GRABKO WILL RACE IN THE NORDIC AQUILA FORMULA 1000 CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2025

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Deven Lewis Grabko graduates from karting to single seater formula racing as KEDA Motorsport signs the talented young racer for next season!

Grabko will race for the Danish squad in the Nordic Aquila Formula 1000 Championship in 2025.

The young Swedish-American pilot only turned 13 in December, but comes off the back of a monumental 2024 season in karting, the multiple race winner taking two Swedish national championship titles, victory at the Gothenburg Grand Prix, as well as a call up to the US national team to compete in the FIA Motorsport Games.

KEDA Motorsport, founded by multiple championship winning driver Kevin Suenson, wins the race to secure the full time services of the young Swedish-American talent as their first confirmed driver signing for the coming season.

“I’m super excited! Ever since I tested the car last Spring I’ve been thinking about it, and to get to race it for real is amazing! It is a huge step, but I am ready, and am going to do everything I can to develop and learn as fast as possible!” – Deven Lewis Grabko

“We’ve had our eye on Dev for a while now, and after seeing him test at the Aquila Driver Academy International last year we were convinced. We are sure he will adapt well from karting, and are really looking forward to working with him and developing him as a driver.” – Kevin Suenson

“Very happy for Deven to take this important step in his career at such a young age. He showed last year he has the talent and determination of a true champion. After looking at all options for 2025, we believe the Formula 1000 Championship provides the perfect platform for him to make a successful transition into single seater racing. Deven will be in great hands with Kevin at KEDA Motorsport. Keep an eye on this pilot, he is going places.” – Giovanni Minardi

LUKA SAMMALISTO CORRERÀ CON US RACING NELLA STAGIONE DI F4 ITALIA 2025

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Luka Sammalisto disputerà la stagione 2025 della F4 Italia con US Racing. Il pilota Finlandese, da poco diciassettenne, ha già una stagione di esperienza nella categoria, perciò guarda con grande ottimismo al prossimo campionato.

Per prepararsi al meglio, Luka svolgerà un intenso programma di test su tutte le piste del campionato 2025. Inoltre, parteciperà ai round di Portimão e Barcellona della Formula Winter Series.

Giovanni Minardi: «Sono veramente molto contento per Luka. Dopo una lunga ed estenuante trattativa, siamo riusciti ad entrare nel team che tanto desiderava. Ora abbiamo tutte le carte in regola per poter ottenere degli ottimi risultati».
«Siamo al secondo anno nella categoria e in un team super competitivo che ci può permettere di vincere gare e campionato. Ora dobbiamo lavorare sodo per portare a casa il miglior risultato possibile, la vittoria del campionato».

Luka Sammalisto: «Ora posso finalmente annunciare che correrò con US Racing nella stagione 2025 di Formula 4 Italia. Adoro lavorare con il team, mi ci sento molto a mio agio».
«Abbiamo un valido e intenso programma di preparazione invernale per questa prossima stagione 2025. Il mio obiettivo è gareggiare tra i primi e compiere ottime prestazioni in gara».


Autore: Jacopo Rava

INTRODUCE MYSELF, MY NAME IS LUKA SAMMALISTO

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You were born in Tampere, Finland in 2007. How did you become interested in racing?
«I became interested in racing because my father had a small kart for my big brother, but he didn’t want to drive it, so I went driving with the kart and everything started».

When did you start racing in go-karts?
«I started racing go karts when I was seven years old».

What are the biggest difficulties switching from a kart to a F4?
«The biggest issue switching from karting to F4 is that you need to focus a lot on many corners, because the track is twice as long as a kart track. Then, in formula a small mistake will cost you a lot more time than in karting. In addition, you have front and rear brakes, which it’s even harder if you didn’t drive in the KZ category in karting».

You made your debut in Italian F4 in 2024. How was the impact in the most competitive F4 championship?
«The impact was just like I was thinking before. The level is really high. Also, I didn’t have such big expectations for my first year».

What did you learn in the championship?
«I learnt a lot of new things, like a new driving style. I also learned a lot on how to race hard in F4».

How valuable is the support of Minardi Management in your career?
«For me Minardi is important because he has many connections that can help me go forward and he helps me a lot too».

Do you already know if you will be racing for US Racing in Italian F4 in 2025?
«At the moment I’m just testing. I hope to continue with them in 2025».

Where do you see yourself in 3 years time?
«In 3 years time I see myself in F2».

What is your best quality as a driver?
«My best quality is that I am unyielding».

What is the aspect you are working on the most?
«I‘m working the most on different muscles. I’m also doing a lot of running, so I can keep my basic condition in good shape».

What’s the best racing series outside of F1?
«I have to say F2!»

Author: Jacopo Rava

IL 2024 DI LUKA SAMMALISTO SI CONCLUDE CON I TEST F4 A MISANO

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Luka Sammalisto ha terminato la stagione 2024 a Misano testando la F4 di US Racing. Il neo-diciassettenne ha macinato 638 km (151 giri) con un passo costante e un miglior tempo di 1:35.284.

Il meteo delle due giornate è stato parzialmente nuvoloso, con temperature intorno ai 15ºC.

Giorno 1
La mattinata è cominciata con un buon passo intorno al 1:37, migliorato costantemente fino a 1:35. La prima metà di giornata si è conclusa con 58 giri e un miglior tempo di 1:35.864, non lontano dal riferimento assoluto.

Nella sessione pomeridiana ha continuato il lavoro sul passo gara. Nei 19 giri completati ha gestito bene il degrado delle gomme, riuscendo sul finale a firmare il secondo miglior tempo in 1:36.213.

Giorno 2
Il giorno del suo diciassettesimo compleanno è cominciato con un passo incoraggiante. Il migliore dei 41 giri completati è stato un ottimo 1:35.284, distante appena nove millesimi dalla “pole”. Purtroppo ha faticato a trovare la costanza del giorno precedente.

Dopo i festeggiamenti, Luka ha iniziato il pomeriggio dettando il passo in 1:35.641. Inoltre, la costanza è migliorata molto: nelle ultime due sessioni ha mantenuto con grande precisione il passo in 1:36, segno della crescente confidenza con la vettura.

La preparazione in vista della prossima stagione continuerà a gennaio 2025.

Luka Sammalisto: «Per me i test sono andati molto bene. È stato bello essere qui a Misano e Imola, abbiamo provato molte cose. Penso che avessimo trovato un buon passo già a Imola e anche a Misano è stato molto buono».

«Siamo riusciti a fare la “pole position” un paio di volte e siamo stati quasi sempre in top 5, o addirittura in top 3, quindi il passo c’era. Sono davvero orgoglioso del team, si sono impegnati molto per me».

«Ora sono davvero felice di cominciare la pausa natalizia. Vediamo cosa riusciamo ad ottenere nella stagione 2025, noi daremo il massimo. Speriamo di poter vincere!»

Autore: Jacopo Rava

LUKA SAMMALISTO COMPLETA DUE GIORNATE DI TEST F4 A IMOLA CON US RACING

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Luka Sammalisto ha completato due giornate di test Formula 4 a Imola con US Racing. Il finlandese ha coperto una distanza di 515 km (105 giri), ottenendo il miglior tempo assoluto del primo giorno in 1:46.162.
Le giornate sono state caratterizzate da nebbia e temperature intorno ai 10°C.

Giorno 1
La prima giornata di test a Imola è iniziata con asfalto molto scivoloso, causato dalle basse temperature e dalla poca gommatura. Molti piloti sono usciti di pista in queste condizioni, ma
Luka è riuscito a completare il programma senza intoppi. Ha completato 28 giri, il migliore dei quali in 1:46.608.
Nel pomeriggio ha completato altri 25 giri, mostrando un costante miglioramento. Dopo una buona simulazione passo gara, ha ottenuto il miglior tempo della giornata in 1:46.162.

Giorno 2
Il giorno successivo ha ripreso da dove aveva lasciato. Ha percorso 32 giri nella mattinata e ha abbassato il proprio limite a 1:45.880.
La pioggia ha cominciato a scendere a motori spenti, quindi l’attività pomeridiana è iniziata con un miglior tempo di 2:07.182. Luka ha faticato a trovare il ritmo sul bagnato, ma nell’ultima sessione la pista ha cominciato ad asciugarsi e i tempi sono scesi fino a 2:02.312.
Purtroppo la giornata di Luka si è conclusa prima del previsto, quando una sfortunata uscita lo ha bloccato nella ghiaia della Tosa.

La prossima settimana sarà a Misano per continuare la preparazione in vista della stagione 2025.

Luka Sammalisto: «Per me i test sono andati molto bene, ma sul bagnato il passo non c’era. Devo lavorare sulla guida in condizioni di bagnato. Forse l’assetto della macchina sul bagnato non era il migliore per me, ma sull’asciutto il passo era molto buono e costante».

Autore: Jacopo Rava

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.