time and I’m sure we’ll get there. Thanks to Minardi for supporting me and let’s make history together. See you on track!”

DAG Management: “We are extremely proud to see Mio take this important step in his career by joining the CEZ Formula 4 championship with SG Motors. We know Mio not only as a driver, but as a person: his determination, maturity, and the strength with which he has faced life’s challenges make him a truly special athlete. The path that brought him to this point has not been easy, but for this very reason, every achievement takes on an even deeper meaning. We firmly believe in his talent and his ability to grow rapidly in single-seater racing. We are grateful to SG Motors and Sandro Giuliani for their trust and for believing in the project alongside us and Mio’s family. We are confident that this collaboration represents the beginning of an important journey for Mio’s future in motorsport.”

A racing weekend featuring three different drivers competing across Europe. Markas Silkunas took to the track for the final round of the Formula Winter Series in Barcelona. Nilas Malik returned to action in the IAME Euro Series, this time in Zuera (Spain). Finally, Vanesa Silkunaite showed she is in great form, despite several setbacks, at the Trofeo Margutti in Lonato.

Markas Silkunas – Formula Winter Series, Barcelona (Spain)
RACE 1: P12
RACE 2: P12
RACE 3: P13

The final round of the Formula Winter Series took place in Barcelona. Markas, in his first experience with Formula 4 cars, showed over the weekend that he is gaining more and more confidence behind the wheel. There is still something to improve in qualifying, but in the races Markas performed well, maintaining a solid pace and fighting determinedly within the pack.
The Formula Winter Series thus comes to an end in Barcelona, a championship designed to prepare drivers for Formula 4 ahead of the main European series in the category. Markas seems to have finally found the right feeling with the car and has accumulated valuable experience, making the most of what he learned during the previous race weekends.
Overall, the balance is positive and represents an important step in his development path.

Nilas Malik – P19 – IAME Euro Series, Zuera (Spain)
Nilas Malik returned to the track for the Zuera round of the IAME Euro Series. After finishing qualifying in P9, he contested several highly competitive heats, fighting hard and showing strong pace.
In the final, starting from the back of the grid, Nilas delivered an impressive comeback drive, climbing up to P19 and confirming once again his fighting spirit on track.
This season Nilas seems to have rediscovered great confidence behind the wheel and, alongside the speed he already showed last year, an important partnership appears to have developed that could play a key role in his sporting growth.

Vanesa Silkunaite – DNF – Trofeo Margutti, Lonato (Italy), OK-N Category
Vanesa returned to the track in the OK-N category for the Trofeo Margutti. The young Lithuanian driver started the weekend very positively, securing P10 in qualifying and immediately showing a good feeling with both the track and the kart.
She confirmed her competitiveness during the heats as well, achieving strong results and consistently remaining within the top ten, a sign of solid race pace and great determination in battles with her rivals.
Unfortunately, contact during the final prevented her from finishing the race, in which she would certainly have been able to fight for an important result.
Despite this unlucky episode, Vanesa once again proved to be in excellent form, capable of battling with determination and maturity against very competitive opponents, further demonstrating her growth and potential on track.

Author: Gabriele Bovio