The FIA Karting International Super Cup - KZ2 was clearly one of the big events where James Wharton was keen to showcase his skills. In order to achieve the desired results, the Australian spared no effort in fine-tuning his preparation. "I entered the KZ2 category with its 125cc gearbox engine only a few months ago. I had a lot to learn about technique, strategy and how to take a standing start. All in all, I think I've matured and everything I've learnt will help me when I get into a single-seater."

Two fastest laps in the race!

For James Wharton, the meeting started with a steady progression through the Free Practice sessions, followed by a 22nd fastest time in Qualifying. "I had put in a better performance in the previous session, but we had some difficulties running on fresh tyres on this track where the grip level is not very high. This meant I started from the fourth row in my five heats, knowing that I had the possibility of moving up to the front thanks to the competitiveness of my Parolin-TM Racing package."

Determined and focused not to be unnecessarily penalised, James had a perfect run in the Qualifying Heats, following his team's instructions to the letter. He finished successively 5th, 7th, 4th, 5th and 4th, while setting two fastest laps in the race.

A welcome performance before single-seaters

After finishing 2nd in his group's warm-up on Sunday morning, the Australian felt that an excellent result was possible starting from 9th position on the starting grid for the Final. "However, I struggled to keep my place in the jostle for position in the early laps and was only 12th by the end of lap three. I stayed calm and focused on each rival I had in front of me. I was able to gain places as the laps went by, passing several competitors and even gaining a final position on the last lap. I learned that you should never give up and always fight until the chequered flag! I would like to thank all the Parolin Motorsport team, my engine manufacturer Galiffa Engines, the Ferrari Driver Academy, All Road Management, all my partners, my family and all those who have supported me throughout the year."

With 5th in the KZ2 World Cup in Sweden, James Wharton is now ready to make his debut in a single-seater, with the first tests scheduled very soon.

About James Wharton

James Wharton is a 15-year-old Australian kart driver, currently competing in his first international season in the KZ2 class alongside the OK class, a dual programme with the official Parolin Motorsport team.

James started racing karting in Australia at the age of seven. He then shone in the most important single-brand world challenges before making his debut in FIA Karting competition. 13th in the World Junior Championship in his first season in 2018, he also won the KA 100 Junior class in Las Vegas at the SKUSA SuperNationals.

In 2019, in his first full season in OK-Junior, he achieved top results: 9th in the European Championship, 4th in the Italian Championship and 2nd in the legendary Winter Cup in Lonato. He was again victorious at the SKUSA SuperNationals in Las Vegas in the X30-Junior category.

An official driver for the Parolin Motorsport Srl team, James is involved in the development and tuning of the equipment thanks to a very good rapport with Albino and Marco Parolin. Despite a 2020 disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, he has rapidly progressed in the category hierarchy and is aiming for a season rich in results.

Thanks to his competitiveness and fighting qualities, James Wharton was selected to join the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy. Managed by All Road Management, Nicolas Todt's company, James Wharton will continue his career in karting in 2021, before taking the plunge into single-seater racing in the near future.