Since its creation, the “Bahrain International Karting Circuit” has already had the opportunity to host the FIA Karting World Championship several times: U18 in 2012 with the Academy Trophy, KF and KF-Junior in 2013, and OK and OK-Junior in 2016. After a missed opportunity in 2020 due to Covid, the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals took over the venue for the first time in its history. The track and the magnificent facilities of the Bahraini complex seem to be appreciated by all, as confirmed by our little tour in the huge structure housing the drivers.
“I really like the circuit, with this succession of fast corners that follow each other continuously, punctuated by some compressions“, confirmed Morgan Riche, the French professional from RM Concept, in attendance both to support his driver Anthony Millet and to take part in this event with the French team in Rotax DD2 Master following his victory at the Rotax Euro Golden Trophy in Genk. “Sector 3 is slightly hilly, the track is wide and I have already spotted several places to overtake. We had a lot of fun, with two not so easy braking manoeuvres, which led to left-hand turns. Technically, the equipment I was given by lottery is effective. There are always a few adjustments to be made, but I think that it’s mainly up to the driver to get used to this environment, which is different from what you get to experience the rest of the year.”
“Here, you have to have a chassis that is as free as possible, especially at the front,” added Fabrice Pignon from Kart In Pro Competition, who came to assist Paul Alberto in Rotax Junior and Thomas Ricci in Rotax Senior. “The driver cannot force the front end when he points his chassis into the corner. You have to have a clean driving style to allow the engine to deliver all its power, especially as we use a rather long transmission ratio, because the track is fast. The drivers found the chassis efficient in its standard version, so it will be a question of adjustments. I think there is more to gain by finding the perfect carburation. Coming from France, we’re still experimenting more in Junior Max, because the international events have used the “evo” version for a few years, whereas at home the “Nationale” category has remained on the previous version of the Rotax J125.”
Info Kartcom / Photo © KSP