The Italian de Conto who won the Gold Coast Race of Stars in both his visits to Australia, stunned the karting world in 2019 when he stepped away from the sport at the peak of his powers.

Although de Conto’s decision to return to international competition has turned heads in the karting world, the most striking part is that he will not line up in the orange and black of CRG that was synonymous for most of his career.

The signing of the 31-year-old is a coup for Parolin Motorsport which has one of the strongest presences of any manufacturer in Australia. Parolin announced that de Conto will compete in the FIA European and World Karting Championships, along with some select KZ (gearbox) races.

Despite his retirement, De Conto continued to train in his own CRG Road Rebel kart and took part in low-key events before he signed to compete in the FIA Karting World Championship KZ.

Despite a handful of low-key outings domestically in Italy in the latter part of 2023, de Conto has been on the sidelines since his initial retirement three years ago.

From the time he arrived in Australia, de Conto has been a popular figure for the Race of Stars as the World Champion. He took on several of the world’s best which included five-time World Champion Davide Fore, and the leading Australian karting races.

De Conto forged a stella career, notably in shifter karts with the CRG factory team, and also raced with Energy and Birel ART.