British karter leads Team Zanardi debut
Martin Plowman finishes 14th out of 94
Britain’s Martin Plowman from Tamworth led Team Zanardi in its debut race and put in a promising performance to finish 14th from an elite field of 94 drivers. Ex-Formula 1 driver, Alex Zanardi, launched his new international karting team at the CIK/FIA World Karting Championships at La Conca, Italy, on Sunday 26 September.
Plowman was chosen because of the speed and consistency he had shown following his promotion to the premier European Formula ‘A’ class where he became the youngest ever winner of the French Karting Championships last year. He will lead Team Zanardi as the sole driver for the rest of this season and next year.
The BRDC Rising Star did not disappoint as his new boss looked on, notching up consistent top seven finishes in the five heats to start on grid six for the pre final. Although struggling on worn tyres, Plowman still managed to finish tenth to take that position as his place on the grid for the 24-lap final. The British driver fought his way up to run as high as sixth by the halfway mark, until an incident whilst overtaking French Sodi Kart driver Nelson Panciatici pushed him back to finish 14th.
Following the race, Plowman commented: “Overall it’s been an extremely positive first weekend for Team Zanardi. There was a lot of interest in the new team and we have lived up to expectations and proved we have the pace and potential.
“It was a great achievement for us to be sixth on the grid for the pre final, particularly when we only had four weeks to prepare. This gives the team a lot to build from and we will only get stronger. One thing is for sure, this is only the beginning of a bright future for Team Zanardi.”
Impressed by Plowman’s debut for the team, Zanardi said: “Martin has a proven track record and has already claimed one top karting title. At 16 he shows great potential and he has proved that here today. One clear difference I can see between Martin and other young drivers is that he is already a champion in his head. He has the right attitude to win and is a very switched on driver.”
“His result here is beyond my wildest dreams. Martin and the team have worked non-stop for the past month to turn this team around. I would never have imagined that we would get this far, putting it sixth on the grid for the pre final, so quickly. Martin has exceeded my expectations.”
The World Championships represent the pinnacle of karting – previous competitors include F1 drivers such as Jenson Button and Kimi Räikkönen.
Britain’s Martin Plowman began karting in 1995. He finished second in the MSA British Cadet series and won the British Open title in 1999 and also clinched the Junior Yamaha ‘O’ Plate in 2000. Now a member of team Chiesa Corse, Plowman became the youngest winner of the French Formula ‘A’ Championship, with four victories and three podiums, and finished sixth in the World Championships in 2003. He was elected to join the British Racing Drivers’ Club earlier this year (2004) as a member of its Rising Stars programme.
Alex Zanardi started karting in 1980 and he raced successfully across Europe, including a spell with Team CRG, claiming several European titles. His impressive CV also includes Formula One drives for Jordan, Minardi, Lotus and Williams and two CART Drivers’ Championships. He mad a full time return to racing in 2004 with BMW in the European Touring Car Championship.
Thanks to Chris Walker, www.kartpix.net, for the pics.
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