The Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve is, once again, the “world capital of karting”, hosting this Saturday, November 26th, for the fourth time, the Rotax world finals (Rotax Max Challenge), an event that celebrates its 22nd anniversary here .
On its fifth visit to Portuguese territory, the competition returns to the south of Portugal after having passed through here in 2012, 2015 and 2017, facing again the challenging and spectacular 1531 meters of perimeter of a track that receives 394 riders – the largest representation ever at the RMC Finals – drawn from 60 nations.
The riders are part of an entourage of around two thousand people, including team members, event organizers and companions, who, since last week, have settled in the Portimão region, not only to follow the event, but also to discover the Algarve at a time of lower tourist flow in the region, generating a total of 20.000 room nights.
According to Parkalgar/Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, “an economic study predicts that this event could bring a turnover of around 4 million euros to the region”.
In total, there are eight classes in competition: E20 Junior, E 20 Senior, Micro Max, Mini Max, Junior Max, Senior Max, Max DD2 and DD2 Master, categories that use chassis from three different manufacturers: Sodikart, Praga by IPK and BirelART.
Rubinho Barrichelo and Antonio Pizzonia among the competitors
This year's Rotax World Finals will feature two former F1 drivers. Rubens Barrichello, a self-confessed lover of the entire Autódromo Internacional do Algarve complex, who secured his place in the Rotax championship in the United States, will be racing in the DD2 class and supporting his son, Dudu Barrichello, competing in the Rotax Max class.
Also coming from Brazil, former F1 driver Antonio Pizzonia, who also qualified for the World Cup in competitions in the United States, racing in the DD2 Master class.
The pilots are a hit with promising youngsters, who don't miss an opportunity to talk and absorb the knowledge of their idols.
Portuguese on the attack
There will be ten Portuguese pilots in the race, divided into seven of the eight classes in competition.
With identical performance conditions for all drivers, Portuguese drivers will have an excellent opportunity here to show all the world-renowned piloting excellence to Portuguese drivers in the most diverse disciplines of motor sport.
E20 Junior
608 – Henrique de Oliveira
E20 Senior
713 – Manuel Martins
715 – Joao Dias
125 Junior
267 - Tomás Gomes
125 MicroMax
26 – Martin Marques
33 – Ricardo Goncalves
125 Max DD2
462 – Gonçalo Coutinho
125 Senior Max
367 – Gabriel Caçoilo
125 mini max
165 – Joao Pereira
168 – Afonso Ferreira
After an intense week of preparation for the races of this 22nd edition of the grand finals, the grand finale will take place on Saturday, November 26th. The competition can be followed live through the website: https://www.rotax-kart.com/rotax-max-challenge.
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