The governing
body of motorsports around the world, the Fédération Internationale de
l’Automobile (FIA) has launched a programme which will
enable children around the world to receive proper structured training through
approved National Karting Schools.
The FIA says
that the concept behind the scheme is to build a worldwide network of karting
schools that will make use of standardised guidelines and accreditations. This
will become a platform for young aspiring drivers from around the world as
their first step into motor racing and increase number of racing license
holders around the world.
The concept
was introduced at the recent FIA Sport Conference in Mexico. This scheme will
give National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) the opportunity to create approved
schools that will utilise a set of global parameters to tutor children aged
6-11 in the fundamentals of racing.
The ANS who
decide to adopt the scheme, will nominate circuits, which will have to meet
certain guidelines like qualified instructors, adequate facilities, homologated
circuits, and equipment that meet safety standards. On the other hand, the FIA
will certify the ASN and the circuit to establish a school and provide the
guidelines and support necessary to achieve them.
The students
will be tutored about safety on the track, and on public roads, driving skills
and the mechanical aspects of the sport. The students will progress through
three levels of accreditation. The instructor will evaluate the development of
each driver with Bronze, Silver and Gold laurels on their progress. At each
level the student will receive a diploma as well as a badge that can be sewn
onto their racing overalls.
Morgan Caron,
FIA Head of Transverse Motor Sport Projects and Manager of the Drivers’
Commission, said: “The main objective is to provide a platform that will allow
children in different countries to discover karting and provide them with practical
skills.”
Caron, who
spent 15 years working for the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile,
France’s ASN, points to the example of a similar programme he was a part of
there: “We had set up this kind of project in France and that has been a great
success. That is why we are thinking this kind of project can develop in
countries around the world.”
Young French
stars Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly both came through the French programme.
With the launch of its new karting school, the FIA is hoping to provide similar
opportunities to youngsters worldwide.
Caron said:
“We are now fully open to receiving applications from countries that are
interested in running a karting school.” JK Tyre, the pioneers of go karting in
India….this one is for you!