LUKA SAMMALISTO CONCLUDES THE ITALIAN F4 SEASON WITH A STRONG PERFORMANCE AT MONZA

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The Italian F4 season finale at Monza presented young Finnish driver Luka Sammalisto with one of his biggest challenges yet. On the legendary high-speed Monza circuit and in unpredictable weather, Luka once again demonstrated his resilience, fighting through three intense races.

Luka summarizes the weekend as follows: “Overall, it was a tough weekend. In my opinion, there are a few things that could have gone better and there is still space for improvements”

Strong Qualifying Efforts and Race Progression

Despite the fluctuating conditions, Luka managed solid qualifying results. Although he qualified in P14 for the first race, he had to start from P18 due to a grid penalty that was handed during the race weekend in Barcelona. He improved to 10th in the second qualifying. The highlight was securing P2 in the last qualifying session, marking Luka’s best starting position of the season.

Race Recap: Consistency and Determination

In the first race, the field started behind the safety car due to poor weather, which shortened the race to just 20 minutes. Two additional safety car phases throughout the race cost Luka valuable time for overtaking, yet he fought his way up the field to finish 10th, securing his first point of the weekend. In the second race, he climbed to 8th place, once again showcasing his race craft and good pace. In the third race, Luka started from P2 but dropped to P4 after a less-than-perfect start. The tricky weather conditions in Monza led to four safety car phases, which unfortunately caused Luka to lose multiple positions at a restart, eventually finishing in 12th place.

While Luka was able to collect points again this weekend, he also demonstrated his adaptability and determination to learn from each race.

Looking Ahead

With the season finale at Monza behind him, Luka takes valuable insights into the off-season, preparing for the future with a clear focus on refining his skills. The weekend in Monza provided crucial lessons, and he heads into the break with a clear focus on improving further.

For more information on Luka Sammalisto and his racing career, visit www.lukasammalistoracing.com.

FINAL PUSH AT MONZA

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After several weeks of preparation since the last Euro 4 Championship weekend at Monza, where Luka Sammalisto secured valuable points, the focus now shifts to the final race weekend of the Italian Formula 4 Championship. The goal is clear: to build on past performances and finish in the points once again.

Monza, renowned for its high-speed straights and legendary status in motorsport, will once again present a unique challenge. The weather forecast predicts rain throughout the weekend, a familiar scenario for Luka, who has already gained experience in wet conditions at this track.

Reflecting on his preparations, Luka shared: “After the Euro F4 weekend, I did simulator work on October 15th and 16th. I haven’t had any tests on the track since then, but my target for Monza is to finish inside the top 10. We’ll be testing new things during the race, hoping to find something that improves our pace.”

This weekend marks the seventh and final round of the Italian Formula 4 season. Luka currently sits 21st in the overall standings and 15th in the Rookie standings with 36 points. After securing points earlier in the season at Imola, he now aims for a strong finish to the season.

Monza’s fast layout makes qualifying especially crucial, as drivers rely heavily on slipstreaming down the long straights. A strong result in qualifying will be key to achieving the goal of finishing in the points.

The team heads into the final race weekend with optimism, ready to close out the season on a high note, and with valuable lessons learned throughout the year.

FORMULA 4 DRIVER LUKA SAMMALISTO IS BACK IN ACTION!

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A Finnish formula 4 driver, Luka Sammalisto had a whirlwind seven-week recovery period filled with the events unfolding behind the scenes: team meetings, simulator tests, test days and future planning sessions… The experience from the July event is now a chapter of resilience. Showcasing Sammalisto’s attitude, determination, and tenacity in both life and motorsports.The Japanese saying goes, “Fall down seven times, stand up eight!” For the promising young driver from Finland, the focus is now on the present moment, the remaining races of the season, and future ambitions. His mantra from karting days, “Never give up!” remains stronger than ever. The Formula4 season continues, the dream lives on, and the dedicated work towards achieving those dreams never stops.

– A massive shoutout to the incredible sponsors and partners who have stood by me through thick and thin! Their continued support and belief in my racing career mean a lot for the motivation and ongoing success.

Two weeks ago, Sammalisto dusted off his racing uniform and hit the Red Bull Ring for the F4 Euro series weekend. Originally, the F4 Euro series wasn’t in his race schedule, but strategic discussions with his manager, Giovanni Minardi, led to the decision to participate.

– Spielberg is a track raced in higher formula classes (FRECA, F3, F2). Luka’s participation in the Austrian race weekend was a carefully considered strategic decision. Another key reason was that the Italian series resumes only this coming weekend in Barcelona, so getting Luka race ready before Barcelona was seen as positive. – Giovanni Minardi

Red Bull Ring is notorious for its challenging and rapidly changing weather conditions, and the F4 Euro series weekend was no different. The cold, almost winter-like (+5°C) temperatures throughout the weekend added to the challenge.

In the first qualifying session, Sammalisto secured a P8 finish, meeting his goals. However, tire pressure and grip issues hampered the second session, resulting in P19 (QP2) and P20 (QP3) finishes.

– I couldn’t get the tires to work optimally, and the grip was poor. Without grip, the driving feel is not good.

The first race was on slick tires despite parts of the track still being wet, making the grip nearly non-existent. Sammalisto had a great start, but a water puddle in the first corner slowed him down. On the second lap, he experienced an unexpected challenge when drivers ahead went off into the gravel, resulting in a spray of stones. One unfortunate rock hit Luka’s finger so hard that he couldn’t hold the steering wheel due to sudden pain, ending his race.

Both second and third races were driven in rainy conditions. Starting from mid-grid, the rain and poor visibility made it difficult to aim for top 10 finishes, resulting in P17 and P18 placements.

– The weekend was challenging, but returning to the track feels really good. We learned a lot and were able to develop the car and settings, especially in rainy conditions.

The F4 Italian Championship resumes this weekend in Barcelona, marking the penultimate race weekend of the season.

– The goal is to make this weekend the best of the season, a complete and successful return race. We’re aiming for maximum points—the more we get, the better and of course, the more fun!

PROMISING FINNISH FORMULA4 DRIVER FACES A MONTH-LONG RECOVERY

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Luka Sammalisto, the 16-year-old Formula 4 driver from Finland, was injured last Friday morning during the free practice session of the F4 Italian Championship series in Mugello.

What initially seemed like a minor incident turned out to have serious consequences for the tenacious young Finn. Sammalisto was transferred to a hospital where imaging studies revealed fractures in three vertebrae. While the fractures are stable, eliminating the most critical risks, the injury has necessitated a month-long rehabilitation period.

Since Friday, Sammalisto has been recuperating in a local hospital, eagerly awaiting the green light to return home. Due to his condition, he will be absent from the upcoming F4 Italian Championship -weekend in Paul Richard, scheduled for just over a week from now.

At the Mugello hospital, Sammalisto has been strictly confined to bed rest. Throughout this challenging period, he has been surrounded by an incredible support system.

Sammalisto’s manager, Giovanni Minardi, has been presence at the hospital. With Minardi’s Italian heritage, communication with the medical team has been seamless. Minardi’s support extends beyond logistics, providing invaluable emotional strength to Sammalisto during his recovery. Juuso-Matti Pajuranta, Sammalisto’s driving coach, has played a pivotal role as well.

“Both Giovanni’s and Juuso-Matti’s help and support have been incredible. Me and my parents are immensely grateful for them.”

“I have received an incredible amount of support from various people. It’s really comforting to know I’m not alone and that there are so many caring people around. I want to say a big heartfelt thanks to everyone!”

“This Friday, I’ll be back in Finland. The anticipation is building, and I can’t wait to be home! During the following weeks, it’s crucial to avoid all kinds of back bending and twisting movements. I will be using back extension braces to keep my back in the correct position. The most important thing is to initiate the healing process properly. Getting home plays a significant role in that recovery. Having family and friends around is invaluable. Plus, I get to enjoy homemade food made by my mom!”

Despite this setback, the resilient driver is determined to make a full recovery and return to the track stronger than ever.
Sammalisto is expected to make a comeback for the Barcelona race weekend, scheduled for September 27-29, 2024

LUKA SAMMALISTO AND A CHALLENGING WEEKEND AT VALLELUNGA

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The third race weekend for a Finnish F4 driver Luka Sammalisto (16) in the F4 Italian Championship series at Vallelunga, Italy, was fraught with challenges.

Preparations for the race weekend began on a high note for the young Finn. During Friday’s free practice, Sammalisto showcased competitive speed, clocking the second fastest lap time among 36 drivers in the morning session. The R-ace GP team, which Sammalisto represents, dedicated the afternoon to final testing and fine-tuning to ensure optimal equipment settings for Saturday’s qualifyings. Despite the preparations, the qualifying session did not unfold as planned. Nevertheless, Sammalisto’s consistent performance secured him 16th, 12th, and 10th place.

Saturday’s first race start quickly turned problematic. On the very first lap, a teammate collided with Sammalisto’s car, dropping him to 24th place. The race took a dramatic turn a few laps before the checkered flag when three drivers ahead of Sammalisto crashed, blocking the entire track. With no clear path, Sammalisto swerved into the sand area, where his car became stuck, ending his race prematurely.

During the second race start on Saturday, another incident transpired. After several laps, an unforeseen maneuver by a fellow competitor dashed Sammalisto’s hopes for a strong performance and points, as he was positioned in a promising 10th place at the time.

Sunday continued the pattern of misfortune. In the third race of the weekend, Sammalisto was derailed off the track due to a delayed braking maneuver by the driver behind him. This incident resulted in a damaged car and a 22nd place finish for Sammalisto.

– When at every race during the weekend, your race is ruined for reasons other than self-inflicted, it’s frustrating. When things happen that you can’t influence on your own, it eats away at a man. Disappointing in terms of sportsmanship.

– Concentration or skillful overtaking won’t suffice if a fellow racer veers into your path, or if a collision from the driver behind causes damage to your car. Setbacks are an inherent part of a motorsport. Navigating through such challenges is not always mentally easy, particularly on weekends like this.

Sammalisto also shared his frustration on behalf of his team.
– It’s really sad for the whole R-ace GP team. They have worked hard to close the gap to the top teams. It has been successful and the direction of development is correct.

– If there is something positive to dig out of the weekend, then mental strength and determination will only be strengthened by the experiences of this weekend.

– Every race weekend has its own special spices, and this weekend offered the bitterest of them. The work will continue with the team persistently and determinedly towards Mugello, where in a month’s time the fourth race weekend of the F4 Italian Championship series will take place.

YOUNG FORMULA PROMISE LUKA SAMMALISTO SHOWED HIS SPEED AT THE IMOLA F4 RACE!

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Finnish formula driver Luka Sammalisto is improving his performance as the season progresses in the Italian F4 series. The Imola race offered a lot of positives but also technical challenges, which left Luka from the rookie driver’s podium position just one place short twice.
Earlier this year, Sammalisto also took another step closer to professional motorsport. Luka signed a management contract with the Italian Minardi Management. The company’s owner, Giovanni Minardi, acts as Luka’s manager and handles all contract negotiations. Sammalisto is the first Finnish driver on Minardi’s list, which also includes F2 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Luka Sammalisto: It was great to become a part of Minardi Management. Giovanni is a true professional and takes care of practically all matters and negotiations related to me. Final decisions are made together, but everything else is handled through the manager. Giovanni always approaches things from the driver’s perspective, which is important for a young driver.

The Imola race weekend began with three collective tests and two official free practice sessions. Sammalisto’s test program included a long list of technical adjustments in preparation for the weekend’s races.

Luka Sammalisto: The collective tests went pretty much according to the program, that was, searching for settings. We tested a lot of different things and didn’t expect any top times at all. However, in the combined times of the three tests, I was in 15th place, which was decent. The Imola track felt good right from the first run.

The official free practices went even better for Luka, with positions of P10 and P8. The car worked well with both old and new tires, and expectations for the qualifying sessions were high.

Luka Sammalisto: The speed improved further in the free practices, and I got a good feeling for the car with both old and new tires. The gap to the top was just a few tenths of a second. But the qualifying sessions did not go as smoothly. The first qualifying session was disrupted by numerous yellow flags, and due to a detached front wing, I only managed to do one fast lap, resulting in a very unsatisfactory P14. In the second qualifying session, technical problems continued, and I ended up in P18.

The weekend’s three races involved a lot of driving behind the safety car but also intense racing and overtaking. Sammalisto showed his speed and fighting spirit, resulting two times P4 among the rookies.

Luka Sammalisto: The first race started well, but crashes in the early laps brought out the safety car. The rest of the race was tough, and I even went off into the gravel briefly, but finished in P12 and P4 among the rookies. The podium was close, Luka says. The second race started also well, and I had climbed to P9 and P3 among the rookies when the safety car came out. At this point, the race director noticed that my rear wing had come loose and flagged me to the pits a lap before the finish. The third race was my best driving of the weekend. A good start, good speed, and good overtakes. I finished P7 and P4 among the rookies, which of course is a bit frustrating.

The Imola weekend did not meet the set goals. Numerous technical problems significantly affected performance and speed. When the car worked, Luka showed his speed and potential.

Luka Sammalisto: I have mixed feelings about Imola. There were many technical challenges that were out of my control. It’s good to remember, though, that without the technical issues, we are fast and competitive, which gives confidence for the future. The next race will be held in Vallelunga in 14.-16.6.

More information about Luka Sammalisto:
www.lukasammalistoracing.com

LUKA SAMMALISTO, IL PRIMO PILOTA FINLANDESE AD ENTRARE NELLA MINARDI MANAGEMENT

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Il pilota finlandese classe 2007, Luka Sammalisto entra a far parte della Minardi Management.
La prima stagione in monoposto di Luka è iniziata già nei primi mesi di quest’anno, partecipando all’UAE F4 Championship, partendo già una volta dalla prima fila in Gara 2 nell’ultimo appuntamento di Dubai, ed ora è pronto ad attaccare il Campionato di F4 più competitivo, quello italiano.
 
Giovanni Minardi: “Sono molto felice di iniziare a lavorare con Luka. Ci siamo conosciuti qualche giorno fa a Imola durante i primi test della F4 e con lui mi sono subito trovato bene. Sono convinto che insieme potremo raggiungere ottimi traguardi.
Luka è un ragazzo molto intelligente con una voglia di imparare impressionante, ho notato subito quanto si dedica a questo sport, non lascia nulla al caso, studia tutto nei minimi dettagli e soprattutto ha una capacità di apprendimento estremamente veloce della pista, quando ci corre per la prima volta.”
 
Luka Sammalisto: “Questa è la mia prima stagione in monoposto e sono molto contento della mia collaborazione con Minardi Management. Hanno una lunga esperienza professionale nel Motorsport. Non vedo l’ora di lavorare con Giovanni Minardi e credo che insieme raggiungeremo il nostro obiettivo”.

JAMES EGOZI ENTRA NELLA RED BULL JUNIOR TEAM

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Dopo il grande successo della Minardi Management di aver portato Andrea Kimi Antonelli all’interno della Mercedes F1 Academy, nel 2018, siamo felici di annunciare un altro nostro importante colpo. Giovanni Minardi è riuscito a far entrare il pilota James Egozi nella Red Bull Junior Team.
Nel 2023 lo avevamo già inserito nella Academy privata di PHM Racing dandogli la possibilità di partecipare ad una intera stagione nel Italian F4 Championship, invece nel 2024, grazie alla nuova collaborazione appena conclusa con Red Bull avrà la possibilità di aumentare i suoi programmi per puntare ai suoi obbiettivi finali. La Minardi Management e Giovanni Minardi dimostrano ancora una volta di dare ad ogni pilota della propria Agenzia, la possibilità di aprire tutte le porte possibili, sfruttando la eccellente rete di conoscenze e rispetto nei suoi confronti, all’interno del mondo del Motorsport e di assicurare ai suoi piloti un futuro in questo sport.

Giovanni Minardi: “Chi avrebbe mai detto che in soli due anni di contratto manageriale, saremmo riusciti ad arrivare fino qui. Averlo inserito l’anno scorso all’ultimo momento nel programma di Academy privata del team PHM Racing ed ora in Red Bull, che gli hanno permesso e gli permetteranno in futuro di correre come un professionista, crediamo di aver compiuto un vero e proprio miracolo sportivo per James Egozi.
Ora è tutto nelle sue mani e della Red Bull trovare il percorso giusto per raggiungere l’obbiettivo finale, ovvero, la Formula 1.
A questo punto crediamo che non vi siano più le condizioni per proseguire il nostro percorso insieme, perché più di quello che abbiamo ottenuto in questi due anni, sarà impossibile ottenere e quindi le nostre strade si separeranno, ma con la consapevolezza da parte nostra di aver fatto un lavoro eccezionale per James”.

PRIMA VITTORIA IN CARRIERA IN MONOPOSTO PER MATTIA BUCCI A MISANO ADRIATICO

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Nel weekend finale del “Formula X Italian Series”, Mattia è salito entrambe le volte sul podio, trionfando in Gara 2 in quella che è la sua prima affermazione in automobile

L’ultima gara della stagione sportiva di Mattia Bucci nel “Formula X Italian Series”, categoria “FX Pro Series”, è giunta al termine, con Misano Adriatico a fare da teatro di un fine settimana chiuso col migliore dei risultati ottenibili: “The Flash” ha conquistato la sua prima vittoria in monoposto in sede romagnola, sugellando un round che l’ha visto super protagonista.

Nonostante la forte incertezza meteorologica del venerdì, con la pioggia che aveva fatto capolino sul circuito lasciando poca traccia di sé, l’asso abruzzese si era subito imposto al vertice della classifica grazie alla terza posizione della prima sessione di Prove Libere e al miglior tempo nel secondo turno. La Qualifica l’ha visto registrare il terzo riferimento cronometrico di giornata al termine di un confronto serrato per la Pole Position, quest’ultima sfuggita nelle fasi conclusive a causa del traffico presente in pista.

Al sabato, il giovane talento catignanese è tornato sul podio in Gara 1, salendo sul terzo gradino. Nelle prime fasi della corsa, Mattia era riuscito a guadagnare la piazza d’onore, poi persa successivamente. Nella seconda manche, svolta domenica, si è consumata la magia: scattato dalla quarta casella sulla griglia di partenza, Bucci non ha perso tempo per guadagnare una seconda posizione utile per convertirla in vittoria grazie alla penalità inflitta al pilota che lo aveva preceduto: un trionfo, questo, maturato dopo una condotta in pista esemplare.

Mattia Bucci ha dichiarato: “È una vittoria molto importante per me e per la mia famiglia, perché è frutto di tanti sacrifici fatti per raggiungerla. Non so come descrivere questo momento, sono incredulo! Non avrei mai pensato di riuscire a centrare questo risultato al mio terzo round in carriera in macchina. Chiudiamo il 2023 con tre podi totali conquistati, una base molto solida dove ripartire per il 2024. Inizieremo a lavorare da subito in vista dell’anno prossimo. Voglio dedicare questo successo alla mia famiglia, al mio manager Giovanni Minardi e a Minardi Management, a Sandro Giuliani e tutto il personale di SG Motors, al mio staff e a miei sponsor e voglio ringraziare tutti quelli che mi hanno supportato da sempre e che continuano a darmi la giusta carica per affrontare questo percorso.”

Matteo Gaudieri
Ufficio Stampa Mattia Bucci

ULTIMA GARA DELL’ANNO A MISANO, MATTIA BUCCI IN CERCA DI RISCATTO

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Le difficoltà patite a Magione hanno fatto parte di un percorso di apprendimento che culminerà a Misano Adriatico, sede dell’ultimo round del “Formula X Italian Series”
Il prestigioso e ormai storico impianto del Misano World Circuit, intitolato alla memoria del centauro Marco Simoncelli, ospiterà il fine settimana conclusivo del “FX Pro Series”, campionato di cartello all’interno del panorama “Formula X Italian Series”.

La Tatuus F4 T-014 di SG Motors sarà pilotata, ancora una volta, da Mattia Bucci, quest’ultimo voglioso di riscatto dopo le difficoltà patite a Magione, ma che sono state utili al fine di un apprendistato che sta vedendo l’alfiere abruzzese approcciare il suo terzo weekend di gara in monoposto.

Il programma dell’evento ha subito una variazione rispetto a quanto visto prima a Varano de’ Melegari e poi nella tappa umbra: “The Flash” scenderà in pista già dal venerdì per le Prove Libere e le Qualifiche mentre le gare, in ordine Gara 1 e Gara 2, si svolgeranno rispettivamente il sabato e la domenica.

“Correre in un circuito storico come quello di Misano è un onore per me, è un altro piccolo traguardo raggiunto dopo tanti sacrifici – ha dichiarato Mattia – Sono molto contento di ciò e non vedo l’ora di salire in macchina. Voglio ringraziare la mia famiglia e i miei sponsor per l’opportunità che mi hanno concesso, Giovanni Minardi e tutta la Minardi Management per avermi aiutato e supportato in questo periodo, Sandro Giuliani e SG Motors per avermi permesso di proseguire con loro e tutto il mio staff.”

La gara sarà trasmessa sulla pagina Facebook di “FX Racing Weekend – GT4 Italy” e sul canale Youtube “Formula X Italian Series – GT4Italy”

Matteo Gaudieri
Ufficio Stampa Mattia Bucci