A growing success

Presented at the end of 2023 in Abu Dhabi, the Champions of the Future Academy Program is making its return to the United Arab Emirates. In just a few months, the series promoted and organised by RGMMC has proved its worth with its 'Arrive and Drive' principle. At the Dubai Kartdrome, the starting grids for the three categories will be packed with more than 100 entries from a wide range of nationalities. From a sporting point of view, there will be plenty at stake. With the top seeds focusing on winning the title and the new drivers aiming for the podium, the predictions are going to be tough. As all the competitors have identical equipment, it will be up to the talent and determination of each driver to make the difference.

OK-N Senior (14 years and over): Luna Fluxa Cross the solid leader

The start of the season was marked by the domination of Luna Fluxa Cross (442 points). The Spaniard won on the three circuits which hosted the first part of the series, in March in Cremona (Italy), in May in Valencia (Spain) and in July in Franciacorta (Italy). The two Frenchmen Philippe Karras (271) and Hugo Herrouin (260) never failed to put her under pressure, and never missed an opportunity to climb onto the podium. 4th in the ranking, Lithuania's Markas Silkunas (228) has already managed to win and will be looking to do so again. Mozambican Ghazi Motlekar (199) and Frenchman Jean Karras (148) are also among the drivers to watch.

Equipment: KR chassis, IAME engine, Vega tyres

OK-N Junior (12-14 years): An incredible year for Anagnostiadis

In November, Australian James Anagnostiadis won the inaugural event of the Champions of the Future Academy Program on the Al Forsan circuit. Since then, his life has changed, as he explains:

"When I think that twelve months ago, I was racing in Australia and watching the World Championship, hoping to be able to take part one day. Today, I'm runner-up in the Junior World Championship, as well as being leader of the Academy Program. If I hadn't taken part in the Abu Dhabi event in 2023, I certainly wouldn't be where I am today and this victory has completely changed the course of my career. I've had the opportunity to be noticed and to be part of the Mercedes F1 programme. It's unreal."

"The Champions of the Future Academy Program is undoubtedly a great way to spot new talent. It teaches young drivers how to make the most of the equipment they have," added Gwen Lagrue, Junior Driver Manager at Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.

In the provisional OK-N Junior standings, James Anagnostiadis (377 points) is ahead of South African William Marshall (308), Pole Kacper Rajpold (282), Emirati Conor Clancy (248), Thai Toby Gale (233) and two women, Monegasque Ella Hakkinen (173) and Spaniard Angelina Simons Torres (154).

Equipment: KR chassis, IAME engine, Vega tyres

Mini 60 (9-12 years): The next generation looks good

The races in the Mini 60 category were hotly contested at every event. Swiss Albert Tamm (302 points) and Franco-American Alessandro Truchot (206) opened the season victoriously in Cremona, but Belgian Priam Bruno (395) made the difference in Valencia and Franciacorta to take the lead despite fierce competition. The Emirati Maxim Bobreshov (278), the Italians Lucas Palacio (218) and Nicolo Perico (215) and the Frenchman Augustin Feliglioni (191) all have at least one podium finish to their name and are hoping to go further.

Equipment: Parolin chassis, TM Kart engine, Vega tyres

Dubai before Al Aïn and Al Forsan

With its 1,204m layout and 17 bends, the Dubai International Circuit is set to provide some lively racing and a constant challenge for the drivers. As well as being competitive, they will need to adopt a good strategy to stand out from the crowd. The competition features a specific format with two separate races on Saturday and Sunday. Two podiums are planned, doubling each driver's chances of reaching the podium.

After Dubai, the Champions of the Future Academy Program will continue its tour of the United Arab Emirates, visiting Al Ain (15th-17th November) and Al Forsan (2th-4th December). To register, visit championskartingacademy.com.

Provisional schedule for the Dubai event

Friday 4th October
10:00 - 16:02: Free Practice

Saturday 5th October
09:00 - 09:40: Free Practice
10:05 - 10:51: Qualifying Practice
11:20 - 14:00: Qualifying Heats
15:00 - 15:20: Final 1 Mini 60
15:30 - 15:50: Final 1 OK-N Junior
16:00 - 16:25: Final 1 OK-N Senior
Podiums

Saturday live streaming
Heats / Finals

Sunday 6th October
09:00 - 09:40: Free Practice
10:05 - 10:51: Qualifying Practice
11:20 - 14:00: Qualifying Heats
15:00 - 15:20: Final 2 Mini 60
15:30 - 15:55: Final 2 OK-N Junior
16:00 - 16:25: Final 2 OK-N Senior
Podiums

Sunday live streaming
Heats / Finals

Live timing, live streaming and results: Follow the Dubai event on website