Danilo Rossi sees a great karting future

Al Ain: At the Al Ain Raceway, amidst all the hectic activities taking place during the final round of the United Arab Emirates – Rotax MAX Challenge (UAE RMC) one man keenly watched the proceedings on the circuit where youngsters were challenging each other to emerge the best.

A small mistake by a driver and the frustration was evident on his face while a good drive earned his applause. He was probably the best guy to understand the intricacies of the sport.

A very familiar face in the karting circuit, Danilo Rossi has seen it all during his heyday and that’s why he is one of the best kart drivers of all time.

“There’s a huge interest for karting,” the five-time world karting champion told XPRESS about the karting scene in the UAE.

“The growth here is good and there has been a steady increase in the number of participants,” Rossi added.

Born in 1974, the Italian made his debut in karting in 1984. There was no looking back since then as he went on to win five world titles of which the last two were won after a three-year break. The 1992 season was the best in which he won the world titles for both the 100 and 125cc categories within a gap of two weeks.

“I have been to Dubai earlier. But this is the first time I’m seeing this (Al Ain) track. The facilities are excellent and I guess this is just the beginning.

“More youngsters coming in is good for the development since the competition level will be high. If they can do well here they stand a great chance to go to Europe and get into the next level,” he said.

But Rossi said there is a lot more to be done and it was too early to compare here to the karting scene in the Europe. “The competition level is the same, but it’s much bigger over there. For instance, each category you may find around 70 to 80 drivers. So it becomes very challenging for drivers who go there and see such a big number.

“But even Middle East has such a potential. I can sense the market is already on the rise. The most important thing is there should be more initiatives taken to work with children and to bring in more numbers by encouraging young kids to take up karting, They need to take the sport to the schools,” said Rossi, who owns the DR Kart, which manufactures kart chassis line in partnership with CRG.

“I have started in Oman and am now looking for associating myself with the UAE. I like the circuits here. It’s good to have circuits in your neibouring countries. Like for a karting driver it will be great exposure if he can go to Oman and drive which is very close,” he added.

World Championship titles

1990: World Championship Formula A

1992: World Championship Formula K

1992: World Championship Formula C

1997: World Championship Formula Super A

1999: World Championship Formula Super A