“Sporty, ecological and educational”, the Monaco e-Kart Championship promises electric street battles
It was there that he signed his first brilliance before climbing the ladder to the gates of F1. “1996 PACA League Championship: I took pole position when it was my baptism of fire in karting!” It was also there, at the Paul-Ricard circuit, on the withers adjoining the route of the Grand Prix de France, that Clivio Piccione presented his new challenge to the media. If the Monegasque no longer drives, at 37, he is ready to drive the Monaco e-Kart Championship. An unprecedented competition that will see 75 drivers (25 per category) compete with supercharged karts in town, between summer and winter. Presentation seven months from the top start…
Clivio, how did this idea of creating the Monaco e-Kart Championship come about?
As you know, I have kept strong ties with karting, in particular via the Monaco team and the indoor track in the Pêcheurs car park. Always wanting to be a forerunner in my activities, I wondered how we could relaunch competitive karting in town. Because I have lasting memories of certain street fights in Saint-Raphaël, in Vallauris, in 1996, 97, 98, when I was training at the wheel… Without forgetting, of course, the Monaco Kart Cup, an event which unfortunately disappeared in 2010. The Grand Prix de Menton also fell by the wayside… In the end, today, to race on an urban track, there is only one solution: electric !
What priorities guided your thinking?
First, I wanted to inject some new blood into this environment which, in my view, hasn’t really evolved during all this time. With my collaborators, we wanted to offer a new product, in tune with the times. With a controlled budget and a keyword: fairness.
That is to say ?
Whatever the category, in karting, there are often, if not always, differences in equipment as well as more or less important skills and means. So we are not really fighting on equal terms. There, everyone will be in the same boat: one-design tyres, no individual chassis and engine adjustments, static start procedure… Clearly, we want to put the driver back at the heart of the matter. Especially since pure talent makes the difference even more on these city circuits, which do not forgive the slightest deviation.
Why did you organize a selection event by category beforehand?
Simply to promote the product. We wanted to reach the widest possible audience. Objective achieved since the three days were a great success, with around 180 participants in total. The parents were delighted, the children too. Especially the three winners (including Brignolais Louis Iglesias, winner in EK2 Junior, editor’s note), hopes of the steering wheel as fast in electric mode as with a heat engine. At the same time, it allowed our organizing team to get used to it.
How was your initiative welcomed in the Principality?
Monaco has contributed greatly to the history of motorsport for ages. It is an unavoidable stronghold. And Monaco is also very concretely committed to protecting the environment, at different levels and in different fields. First presented to Prince Albert II as it should be, the project was received with open arms. We also benefit from the support of his foundation, the agreement has just been signed. At the same time sporty, ecological and educational, the concept pleases, seduces, in all directions. We only have positive feedback.
Was using Charles Leclerc chassis obvious?
Yes. I find it normal to play the Monegasque card thoroughly. Charles represents the Principality very well in Formula 1. I am always proud to wear the colors of Monaco. So choosing this brand is self-evident.
Is it a specific chassis?
Not at all ! It is a standard CIK-FIA homologated chassis, which anyone can buy on the market, on which we have grafted the BSR “power train” without any particular adaptation. No need for an engineering degree, anyone can do it. Likewise, its use is within everyone’s reach. This product is as versatile as it is effective. With much less expensive maintenance, which does not spoil anything. It is his strength!
How did you feel at the wheel when you did the first laps?
A lot of pleasure. At first, not hearing the purr of the engine, it disturbs. But we begin to discover other noises. The screeching of the tires, the vibrators, the gravel… And the wind which gives a great feeling of speed. We appreciate the ease of handling, the instantaneous torque, the lateral grip, the behavior of the chassis in support…
Can we say that the user manual includes certain subtleties?
Yes, especially that of the queen category kart (the EK1 develops 25kW, or 34 horsepower) provided with front brakes. It requires fairly clean, fairly fine steering, with very late braking. Impressive. In my opinion, given the current developments, this engine will be as efficient as a KZ (125 with gearbox) in a year.
Does the 2022 calendar live up to your expectations?
Completely. We wanted three rounds in Monaco. There will be three different events: the route of the Kart Cup at the opening, opposite Port Hercule, then a mixed indoor-outdoor circuit near the Espace Fontvieille, and a 100% covered final at the Pêcheurs car park, where the track will cross two levels. The other three stages will also take place by the sea, in Menton, Saint-Raphaël and Ventimiglia. Three countries, that gives entry a beautiful international connotation.
What about the race project on the Promenade des Anglais?
It remains relevant. The will exists, on both sides. 2022? 2023? We keep the hope of obtaining the necessary authorizations so that Nice appears on the map one day.
In the medium term, do you hope to broaden the scope of action?
Of course. We start from below, from home, with the ambition to go high. If it works, why not duplicate this format in neighboring countries, in Europe and beyond? Our vision of the future is very broad, very open. It’s up to us to prove ourselves, to know how to convince here and there…