The final round of the FIA Karting European OK and Junior Championship and the FIA Karting Academy Trophy, the Cremona meeting in Italy seems to have seen a renewed emphasis on compliance with sporting regulations, particularly as regards incidents and collisions. In fact, this tough policy has been in place since the start of the season. It’s just that, at Cremona, the scale of the sanctions took a step forward and brought it back to the forefront of attention.
The sporting commission significantly increased the number of its decisions compared to the two previous events with the same categories, Trinec and Rodby. A record 308 decisions were recorded. Infringements of article 2.24 of the CIK-FIA General Prescriptions 2023 were monitored and drivers responsible for incidents were punished more rigorously. Eight disqualifications, including three from the entire competition, were handed down in the three categories, along with a withdrawal of two points from the digital licence. Penalties of 5” were applied for the same reasons, along with a deduction of one point. In all, 80 drivers lost points.
It’s worth recalling how the digital licence works. It is a training tool that serves as a reminder of the importance of the rules by keeping track of offences over a strict 12-month period. If a driver were to reach the 12-point limit, they would be banned from the next FIA Karting event. The concomitant application of penalties has a direct effect on the results of the event, making it even more effective.
This firm stance is no accident, but rather a clear desire on the part of the FIA Karting to restore a little order to racing. In the field, this approach has been made possible by the use of new cameras with better definition, as well as by a greater commitment on the part of the officials, aided by the presence of a third race director on the track. The Sporting Commission has also reorganised its operations to improve efficiency.
This new direction taken by FIA Karting should be highlighted and supported. As an international body, FIA Karting is showing the way to other competition organisers. The choice of greater sportingness on the track remains a determining factor in the success of all the races that concern the fairness of our sport.
The KSP – Kartcom team is taking advantage of a break in the competition calendar to rest for a few weeks. See you at the beginning of September for the next Kartcom Selection.
Happy holidays to all those who are taking them.
Info Kartcom Selection / © Photo KSP