CIK –FIA PRESENTS THE NEW-GENERATION ENGINES

MONDAY 5TH FEBRUARY, AT THE TRACK OF LE CASTELLET (FRANCE), THE PRESIDENT OF CIK-FIA GINO MACALUSO IN THE PRESENCE OF MAJOR EXPERTS AND THE PRESS INAUGURATED THE NEW-GENERATION KARTING.

In 2004 the world council of Cik passed a resolution which represented a real technical revolution for the karting practiced under the aegis of Cik-Fia: the new engines denominated ‘KF’ 125cc ‘Long Life’ were passed. Only one type of engine, with electric start, for all basic categories of world karting. In terms of power, the adaptations to the specific requirements of the single categories has been prearranged by means of an rpm limiting device, which is able to adapt the engines to the requirements of both junior and top categories. The new engines represent a true technical revolution for karting, which for years has remained at the 100cc engines with push start. The karting ‘romantics’ have entered into this new era with much scepticism, although both authoritative technicians and all major experts have all been united in their support of this change. The 100cc engines had reached extremely high levels of technical exacerbation, with consequently significant management costs. The new engines will on the contrary be electronically limited and more generous in terms of cubic cm (the capacity having been shifted to 125cc for all categories). Monday 5th February, at the track of Le Castellet, in France, il President of CIK-FIA Macaluso has managed the official presentation of the new engines to the press. All the major representative of world karting, from the manufacturers to the main drivers, were also present. As well as the press conference, a track session was also organised to see the new engines in action. Birel was represented by its President Oscar Sala and his son Ronni, in charge of the racing department. As far as drivers are concerned, the tester Patrono took to the track with the KF2 (formerly Ica) version of the engine and Kevin Ceccon of the Gandolfi team with the KF3 (formerly Junior) engine. There were very positive comments, the engines already showing remarkable performance. Within the event Cik also presented an electronic device able to detect the peak rpm registered during a single lap when the kart crosses the finishing line. As part of the event, taking advantage of the presence of all the major players of world karting, a meeting was held on the progress of international activities which, as confirmed on the occasion of the World championship at Angerville, will still get TV coverage by Eurosport. On this matter Birel’s management stressed the need for new sports regulations and formats for international karting, particularly following the successful intervention which brought about an epoch-making revolution in terms of engine.

NEW DENOMINATION OF KARTING CATEGORIES

NB: the regulations concerning the age for access the single categories will remain unchanged.

The 125cc gearbox categories on the other hand will not be subjected to any technical variation, although they will acquire a new name: KZ1 for the one formerly known as SICC and KZ2 for the one formerly known as Icc.