Following the successful launch of the innovative concept of the Champions of the Future Academy Program last November in Abu Dhabi, RGMMC is preparing to kick off the first full season of this unique and attractive competition. This easily accessible formula, based on the “arrive and drive” concept, will run in 2024 over six events organised in Europe and the Middle East, from March to December, on top-level circuits to international standards. One of the special features of the series is that it will include a large number of female drivers, and will incorporate a specific detection program in partnership with renowned F1 academies. The three Mini, Junior and Senior categories are already more than 80% full. There are just a few places left on the starting grid. Don’t miss this last opportunity!
Making karting more accessible
By choosing to build on innovative ideas and open up to new markets, the Champions of the Future Academy Program became a reality at the end of 2023. The series guarantees perfect sporting equality, since all the drivers have access to the same equipment supplied by internationally renowned manufacturers: Parolin chassis and TM Kart engine in Mini Group 3 and KR / IAME packages in OK-N Junior and Senior. The complete package for the six events is offered at a special price, with the driver simply having to arrive accompanied by his mechanic equipped with a toolbox. The organiser guarantees the driver a place in the paddock and provides the trolley, tyres, fuel and logistics.
Two races per meeting
The 2024 season will start in Italy in March, before moving on to Spain in May. It will return to Italy in June, before embarking on its tour of the Middle East with two circuits to be confirmed in October and November, with the finale taking place in Abu Dhabi in December. At each event, the timetable will be identical, with equipment collection and registration on Thursday, briefing and Free Practice on Friday, then a similar program on Saturday and Sunday: warm-up, Timed Practice, Qualifying Heats and Final. In other words, two opportunities to aim for the podium! With only 36 places available in each category, it’s time to register.
A genuine detection program
Thanks to its partnership with the Formula 1 Academy, nine female drivers – three per category – have been selected by the global ‘Discover your Drive’ initiative, which aims to identify new female talent in motorsport. Susie Wolff, Managing Director of the F1 Academy, was won over by the concept.
The Champions of the Future Academy Program is also proud to be supported by the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team’s junior program. “Our objective is to observe the new talent present in the series. The driver who shows the most potential will be assessed as part of our dedicated young driver program,” explained team representative Gwen Lagrue.
Following the inaugural presentation event in November 2023, two drivers have already been spotted by F1 junior program, proof of the professionalism and legitimacy of the formula.
Promotion and communication
A special effort will be made to give the Champions of the Future Academy a high profile. RGMMC will produce a large amount of television content for distribution. The races can be followed via live timing and live streaming, while Motorsport TV will be one of the broadcasters.
Among its partners, COTFA will be able to count on DHL for logistics, as well as OMP as the official supplier of suits and clothing for the drivers.
Carbon neutral
RGMMC is committed to minimising the environmental impact of its events. The promoter measures, reduces and offsets all greenhouse gas emissions associated with major events as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.
2024 calendar
Round 1: 27-31 March / Cremona, Italy
Round 2: 10-12 May / Valencia, Spain
Round 3: 26-28 July / Franciacorta, Italy
Round 4: 04-06 October / Middle East *
Round 5: 15-17 November / United Arab Emirates *
Round 6: 02-04 December / Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
*Circuits to be confirmed, pending homologation
Categories and ages
Mini Group 3: 8-12 years*
OK-N Junior: 11-14 years*
OK-N Senior: 14-17 years old*
*ages reached during the year
RGMMC – Champions of the Future Academy Program – Press release
