Euro Karter For Rotax Nationals
European karter Mario Vendla is in Australia and set to compete in the 2010 Sparco Rotax Nationals.
Vendla is a multiple Estonian national champion and placed second at the 2009 Rotax Max Challenge World Final in Egypt.
After meeting Vendla at the Rotax World Final in Dubai in 2007, Australian karting photographer Gordon Cooper and DPE's Adam Klunyk devised a plan to lure “Secret Mario” to race in Australia.
“From DPE’s perspective we believe Mario’s attendance will be an injection of excitement for Australian Karting and the Australian Rotax titles" Klunyk said.
"It is fantastic that one of the best drivers in the world wants to race in Australia and that he has chosen Arrow as the kart he thinks will give him the best chance to be competitive. That is a big honour for us and a big indication that Australian karting continues to become recognised and respected on a worldwide basis.”
Vendla has raced Australia’s top Rotax drivers at previous World Finals; David Sera in Dubai (2007) and Tyler Greenbury in Egypt (2009). “I am looking forward to racing with them again" he said. "They both impressed me with their speed and have top ten results from the grand finals. This shows their skill."
Vendla will line up alongside Sera under the Arrow race team banner. He rates Sera as one of the best drivers he has competed against, alongside the likes of last year’s Rotax World Champion Luke Varley, Kenneth Hildebrand, Ben Cooper and Matthew Hamilton.
It will be interesting to observe the world's number 2 Rotax driver take on Australia’s number 1 aboard the same equipment with the same tech support. “It adds to the excitement and pressure for me because I know Arrow are number one in Australia and have good techniques. Hopefully I am able to be on top there” added Vendla.
When asked how he will adapt to the southern sun in Australia’s hot climate, Vendla replied “this will be a big difference and very difficult for me, but I hope that I can acclimatise fast there. I don’t think I have to change much, just need to do some physical preparation”.
* A final entry list for the Rotax Nationals will be available soon.
