Joseph Mawson will lead the Australian charge at this weekend’s second round of the CIK-FIA Under 18 World Karting Championship in Angerville, France.
The Sydney-based driver enters the event equal fourth in the standings, a mere three points out of second place, and is fully aware of the opportunity that this is his big chance at starring on the world stage.
“The best part of round one was the atmosphere of being at a World Championship and having my fellow Aussies with me,” said Mawson.
“After having a fantastic round one, I’m confident for round two this weekend. My biggest aim is to catch up in the championship and get valuable points to put me in a good position for the final round in the Championship.
“To win the World Championship would be amazing but not only do you have to be fast, you also need luck on your side and that is something that wasn’t with me completely at round one so I just need to make the best out of every situation and gain some good results.”
With 83 drivers from 22 countries competing in the championship, all using a one-make Parolin engine and LeCont tyres, the level of competition in the three-round championship is extremely high.
Joining Mawson in chasing in the highly-competitive championship is fellow Sydney driver Jacob Parsons. The 17 year-old showed glimpses of his true potential during the opening round before a mechanical failure ended his run towards the front of the field.
“I learnt a lot at the opening round and will go into this weekend’s round with confidence knowing that I can mix it with the best guys in the world,” said Parsons.
“As it’s another new track to me, like all three in the championship, I’ve watched some onboards of the track to learn a lot about the racing lines and what kerbs you need to use. I’d be happy with top 15 finish but I’m aiming for top ten for this round.”
Competing at the same event will be another Sydney teenager, James Abela, in the CIK-FIA Academy Trophy. The 14 year-old was very impressive during his international debut at Braga in Portugal last month to record a sixth place finish.
Practice for the event begins on Friday ahead of qualifying and heat races on Saturday from 10:00am (6:00pm AEST). The finals will be contested on Sunday from 1:00pm local time (9:00pm AEST).
CIK-FIA UNDER 18 WORLD KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP
Top Five Standings – (After Round 1 of 3)
1. Henry Easthope (Great Britain) – 75 points
2. Martin Henckel Mortensen (Denmark) – 52
3. Charles Leclerc (Monaco)- 51
4. Anthoine Hubert (France) – 49
5. Joseph Mawson (Australia) – 49
33. Jacob Parsons – 8
CIK-FIA ACADEMY TROPHY
Top Five Standings – (After Round 1 of 3)
1. Joonas Lappalainen (Finland) – 91 points
2. Javier Cobian (Spain) – 83
3. Martin Ellegard (Norway) – 77
4. George Russell (Great Britain) – 75
5. Adeline Prudent (France) – 71
6. James Abela (Australia) – 69
