Taking part in a Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals is a major personal event for most of the 391 drivers present from 60 nations. This year, the Sarno International Circuit hosted the 25th anniversary of the annual meeting of the world’s best Rotax drivers, who qualify in their country or region. The circuit, which has been revisited once again (it’s hard to count the number of variants), benefited from its international reputation acquired over the years in the biggest FIA Karting and other competitions. For a youngster from Taiwan, Uruguay or even France, competing at Sarno in one of the eight categories on the programme represents something of an achievement.
The atmosphere under the giant structure that brings all the participants together is unique. Rotax has managed to preserve the festive atmosphere of the early days, despite the inevitable changes. It’s a far cry from the 66 participants in the 1st edition in Puerto Rico in 2000, but the fundamentals have been preserved. Belgian Christophe Adams is the record holder with 18 Grand Finals. Chassis suppliers were introduced in Egypt in 2003. The 200-driver mark was reached in 2007 at Al Aïn in the United Arab Emirates, while the 300 mark was passed in the USA in 2013 at New Orleans with the invitation of the booming Micro and Mini Max categories.
Sarno hosted the 17th edition of the RMCGF for the first time in 2016, and hosted it again in 2019 and 2024. In between, the event had discovered Portugal at Portimao and the Bahrain International Circuit, in addition to a foray into South America, in Brazil in 2018. The Kingdom of Bahrain will host the 25th edition next year.
With almost 400 drivers taking part, the event stretches over a week. The pace is relaxed, with two or three Qualifying Heats over two days, a Prefinal on Friday and the Final on Saturday for the 36 qualifiers. However, there’s always plenty going on on the track, including a presentation of the drivers late on Friday morning, which takes place in a relaxed atmosphere that isn’t overly formal. Partner Bell presented everyone with a souvenir of the event in the form of a miniature replica of a helmet in the colours of the Grand Final, a meaningful trophy for the young drivers from the other side of the world.
The competition itself was fierce and somewhat liberal. While many penalties were awarded, the whimsical combativeness of some was not curbed and we witnessed some sometimes unorthodox moves. Let’s face it, the Grand Final can be a bit unusual despite the legendary rigour of the Austrian manufacturer. This may be part of the charm of the event, which is not intended to compete with FIA Karting events.
The podium ceremony began with the final of the tyre fitting competition and lasted over an hour. The Team Contest, which was anything but sporting, rewarded Italy, while the Nations Cup was won once again by the United Kingdom ahead of the Netherlands and Brazil.
Le RMCIT au cœur de l’été
Micro MAX: Joshua Cooke (GBR)
Mini MAX: Zdenek Babicek (CZE)
Junior MAX: Jacob Ashcroft (GBR)
Senior MAX: Vic Stevens (BEL)
MAX DD2: Xen De Ruwe (SVN)
MAX DD2 Masters: Nicolas Picot (FRA)
E20 Senior: Armand Hamilton (HUN)
E20 Masters: Maurits Knopjes (NLD)
