Australians Targeting A Top Finish In Bahrain
Tweet| 6 November 2012 |
AKA media
Finals action live from Bahrain on www.cikfia.tv this Saturday
Australia’s representatives in the CIK-FIA Under 18 World Karting Championships, Joseph Mawson (Hinchenbrook, NSW) and Jacob Parsons (North Shore, NSW), are aiming high at the final round in Bahrain this weekend.
Mawson, who has shown tremendous speed during the opening two rounds of the series in Portugal and France, has got his sights set on a podium finish at the Bahrain International Kart Circuit in Sakhir.
Above: Joseph Mawson on the grid during round two of the CIK-FIA Under 18 World Karting Championships
pic - KSP
With 83 drivers from 24 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.
“I’m really looking forward to this weekend as we will be on a level playing field with the Europeans. At rounds one and two, we were racing in Europe which played to their advantage with both events dominated by one driver, Henry Easthope in round one and Anthione Hubert in round two,” said Mawson.
“I’m sixth in the Championship and out of contention for the win so my goal for the weekend is to do the best that I can and hopefully come off with a podium. I have been training very hard to be as light as I can for the event having been slightly overweight at the first two rounds.
“My goal next year is to race in Europe full-time so there is a fair bit of pressure on myself to get a good enough result to hopefully get my name out there and open some eyes, and more importantly some doors.”
Like Mawson, Parsons is hoping to use this weekend as a springboard into his 2013 campaign.
“This weekend will be one of my last kart races, and the fact that clinching the championship is out of my reach after a DNF from losing a chain earlier in the series, I'm not feeling any pressure and just can't wait to get over there,” said Parsons.
Above: Jacob Parsons pushing hard at round two in France
pic - KSP
“Without the pressure I’m really aiming to enjoy the atmosphere and drive to the best of my ability. Obviously a podium would be fantastic and my continual improvement through each round hints that maybe it's possible but a realistic goal would be a top 10.
“I almost achieved this last round getting to 8th before dropping back to 13th in the final so my aim for this round is a top ten finish. I think it's going to be a fantastic event, the final is under lights which will be a great experience.
“Being a new venue no one's had the chance to test at this track unlike the previous rounds in Europe, so it'll be great to see where I'm at when we’re all on a level playing field.”
Above: James Abela in action during the CIK-FIA Academy Trophy
pic - KSP
Also competing at the same event will be James Abela (Horsley Park, NSW) in the CIK-FIA Academy Trophy. After finishing the opening round in sixth place, the Sydney teenager endured a tough round in France during August.
To view the timetable of events please click here. The local time in Bahrain is AEDT –8 hours.
The two pre-finals and final of the Under 18 World Championships, along with the two Academy races on Saturday, will be shown live on http://www.cikfia.tv
