The U18 World Championship will start next weekend at Braga in Portugal and the team principals who are newer to the series seem convinced of it’s worth.

Danilo Rossi, DR
“We think that it is a good championship for a manufacturer. For drivers, the system is obviously good as it enables those who have no financial means to show their worth all the same.”

Armando Filini, ART GP
“I like the concept of this U18 World Championship very much. For us Team Managers it offers the chance of spotting new talents, drivers who cannot afford to compete in the traditional categories but who are nonetheless very fast. Not only costs are limited in this competition but, furthermore, all the engines are equal, which really gives a lot of importance to the driver. I am therefore convinced that this competition is very closely watched by managers who try to promote some talents to automobiles. You know, I have been in karting for 30 years, and with very rare exceptions I have reached the following conclusion: it is often drivers who have the smallest means who also have the biggest talent and more especially who work the most.”

Cash Van Belle, FK
“As all the engines are the same, there are two elements which can make the difference: the Driver and the chassis. This competition can therefore enable a manufacturer to put forward the quality of its products. It is very status-enhancing and so the results achieved in this competition are excellent publicity.”