Kosmic Kart Racing driver Mitchell Gilbert achieved a respectable fifth place finish in round one of the WSK Master Series in Siena, Italy between 26-29 August, despite suffering some engine troubles during the course of the weekend.
With fierce competition from 46 international competitors in the KF2 class, Mitchell was able to achieve two exceptional first place finishes during two of the weekends’ heats. An engine issue in the remaining heat left Mitchell with a twelfth place finish, putting the young Australian driver in seventh spot on the grid for the pre-final.
Starting from the dirty side of the track meant Mitchell was in a vulnerable position for the start of the pre-final, though he was able to gain one place through the course of the race finishing in sixth. Mitchell again performed well in the Siena final, gaining one position and finishing the race in fifth place, handing the 16 year old 19 valuable championship points.
Fraser Sheader, Mitchell Gilbert’s driver manager, said:
“We are extremely pleased with Mitchell’s performance this weekend in Siena. His pace indicated that a top three finish was achievable; unfortunately this was hampered by the engine troubles he suffered in one of the earlier heats. Mitchell is currently fifth in the driver standings with 19 points, so we really couldn’t ask for any more at this stage.”
Mitchell will make his last competitive kart outing between 16-19 September at Spain’s Zuera circuit for the CIK-FIA World Karting Championship. Mitchell will then make the step up to single-seaters at the start of November as he commences his Formula Renault Winter Series challenge.
Prepared by: Accelereation Driver Development.