MATTIA BUCCI PREMIATO NUOVAMENTE AL “FERRARI CLUB ITALIA AWARDS 2025”

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Il giovane pilota pescarese riceverà il premio “Stelle emergenti 2025” nella “Notte dei Campioni” il 13 dicembre all’Auditorium “Enzo Ferrari” di Maranello

Sabato 13 dicembre 2025 Mattia Bucci verrà premiato “Stella emergente 2025” dal Ferrari Club Italia nella rinomata “Notte dei Campioni”, dove verranno riconosciuti come tali i partecipanti dei Campionati Nazionali Regolarità e Velocità, all’Auditorium “Enzo Ferrari” di Maranello alle ore 15:30, celebrandone l’impegno e la costanza.

Il pilota abruzzese si è distinto per talento e tenacia in questa stagione, classificandosi come secondo nelle gare di Misano e di Monza e nella gara 100 minuti ad Imola e come terzo nella gara di Imola.

Il talento di Mattia è stato già notato lo scorso anno dal club data la sua brillante stagione di debutto nel Campionato Italiano Gran Turismo a bordo di una Ferrari 488.

Nel 2025, invece, il giovane ha gareggiato mettendosi alla guida di una Ferrari 296, mostrando subito capacità di adattamento e abilità nella gestione di problemi e nell’affrontare nuove missioni.

«Uno spettacolo al quale non puoi mancare»: è così che il Ferrari Club Italia presenta l’evento, premiazione esclusiva con ospite speciale Carlo Palazzani, Head of Pilot Design Projects Ferrari 296 Speciale.

Mattia vi invita a rimanere connessi e a scoprire il programma della serata sulle pagine social sue e del club:

  • Instagram: @ferrari_club_italia; Facebook: Ferrari Club Italia
  • Instagram: @mattiabucci_official; Facebook: Mattia Bucci – Racing Driver
  • Instagram: @mattiabucci_fanclub

JULIA ANGELARD WITH A DEBUT ON TRACKS OUTSIDE EUROPE

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  • The fifth and sixth rounds of the Champions of the Future Academy, played on November 24-26 and December 1-3, had two faces for Julia Angelard.
  • In Al Ain, Tuesday’s qualifying, heats and the final race went well for the Polish woman, who finished in a high fifth position. Racing in such conditions is quite specific, as the tracks have a lot of sand from the desert, which makes overtaking much more difficult.
  • The final competition in Al Forsan, in turn, was marked by bad luck for the Polish competitor – her rivals often pushed her off the track or caused situations that required her to escape from the track, thus losing valuable positions in the heats.

Despite the wintry weather in Europe, the karting season is drawing to a close on a hot note. This is due not only to the final two rounds of the Champions of the Future Academy series, but also to the race venue – the United Arab Emirates. It was on the desert tracks of Al Ain and Al Forsan, November 24-26 and December 1-3, that Julia Angelard competed in the final two rounds of the 2025 season.

Al Ain – a fantastic Tuesday and a slightly weaker Wednesday
The unusually held Monday-to-Wednesday competition promised to be a battle for points, as confirmed by the Polish driver’s solid pace during Tuesday’s race. Despite unsuccessful qualifying and starting 17th, Julia Angelard demonstrated her ability to consistently overtake her rivals and climb the ranks in both heats. She finished the first heat in 11th place, and in the second, she climbed to tenth. These strong results guaranteed a 10th-place start in the final heat, which translated into an even better fifth-place finish and a positive outlook for Wednesday’s competition.

Unfortunately, after the new engine was draw on Wednesday and it became difficult to find a compromise between the machine and the driver, which made the battle for good results difficult. Julia Angelard finished the qualifying session in 15th place, achieving similar positions in the heats and final, although she had hoped for a much better result.

Al Forsan – fighting against bad luck and the effects of rivals’ mistakes
The final round of the Champions of the Future Academy season, held at the Al Forsan circuit, also didn’t deliver the result the teenage Ward Racing driver had hoped for. In qualifying, she failed to put together a good, fast lap, resulting in a poor starting position. As a result, throughout the weekend, Julia Angelard could only close the gap by overtaking her rivals and avoiding mistakes. Advances to 19th and 16th in the heats allowed her to start the first heat from 16th, ultimately finishing in P14.

Wednesday’s competition looked slightly brighter – a much better pace in the qualifying session resulted in a ninth-place finish. In the first heat, Julia Angelard dropped to 11th, while in the second, due to confusion and a collision in front of her, she dropped from ninth to 15th in the first corners, ultimately finishing in P14. The loss of position meant she had to start the final heat from 12th on the grid. Unfortunately, on the fourth lap, after a heavy impact on the exit straight, Julia’s kart’s axle, along with the sprocket and right wheel, broke, effectively eliminating her from the race for a good result. Fortunately, the seemingly serious accident resulted in only minor damage to her equipment.

Julia Angelard: you have to look for the positives
“Despite a good start to the round in Al Ain, my driving in the Emirates was definitely not my best performance, but we have to look for the positives – I’m happy with the pace I showed at the start of the fifth round, because it lets me know that as long as the kart allows me to fully utilize my potential, and my rivals don’t force me off the track, lose positions, or eliminate me from the competition, I can fight at the top of the field. I can’t wait to see what the 2026 season brings – I hope it’s a lot of good things, but in the meantime, I’m bringing home an interesting trophy in the form of a broken axle. Now it’s time to quickly recharge my batteries and catch up on schoolwork so I can pass my exams as best as I can before the end of the first half of the school year and start preparing for the new season, which will start in mid-January,” emphasizes the Minardi Management protégé.

Unlike many of her rivals this year, Julia Angelard will continue to compete in the junior karting division in the 2026 season due to her young age. The teenage athlete has several events lined up before the start of the upcoming year’s competition, which she will soon be announcing on her social media.

MIGUEL MARIA GARCIA JOINS MINARDI MANAGEMENT

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Minardi Management is pleased to announce the arrival of the Paraguayan driver Miguel Maria Garcia to the agency. The 2000 born driver, originally from Asunción (Paraguay), boasts an impressive résumé in the international motorsport scene. In 2022, he took part in the TC2000 and Super TC2000 championships in Argentina, securing one pole position and four podiums in his debut season. The following year, he competed in the Italian GT Championship with Imperiale Racing, a Lamborghini-supported team, achieving two podiums in his first year in GT3 racing. Throughout his racing career, Miguel has contested 29 races, earning one victory, five podiums, and two pole positions. In addition to being the agency’s first driver from Paraguay, he is shaping up to be a major talent who could become a revelation in both the national and international motorsport landscape.

Below are the words of Giovanni and Miguel Garcia:

Giovanni Minardi: “I am very happy to begin a new challenge together with Miguel. We have a clear vision of the goals we want to achieve, and we will give our all to accomplish them. With Miguel joining the agency, we will be working for the first time with a driver from Paraguay. We can’t wait to bring Miguel’s name to the top in his country and beyond through his strong results on track. Now we just need to focus on finding the best seat so that Miguel can achieve the best possible result at the end of the season.”

Miguel Garcia: “Becoming part of Minardi Management is more than a step forward: it is a turning point in my life. I spent years moving forward on my own, fighting every battle with all the strength I had, but always with the feeling that a crucial piece was missing. Now, for the first time, I have behind me the team every driver hopes for: someone who truly takes care of me, believes in me, and stands by my side. Being in the hands of Giovanni and Dorothea gives me something I never had before: the freedom to focus solely on winning. From this moment on, we won’t just race—we will fight to win big, to write new chapters together, and to give my sponsors the pride, results, and value they deserve. The next part of this story begins now.”

Author: Gabriele Bovio

F1 ABU DHABI 2025: IL COMMENTO ESCLUSIVO DI GIOVANNI MINARDI

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Alla vigilia del Gran Premio di Abu Dhabi, ultima e decisiva sfida per il titolo Mondiale 2025 di Formula 1, riportiamo in esclusiva il pensiero di Giovanni Minardi, Fondatore e anima sportiva di Minardi Management. Forte di oltre 35 anni vissuti nel motorsport internazionale, la sua esperienza rende particolarmente autorevole la lettura di un finale così aperto ed equilibrato.
Lando Norris arriva all’appuntamento con 408 punti, inseguito da Max Verstappen a quota 396 e da Oscar Piastri con 392. Tre piloti racchiusi in appena 16 lunghezze, distacchi minimi e un Mondiale che si deciderà soltanto sotto l’ultima bandiera a scacchi della stagione. Di seguito, l’analisi completa rilasciata da Giovanni Minardi.

Le dichiarazioni esclusive di Giovanni Minardi

Sul vantaggio di Norris e la forza mentale di Verstappen:
«Il mio pensiero è che, sicuramente, Lando Norris sia avvantaggiato per i punti, ma credo che la forza mentale di Max Verstappen in queste occasioni e oltretutto su una pista dove va sempre molto forte possa rappresentare un’arma in più per lui. Sinceramente, io mi tengo Verstappen: per l’esperienza che ha, per la padronanza che dimostra, per il fatto di essere un quattro volte Campione del Mondo. Ha una freddezza particolare e, soprattutto, nulla da perdere rispetto agli altri due.»

Sul ruolo di Piastri nella lotta al titolo:
«Ovviamente, Oscar Piastri è quello più in difficoltà perché la distanza è importante anche per lui, ma a mio parere se la giocheranno soprattutto Norris e Verstappen. Max, grazie alla sua esperienza e alla sua tranquillità, ha qualcosina in più nonostante il distacco in classifica.»

Sullo scenario della gara e il possibile colpo di scena:
«Questa è la situazione. Teoricamente l’ordine dovrebbe essere Norris, Verstappen e Piastri, ma io dico che Verstappen potrebbe regalarci qualche emozione in più. Se dovesse conquistare la pole position, metterebbe subito in difficoltà sia Norris sia Piastri. Per questo motivo vedo ancora Max in grado di compiere un ennesimo miracolo da grande campione.»

Sulle responsabilità del team McLaren nella gestione della stagione:
«Se così fosse, sarebbe una sconfitta che riguarderebbe più il team che i piloti, perché la mancata decisione su alcune situazioni ha portato la McLaren ad arrivare all’ultima gara senza aver già chiuso il Mondiale. Con la supremazia tecnica mostrata, avrebbero potuto e forse dovuto chiuderlo in anticipo.»

Le parole di Giovanni Minardi offrono una lettura chiara di un finale che si giocherà tutto su esperienza, nervi saldi e capacità di sfruttare ogni occasione. A Yas Marina non ci sarà spazio per errori.

LA NOTIZIA SPORTIVA & MINARDI MANAGEMENT

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Siamo lieti di annunciare la nascita di una nuova e prestigiosa collaborazione tra La Notizia Sportiva e Minardi Management, realtà storica e punto di riferimento nel panorama internazionale del motorsport.

Minardi Management, da oltre trent’anni, rappresenta un modello di eccellenza nella formazione e gestione dei giovani piloti, unendo la tradizione sportiva della famiglia Minardi a una visione moderna e strategica capace di accompagnare i talenti fino alle competizioni professionali.

Di seguito le dichiarazioni ufficiali:
Giovanni Minardi:
«È un piacere poter unire le nostre competenze e la nostra visione con una realtà che valorizza lo sport e il talento con la stessa passione che mettiamo ogni giorno nel nostro lavoro. Crediamo molto in questo progetto e nelle opportunità che potrà offrire ai nostri giovani piloti.»

Dorothea Schulz:
«Questa partnership rappresenta un passo importante nella crescita dei nostri atleti e nella diffusione dei valori in cui crediamo: impegno, professionalità e ambizione. Non vediamo l’ora di condividere nuove storie, risultati e percorsi insieme.»

Dichiarazione di Cristian La Rosa:
«Siamo profondamente orgogliosi di affiancarci a Minardi Management, una realtà che ha lasciato un segno indelebile nella storia del motorsport e che continua a essere un riferimento nella crescita dei giovani talenti. La loro tradizione, unita a una visione moderna e concreta, ha contribuito negli anni a formare piloti diventati protagonisti ai massimi livelli.

Questa collaborazione, per noi, rappresenta molto più di una semplice nuova pagina professionale: è un impegno autentico nel raccontare e valorizzare il percorso dei ragazzi con cura e responsabilità. Con la stessa dedizione che da sempre caratterizza la famiglia Minardi, siamo pronti a sostenere un progetto che guarda al futuro e continua a ispirare il nostro sport.»

La Notizia Sportiva e Minardi Management definiranno insieme i prossimi step comunicativi e procederanno con un lancio coordinato sui rispettivi canali ufficiali.

QATAR: VERSTAPPEN WINS AHEAD OF PIASTRI, PODIUM FOR SAINZ

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Verstappen triumphs in Qatar ahead of Oscar Piastri thanks to a brilliant strategy and closes the championship gap to -12. Piastri, who led for most of the race, owes his second place to a strategic error by the pit wall, which effectively handed victory to the Dutchman. Taking advantage of the mistake is Carlos Sainz in the Williams, who secures his second podium of the season. Ferrari collapses, finishing the championship in fourth place in the Constructors’ standings. The title will therefore be decided at the final race in Abu Dhabi.

GIOVANNI’S COMMENTARY
Both on track and morally, the winner is Max Verstappen’s Red Bull. After a difficult sprint, the Dutch driver rediscovered his performance and, thanks to the team’s perfect strategy, reduced the gap to just 12 points behind Norris, the championship leader. A good weekend also for Tsunoda, who scored points in both the sprint and the main race.

McLaren comes out defeated on a track where the MCL39 is clearly superior. After winning the sprint with Piastri, the Woking team delivered a true disaster in the race. Now the team must make a decision, otherwise Verstappen may be the one to capitalize.

Carlos Sainz returns to the podium, delivering a flawless race thanks also to excellent work from the pit wall. Albon continues to struggle and now risks being overtaken in the drivers’ standings by his teammate.

At Mercedes, Antonelli continues to shine, once again finishing ahead of his teammate. The Silver Arrows are now very close to securing second place in the Constructors’ Championship.

Another disaster for Ferrari. Leclerc salvages what he can, while Hamilton sinks even deeper. The British driver might even start thinking about retirement. Another season this disastrous does not seem like the right choice, and I don’t think he can withstand it — not to mention the damage to his image, because in 2026, with another similar season, people would remember him for two negative years in red rather than for his seven world titles.

Aston Martin sees the lion of Oviedo roar once more: Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard extracts the maximum — albeit limited — potential from his car. Stroll remains lost.

At Racing Bull, Lawson finishes ahead of his teammate, who nonetheless has a strong weekend. Important points for the Faenza team in the Constructors’ fight.

A weekend to forget for Haas, with Bearman retiring with a penalty and Ocon in great difficulty.
Alpine starts well, with excellent qualifying from Gasly, but must give up on the points after contact with Hülkenberg. Colapinto finishes fourteenth thanks to several retirements.

Finally, Sauber. Hülkenberg commits a rookie mistake in the collision with Gasly. Bortoleto is slowly improving but still outside the points.

Author: Gabriele Bovio

SILKUNAS VICTORY AND SECOND PLACE IN AL AIN, FIFTH PLACE FOR SILKUNAITE AND ANGELARD

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Another intense weekend for our drivers, competing between Al Ain and Lonato in two events filled with emotions and growth. Julia, Vanesa and Markas took part in the Champions of the Future Academy Program. At the same time, Zack and Benji challenged themselves at the prestigious Trofeo delle Industrie in Lonato, gaining new experiences and confirming their great potential.

Julia Angelard – Champions of the Future Academy Program – Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) – Junior Category
RACE 1: P5
RACE 2: P15
The Champions of the Future Academy Program returned to action in Al Ain, where Julia Angelard experienced an intense weekend rich in positive signs. On Saturday, the young driver started on the right foot, securing a series of excellent results and finishing the final in a solid P5. On Sunday, despite some engine-related difficulties, Julia managed the situation with maturity, still bringing home a P15 that is valuable for her experience and growth.
A demanding weekend, then, but one that once again confirms the value of the Polish driver, who showed speed, determination and consistency. Even in the most complicated situations, Julia proved her ability to respond with great professionalism and competitive spirit.

Vanesa Silkunaite – Champions of the Future Academy Program – Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) – Senior Category
RACE 1: P5
RACE 2: P10
Vanesa was also back on track, delivering a weekend very similar to Julia’s. On Saturday, the Lithuanian driver shone with a splendid P5, confirming the high expectations. Sunday was more challenging, but Vanesa handled the difficulties with determination, finishing in P10.
Overall, it was a positive performance: the young driver showed great speed, character and competitiveness. A weekend that further enriches her experience and contributes to her growth on track.

Markas Silkunas – Champions of the Future Academy Program – Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) – Senior Category
RACE 1: P1
RACE 2: P2
Last to take to the track in Al Ain, Markas delivered a simply perfect weekend, crowned by victory in Saturday’s race and an excellent second place on Sunday. A crucial haul of points for the Championship heading into the final round, which will take place on Monday at Al Forsan.
Markas once again confirms that he is the true standout of this competition: he dominates almost all sessions and adds another prestigious win to his extraordinary season. Now, all focus turns to the final event, with the goal of finishing in the best possible way and fighting hard for the title.

Zack Zhu – P10 – Trofeo delle Industrie, Lonato (Italy) – OKJ Category
The Trofeo delle Industrie took place in Lonato, marking an excellent debut for Zack Zhu. The French driver hit the track for the first time with Kalí Kart, securing a solid P10 in the final.
Zack is a driver with enormous potential, and the goal remains to consistently fight for the top five positions. However, this weekend represents an important step in his journey: a valuable experience, made even more significant by his debut with the new equipment. A result that lays solid foundations for the upcoming events.

Benjamin Westwood – P14 – Trofeo delle Industrie, Lonato (Italy) – OKJ Category
Also competing in the Trofeo delle Industrie was Benjamin Westwood. The young driver put effort into every session of the weekend, having to deal with some difficulties that made the work more challenging than expected. Despite this, Benji showed great character and determination, managing to secure a deserved P14 in the final.
His growth path continues steadily: he is still adapting to the new category and, race after race, gaining valuable experience. Benji just needs to find the right balance to fully express his significant potential. With this maturity and attitude, his results can only continue to improve.

Author: Gabriele Bovio

TEAM BAHRAIN AIM HIGH AT ELITE KARTING CONTEST

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MOTORSPORT – An 11-strong Team Bahrain are all geared up and excited to hit the track this week in one of the biggest annual events in the world of grassroots motorsport.

The Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) 2025 takes Bahrain International Karting Circuit (BIKC) by storm this week, bringing to Sakhir 400 of international karting’s elite.

They are representing 60 countries from around the world, and will be battling it out in eight high-octane categories.

Headlining the field are the kingdom’s top talents, featuring Tariq Soofi in the Micro MAX class, Shaikh Ahmed bin Saqer Al Khalifa and Jude Andrews in the Mini MAX, Demir Abali and Rashid Hilal in the Junior MAX, Tye Mejia in the Senior MAX, Abdulla Sajjad and Abdulqader Qasem in the DD2, and Yousif Alaali, Vedant Menon, and Mohammed Alhasan in the E20 Senior.

“I’m super excited!” Tariq, who is the squad’s youngest competitor, told the GDN.

“I’ve been counting the days down and I can’t wait to race. It feels like a huge adventure as the event is in our own country, and I wish the best of luck to all the racers.”

Added Mejia, who was also part of Team Bahrain the last time the RMCGF was held at BIKC in 2023: “I have high hopes, but I must stay humble. I have huge goals for the week and, knowing it’s my home track and that two years ago we finished P10 in the grand final, I believe anything is possible.”

Tariq and Mejia are part of Bahrain-based karting team NorthStar Racing, and both were champions in the 2024-25 season of the Bahrain Rotax MAX Challenge, which earned them their spots in this year’s RMCGF.

Hilal was a late addition to the kingdom’s roster after a spot opened up during the participants’ official registration, which concluded yesterday at BIKC.

Aside from the aforementioned categories, racing will also be held this week in the RMCGF’s DD2 Masters and E20 Masters classes.

Pre-event formalities continue today with the raffle of karts, the traditional track walk, the drivers’ briefings and presentation, and a welcome get-together.

On-track action gets underway tomorrow at BIKC with the opening non-qualifying practice sessions, which continue on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Qualifying practices will also be held Wednesday along with the first qualifying heats, which carry over to Thursday.

The pre-finals are then set to be held under lights on Friday, setting the stage for the finals on Saturday on the concluding day of this year’s karting spectacle.

All are welcome to attend from Wednesday onwards and enjoy the high-intensity, wheel-to-wheel racing.

Entrance is free of charge and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

BIKC will be opening its gates to fans from 10am until the end of track activity on each day, except for Friday, when spectators can access the circuit from 4.30pm.

A Bahraini competitor has yet to climb the podium in the RMCGF, and Alhasan is aiming to change that. “My goal for this week is to bring home Bahrain’s very first grand finals podium,” he told the GDN.

Alhasan, Alaali, and Menon are all set to compete in the RMCGF’s E20 category for the first time.

“I hope to adapt to the E20 as quickly as possible – it’s pretty different from what I’m used to, so I want to learn fast and do my best,” Alaali told the GDN. “And of course, I want to help Team Bahrain get strong results.”

The kingdom’s karters are looking to make the most of this week’s experience.

They highlighted the RMCGF’s significance to their racing careers and to all those who are a part of the event, which offers a tremendous boost to their development.

“Racing in the grand finals is a chance that not many people get, so when you have that opportunity, take it!” Mejia told the GDN. “I’ve been lucky to be here three times now and every time, I have learned something new.”

Alaali concurred. “Top drivers from all over the world are here – it’s one of the highest levels in karting, and being here helps us learn a lot and see where we stand as we move up in motorsport.”

Young Tariq added: “This event is really important because it lets us all race against each other from around the world. It helps us learn fast, get better, and gain experience for the future.

“Big races like this make us stronger and more confident as we move up in our racing careers.”

Alhasan stressed: “⁠This is the biggest karting event of the year for me and for many others. It is a great opportunity to be seen on the global stage against the very best.”

This week’s thrilling battles will be held along BIKC’s 1.414-kilometre CIK-FIA track, which has also hosted world championship events in the past featuring drivers such as Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, George Russell, and many more who are amongst the biggest stars in Formula One today.

The RMCGF 2025 is the third time Rotax karting’s showpiece event is being held in the kingdom, following hugely successful occasions in 2023 and 2021.

patrick@gdnmedia.bh

WEUG ON THE PODIUM IN THE FINAL ROUND OF THE F1 ACADEMY. BATTLES AND COMEBACKS AT THE WSK FINAL CUP IN LONATO

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A racing weekend that saw our drivers competing on two fronts: the WSK Final Cup in Lonato on one side, and the decisive F1 Academy round in Las Vegas on the other. Weather played a major role at the Lonato circuit, with several comeback drives characterizing the weekend. In Las Vegas, Maya fought until the very end for the world championship title.

Maya Weug – F1 Academy, Las Vegas
RACE 1: DNS
RACE 2: P3

Final race of the year for Maya on the Las Vegas circuit, which hosted the F1 Academy title decider. The weekend began with a challenging qualifying session that placed her in fifth position. In Race 1, a contact during the formation lap unfortunately forced her into an early retirement, compromising her chances of earning precious points in the title fight.
In Race 2, however, Maya reacted with determination and character: the Dutch driver fought with great grit and secured a well-deserved podium.
Despite her effort, Maya ultimately missed out on the title. She ends her season knowing she gave everything up to the very last corner, battling on equal terms with a top-level rival. The title fight remained open until the final round, and Maya proved capable of responding blow for blow, always with professionalism and a fierce competitive spirit.
Now it’s time to recharge and prepare for next season—stronger and more determined than ever.

Zack Zhu – P7 – WSK Final Cup, Lonato (Italy), OK-J Category
A demanding weekend for Zack at Lonato, marked by difficult moments but also by impressive comebacks. Rain during qualifying limited his initial potential, but the Frenchman didn’t give up: in the heats he fought back with determination and clarity, laying the groundwork for a strong final. Starting P19 in the final, Zack showcased his talent, climbing to P10 (later classified as P7 after rivals’ penalties), delivering one of the most remarkable recoveries of the event.
A solid performance that once again highlights his speed, race management skills, and the grit that always sets him apart.
Zack remains one of the agency’s most consistent and competitive drivers. His growth throughout the season has been clear—both technically and mentally—and the potential for further improvement is huge. Continuing on this path, he will undoubtedly achieve major results and great satisfaction.

Benjamin Westwood – DNQ – WSK Final Cup, Lonato (Italy)
Final WSK Final Cup event of the year for Benji, who faced a particularly tough weekend. Heavy rain during qualifying contributed to an incident that complicated his path even further. In the heats, Benji gave everything to fight back, though it wasn’t enough to secure the desired result.
Despite the difficulties, the weekend represents an important learning opportunity. Benji must now focus especially on improving his performance in wet conditions—a crucial skill for handling such complex and unpredictable race weekends. At the same time, he continues adapting to his new category, a fundamental step in his development.

Jason Kosmopoulos – DNQ – WSK Final Cup, Lonato (Italy)
WSK Final Cup weekend for Jason as well, racing at Lonato. Heavy rain made the event particularly difficult, with track conditions that weren’t ideal for the Greek driver. The wet weather and some race-related contacts prevented him from reaching the final, limiting his potential results.
Despite the challenges, Jason showed clear signs of growth and determination. He continues adapting to his new category, where more testing and mileage will be essential for refining his driving and consolidating his abilities.
This challenging weekend is nonetheless another important step in his development path: every experience—especially the tough ones—contributes to his evolution as a driver. He heads home with greater awareness and motivation to continue improving.

Nefeli Kosmopoulos – DNQ – WSK Final Cup, Lonato (Italy)
Still at the WSK Final Cup in Lonato, this time with Nefeli Kosmopoulos on track. Although she did not qualify for the final, she completed an overall positive weekend enriched with many valuable insights for her growth.
Despite not being in ideal physical condition and suffering from fever, Nefeli showed great determination, a strong competitive spirit, and a remarkable desire to push herself. This weekend is especially significant for her—not just for the experience gained, but also for her display of character and resilience. Another important step added to her journey, with the awareness that she is on the right path.

Vladimir Ivannikov – P8 – WSK Final Cup, Lonato (Italy), OK Category
The last agency driver on track at Lonato, Vladimir Ivannikov experienced a unique weekend, full of comebacks and consistently strong speed. Despite some difficult moments early on, the young driver reacted with maturity and determination: in the final he rolled up his sleeves and crossed the line in P9, later classified as P8 after a rival’s penalty, once again confirming his potential.
This race concludes Vladimir’s season—a very positive year that saw him claim an important podium and several high-level performances. His development has been steady and evident, a sign of his dedication and his ability to make the difference in key moments.
Now it’s time to recharge and prepare for next season, where the goal will be to fight for the championships he enters. The foundations are solid and the potential is high: Vladimir’s future looks extremely promising.

Author: Gabriele Bovio

VERSTAPPEN WINS IN LAS VEGAS, DOUBLE PODIUM FOR MERCEDES. BOTH MCLARENS DISQUALIFIED

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Max Verstappen reopens the fight for the title, helped by the double disqualification of both McLarens due to technical irregularities. Double podium for Mercedes, now increasingly close to securing second place in the constructors’ championship. Ferrari still collects points and narrowly misses the podium with Leclerc. Important points also for Carlos Sainz and Hadjar, with both teams battling for fifth place in the constructors’ standings.

GIOVANNI’S COMMENTARY
At Red Bull, Max Verstappen continues to fly. After dispatching Lando Norris with ease, the Dutchman dominated the race and brought home the victory. Tsunoda remains anonymous, effectively preventing the Anglo-Austrian team from fighting for the constructors’ championship.

Mercedes secures a double podium, helped by the McLaren disqualifications. A great race from Antonelli after a lackluster qualifying. His second consecutive podium—after Brazil—and another strong performance. Russell is always ready and grabs an important podium. Mercedes is getting ever closer to securing second place in the constructors’ standings.

McLaren disastrous. Piastri still can’t find the right performance, and Norris is not up to the level shown in recent races. The team, however, is responsible for the complete disaster that reopens the drivers’ championship. The double disqualification gives Verstappen the chance to fight until the end, with 58 points still available, considering the Qatar sprint.

Ferrari still not living up to their name. The Maranello team collects important points but still cannot fight for anything significant. Morale within the team seems very low, and it will be crucial ahead of 2026 to restore harmony within the squad.

Sainz picks up more important points, outshining his teammate, who seems to be feeling the pressure from the Spaniard. The Anglo-Thai driver continues to make mistakes, crashing once again during qualifying.

Sauber scores points again thanks to the excellent work of Nico Hulkenberg. Bortoleto has been making many mistakes in recent races, compromising his results. The Brazilian needs to rediscover the solidity that has characterized him until now, seeking clarity and calm.

Ocon returns to the points, finishing in the top ten together with Bearman. Important points for the constructors’ championship, and Ocon finally bounces back after the blows taken in recent weeks.
Hadjar delivers another consistent points finish. Lawson, unlucky at the start with a broken wing, fails to recover. The Faenza team is slowly seeing light at the end of the tunnel after recent difficulties.

Aston Martin continues its inconsistent season. Stroll retires on the first lap, Alonso finishes just outside the points but never truly has the pace to be in the top ten. With an eye on 2026, it will be important to clarify the driver situation as well, especially given the Ferrari–Leclerc tension, with the Monegasque potentially joining the team in place of one of the two drivers.

Finally, Alpine remains once again anonymous, though slightly closer to the pack compared to previous races.

Author: Gabriele Bovio