For the 2021 FIA Karting Competitions, MG Tires has supplied the tyres for all categories of the FIA Karting Championships, Cups and Trophies. Many thanks to Marino Albrecht Junior for MG Indústria e Comércio S/A for answering these questions.
What were the challenges in fulfilling this mission?
The first challenge involves the circumstances in which we accepted the FIA call, with very short notice. Secondly, all the aspects surrounding the COVID-19 scenario, that brings more difficulties in terms of logistics of both tyres and people. That being said, despite those circumstances, we were able to supply to all classes according to the FIA schedule, including the last round, the World Championship OK & Junior, which not only has changed from Brazil to Spain but also anticipated in more than a month. This in once again a very strong proof that MG is one of the most important companies in the business.
Did this require additional investment that could be useful for the future development of MG Tires?
When you are part of a championship, appart from the eventual financial investments that always happen, there is also the human investment. This is maybe the biggest of the investments. The experience that we gain by participating in each possible race is imensurable and for sure each new situation helps us to grow and, consequently, to be able to deliver better products and better customer service.
Has the global pandemic situation complicated deliveries to Europe?
MG is in the business for 32 years. This gives us a whole lot experience package to bypass the eventual logistic difficulties that are happening right now at a global level.
Has the pandemic affected your production?
Thanks to our experience and preparation, our production has not being affected by the pandemic. Actually, throughout the whole 2021 MG has been fully commited to increase its production capacity while, at the same time, we are always looking for ways to improve production routines that can contribute to a better enviroment sustainability.
Would you be ready to re-equip all CIK-FIA classes in the future?
Absolutely.
Have you noticed an increase in your image in the global market?
To be part of any championship helps to increase your image as manufacturer and right now MG is present in competitions throughout 5 continents. So, in our perspective, there was an increase of our our image in the global market due to the MG presence in a worldwide level.
What are the qualities of your products that were important for success this season?
It is our obligation as a top-level kart tyres manufacturer to give nothing less than our full commitment. Security, durability and performance, are features that we will always want to deliver through our products. But we shall never forget that those features must be transformed into passion and fun to the ones that are at the center of our attention: the drivers. That is why MG’s motto is “for the drivers”.
2021 FIA Karting Best-of / Photo © KSP