In structuring and supervising karting apprenticeships, the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA) is acting like many other sporting federations. And yet the real French motor sport sector is a cultural exception in an individualistic environment governed by financial imperatives. This needs to be made clear.
The FFSA has had a federal detection and training structure since 2007. The movement was initiated in 1993 by the oil company Elf through its famous competition division. When the FFSA took over sole management of the programme in 2001, the objectives were broadened and diversified. In addition to training drivers and mechanics, the FFSA Academy has set up a state diploma to become a driving instructor. Located in Le Mans, close to the Bugatti circuit, the Pôle France is home to the Centre National d’Expertise et de Préparation Physique (National Centre for Expertise and Physical Preparation) and offers the possibility of continuing one’s studies on site, in addition to a boarding school.
Taking literally the expression “karting is the base of the motor sport pyramid”, the FFSA set up the French Karting Schools throughout France in 2007. In addition to sports training, qualified instructors offer an educational programme dedicated to safety, the basics of engineering, a balanced diet and an approach to “Citizen Sport” for young people aged seven and over. Driving can be practised on minikarts supplied by the Federation.
For several years, the 10-15 Young Driver Detection Programme and the FFSA Karting Equipe de France supported drivers on their way to the top level before being replaced by the French Junior Karting Championship and the Equipe de France Espoir Karting focused on the national representative in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy. More recently, the FFSA has developed its detection tools with the launch of the Mini 60 category, which is run with a draw for engines in the French Championship and Cup. This enables the federal authorities to identify drivers in the fairest possible conditions with a view to the French Junior Championship. This one-design formula, which is entering its 8th season, uses the same OK-Junior type equipment as the FIA Karting Academy Trophy. Not only are all the logistics handled by the FFSA Academy, but individual training is provided for the young drivers by a number of federal coaches, themselves former drivers, all at an affordable cost.
The next step is the French F4 Championship, run on the same basis of fairness and controlled budget by the FFSA Academy. The French industry continues through the Equipe de France Circuit, which coaches and supports its drivers in the various single-seater formulas (FRECA, F3, F2) right up to the gates of F1. The Federation has therefore put in place a continuity solution, from initial training at the age of six through to the highest echelon of F2. A system of subsidies has been put in place from the age of Mini 60 to help youngsters progress through the pyramid, with an overall policy of controlling expenditure and financial incentives for the best at every stage.
The FFSA has put in place a very fine and comprehensive programme, a genuine driver training network that is unique in the world. The past has shown that it works well and the present confirms it. In the wake of Pierre Gasly, several drivers from the FFSA Academy are in the process of demonstrating this. Théo Pourchaire is waiting in Super Formula (JPN) for a place to open up in the Sauber fold, Victor Martins and Isack Hadjar are playing strong cards in F2, Alessandro Giusti is making progress in FRECA while Lisa Billard is preparing for F4 and the new generation continues to make its mark in karting under the watchful eye of the FFSA.
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