Karting to support formula One !!!!

[marcus]

Paris, France, July 2 — Earlier this week, the Executive Committee of the CIK-FIA decided to adopt, in principle, a plan that proposes to structure the World Karting Championship within the framework of certain Formula 1 Grand Prix events.

This proposal is merely in the planning stages at this time, yet it seems almost certain that the karting races will take place on the Thursday immediately prior to a given Grand Prix. This seems a worthwhile strategy, as it would allow the karting events to benefit from the presence of the F1 teams, drivers and the media hordes that follow them.

It is likely that the Grand Prix circuits with either a world class karting facility on the same premises, or in the very near vicinity, will be the most probable candidates to stage these rounds of the Karting World Championship.

From the CIK-FIA press release:

"The Executive Committee of the CIK-FIA met on 26 June 2001 in Paris and examined the proposed promotion of the CIK-FIA Karting World Championship within the framework of some Grand Prix in the FIA Formula One World Championship as from 2002.

"In the light of the matters brought to its attention and considering this opportunity as quite unique and exceptional, the CIK-FIA Executive Committee has unanimously decided to adopt this proposal in principle. Decisions concerning the choice of events, promotion arrangements and the Championship calendar will be taken in a final vote of the Executive Committee and of the Plenary Conference of the CIK-FIA in October 2001."

The Executive Committee went on also to vote a restructuring of the European Championships. On the one hand, Formula A and the 125cc categories will compete within the framework of the same meetings; on the other hand, the regional qualification system as a prelude to the European Intercontinental A Championship will be extended to the Junior category as from 2002. The split between Cadets and Juniors will be deleted, so that 13-15 year-old drivers will henceforward compete within one and the same category.

For 2002, the Executive Committee has also ratified the principle of a "Master Kart" for indoor events, hoping to increase the number of meetings to three, to be held on three different continents, with Paris-Bercy remaining the European round of this international tour.

During its meeting, the Executive Committee examined at length the situation and future of the Zone Championships, which should benefit from the introduction of the new 4-Stroke World Formula to develop themselves. The North American countries have already announced that they would adopt this World Formula in order to revive the North American Championship. — Jeffrey Franz, Editor, ekartingnews.com

[R]

Interesting development. Thanks for the info, Marcus.

[marcus]

I think its a great idea...sure you are not going to jump straight from karts to F1 but if you are a super star in karts then your name may just be put into a F1 team managers mind who then may just follow your career over a few years and who knows what could happen

[Kartracer]

I agree with Marcus that it is a good idea but all the smart F1 team managers allready know who to watch from karting so as far as that I don’t see much difference....

I think the biggest advantage would be in raising the profile of kartings top drivers to the public, making then more appealing to sponsors for when they move to cars (FF, etc).. which is when the F1 bosses REALY start to take notice..
JMHO but i do want this to happen!!!

[philneast]

Saw a recent article talking about a kart track in Albert Park.

It would be permanent but run electric karts most of the year. Real karts would get a go at GP time. They would still be a lot quieter than the F1 cars.


Imagine the audience and exposure for karting!