INTERVIEW WITH MILLA SJÖSTRAND

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#MOTORSPORTCAREER
2024
• Netherlands Championship (Rotax Senior)
2023
• FIA Girls on track Rising Stars – Seniors F4
• Karting races, podiums (OKJ)
• Swedish Championships karting (KZ2)
2022
• Swedish Formula 1000 Aquila
• Karting races, podiums
• SKRC champion (OKJ)
• Electric karting (Rotax E20), Swedish Championships P6
• F4 testing at Paul Ricard with Winfield Racing School
2021
• P2 in Middle Sweden Karting Cup (OKJ), Win – pole, leading every lap, winning every heat at Middle Sweden Karting Cup race in Södertälje Karting races, podiums
• Swedish Championships karting (OKJ) P9
• Lonato Winter Cup
• FIA Girls on track Rising Stars – Juniorfinalist (final 4)
• Got my Formula car license (13 years)
2020
• P5 in Middle Sweden Karting Cup (OKJ)
• Swedish Championships karting (OKJ) P10
• FIA Girls on track Rising Stars – Junior category
2019
• Swedish Championships karting (Mini 60)
• SKRC champion (Mini 60)
2018
• SKRC champion (Mini 60)
2017
• Karting (Formula Micro)
2016
• Started karting (Formula Micro)

How did you get into motorsport?
When I was 4 years old, I went on vacation to the Canary Islands with my family. There I was allowed to try out a two-seater go-kart with my mother at my side. It was so much fun, but I was too young to drive a real racing kart. Then, when I was 7 years old, I finally got to test drive a real racing go-kart at my local race track. From that day on, I was hooked on karting!

How satisfied are you with your 2023 season and what were your highlights?
It was a good year for me. I had a lot of podiums and tried out different cars. I also started driving in shifter karts. At the end of the year, I was selected for the “FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars” for the third time. This time in the senior category.

What are your best moments in motorsport so far?
My first dominant race win in 2021, when I took pole position and won every race. That‘s a good memory. All podium finishes are great moments. My first international race in Lonato in 2021 was also a lot of fun. My Formula 4 tests at the Winfield Racing School and participating in Rising Stars are also great memories.

Are there already plans for the 2024 season?
I will be taking part in the Dutch championship in Rotax Seniors with Team Kartstore Benelux. I‘ve never raced in the Rotax class before, so it‘s a great challenge with a new team. I‘m really looking forward to racing on new tracks and will be taking part in the MP development program.

What are your wishes for your future in motorsport?
I always want to develop further, get better and faster. My goal is to be able to drive in Formula 1 or another major series.

What else would you like to tell the readers of our magazine about yourself or motorsport?
I have been racing for most of my life. Nothing can replace the feeling of racing and winning. Many people think that racing is only a sport for men. Motorsport is a sport for everyone, whether you are a boy or a girl. Follow your dreams and see how far you can go, no matter what people say!

#BIOGRAPHY
Name: Milla Sjöstrand
Birthday: 03.05.2008
Place of residence: Södertälje
Nationality: Swedish
Hobbies: Horse riding

Interview: Petra Röhrig | Photos: John Sjöstrand und Michiel Pompert

 

INTERVIEW WITH VANESA ŠILKUNAITE

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#MOTORSPORTCAREER
The start of my racing success began in 2019 when I became champion in the Micro60 category in Lithuania. It was an incredible feeling to win and it showed me that I had what it takes to race at a high level. I was the only girl in this category. I also finished 4th in the Prokart r85 class in Latvia.

In 2020, I secured 3rd place in the Prokart Rotax Micro Max category in Latvia. It was a different track, but I still showed my skills and finished on the podium.

In 2021, I won the Rotax Micromax category in Lithuania. This was an exciting achievement and made me proud of my hard work. I was the only girl competing against 24 boys and proved that there are no limits to what I can achieve.

My racing adventure continued in 2022 when I finished third in the highly competitive Lithuanian Karting Championship. It was a thrilling experience to stand on the podium among so many talented racers.

I did not stop! In 2023, I turned up the heat once again to take third place in the Lithuanian Karting Championship. I also dominated the most important project of my career, the FIA Girls on Track project, as the undisputed winner! These highlights remind me of how far I‘ve come and motivate me to keep going. I‘m excited to see what else I can achieve in my racing career!

How did you get into motorsport?
My brother‘s participation in karting inspired me to get into motorsport. But what made my passion even stronger was the great support from my family. Although motorsport is mostly dominated by men, they encouraged me to pursue my dream of racing and prove that girls can also be successful in this sport. With their support, I took part in karting competitions and they constantly pushed me to improve and challenge gender stereotypes. With good results, I have shown the potential of female drivers.

How satisfied are you with your 2023 season and what were your highlights?
The 2023 season was indeed an incredible journey for me. Overall, I am very happy with my performance. It was a season full of challenges, triumphs and growth. However, if I had to pick out one of the key points that has brought me the most recognition and the opportunity to showcase my talent, it would be the FIA GIRLS ON TRACK project. I was selected as one of the four best female racers in the 12-14 age group and became champion. I was the first female racer in the Baltic States to receive such recognition. Winning this prestigious award was an important moment for my career, my self-confidence and my even greater passion for this sport.

What are your favorite moments in motorsport so far?
There have been so many memorable moments during my journey in motorsport. From exhilarating wins on the track to the camaraderie with other racers, each experience has been unique in its own way. However, if I had to name one special moment, it would be winning my first championship. Nothing compares to the feeling of winning a championship for the first time. It is the culmination of countless hours of hard work, dedication and passion. Standing on the podium and lifting the trophy above my head for the first time was a very satisfying experience. When the result finally translates into a win, you want to keep moving forward and improving your skills every day. I also really appreciate international success. Competing internationally against some of the best riders in the world is a highlight of my career. Representing my country and testing my skills against high-caliber competitors in different countries and on different tracks is both challenging and rewarding. Each race brings new experiences and opportunities for development. Standing on the podium in a foreign country is a testament to the hard work and determination it takes to reach this level.

Are there already plans for the 2024 season?
The 2024 season will be incredibly exciting, with many competitions in different countries. At the moment, I‘m planning to take part in the Lithuanian Karting Championship, the FIA Karting European Championship, the prestigious FIA Karting World Championship and the WSK series. These are just some of the planned competitions, but there are many more to come! I look forward to challenging myself, learning from each race and continuing to improve my skills on the track.

What are your wishes for your future in motorsport?
My wishes for motorsport are twofold. Firstly, I want to continue to test the limits of my abilities and strive for top performance. I want to compete at the highest levels of karting and keep pushing myself to achieve new successes. Secondly, I am passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in motorsport. I want to inspire more girls and women to pursue their dreams in racing and break down barriers to entry into the sport.

What else would you like to tell our magazine readers about yourself or motorsport?
Although there is no shortage of challenges, frustrations and high workloads in this sport and every day requires a lot of work and perseverance, I would like to emphasize the incredible sense of community and camaraderie in the world of motorsport. It‘s not just about the thrill of the race or the pursuit of victory. It‘s also about the friendships you make, the lessons you learn and the shared passion that unites us all. Motorsport has the power to break down barriers and bring people from all walks of life together and I feel privileged to be part of such a vibrant and diverse community. I would encourage all readers of this magazine, whether experienced racers or newcomers, to pursue their passion for motorsport with dedication, determination and a sense of joy and camaraderie. Let‘s continue to push the limits together, chase our dreams and inspire others along the way.

#BIOGRAPHY
Name: Vanesa Šilkunaite
Birthday: 28.03.2011
Place of residence: Kauno Raj
Nationality: Lithuanian
Hobbies: Painting, anything artistic, Lego, puzzles, tennis and traveling

Interview: Petra Röhrig | Photos: Vanesa Silkunaite

 

ACHILLE REA JOINS TEAM DRIVER

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Minardi Management is pleased to announce that driver Achille Rea is changing his team, moving from the Tony Kart Racing Team to Devid De Luchi’s Team Driver Racing Kart to aim for a final season 2024 full of satisfaction.
The driver from Sora together with his new team will participate at the WSK Super Cup in Franciacorta, the Trofeo d’Autunno in Lonato, the last round of the ACI Karting Italian Championship in Lonato, the WSK Euro in Sarno, the Trofeo delle Industrie in Lonato, and the two WSK Final Cup in Lonato and Cremona. We are sure that this duo will be ready to battle for the victory in every scheduled event.

Giovanni Minardi: “The time had come for Achille for a team change and to find new satisfactions and opportunities. I am sure that together with the team of Team Driver, Achille will be able to fight for top positions in every appointment, thus demonstrating once and for all Achille’s true value.”

Achille Rea: “I am very happy with the move to the Driver Team where I immediately found a great feeling with the whole group, with the technicians and with my teammates. I am very proud to be able to compete within the Team with the fastest and most talented drivers of the entire karting circus. I immediately felt at ease with the new kart thanks to the high preparation of the technicians, always attentive to the indications and sensations that I transmitted to them. I thank everyone for the magnificent work done in the night race of the Iame Series in Lonato and I hope that this is only the beginning of a journey full of successes and satisfactions.”

LITHUANIA REPRESENTED BY MARKAS SILKUNAS & VANESA SILKUNAITE AT THE FIA MOTORSPORT GAMES 2024

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Minardi Management is pleased to announce that our two Lithuanian drivers, Markas Silkunas and Vanesa Silkunaite, will represent their Nation at the next FIA Motorsport Games which will take place in Valencia from 23 to 27 October 2024.

Giovanni Minardi: “I am extremely happy that the Lithuanian Federation has chosen Markas and Vanesa to represent their country. I am sure that Markas in the Senior category and Vanesa in the Junior category will absolutely be able to do well and represent their country in the best possible way.”

Markas Silkunas: “I’m Markas, a Lithuanian go-kart driver, and guess what? I’m super stoked to say I’ll be representing Lithuania at the FIA Games for the 2nd time! Man, it’ll be unreal to be back there, will be ready to get on the track again. To the previous edition was awesome, but this time, I’m gonna push even harder. Gonna analyze every corner, every move. And you know what? It’s not just about winning for me, it’s about showing what we can do as a country in motorsport. I want to make Lithuania proud and prove that with grit and determination, we can compete at the highest level.”

Vanesa Silkunaite: “My name is Vanesa, I’m a Lithuanian driver and I am honored to represent my country in FIA Games on October 23-27th! I will try my best to show the talent and determination of our country’s racing community. With the support of my team and fans, I aim to push the limits and achieve success on this amazing go-kart track. Hope to see you there!”

JULIA AND VANESA WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE IRON DAMES YOUNG TALENT PROGRAM

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We are extremely happy to be able to announce that two of our female drivers, Julia Angelard and Vanesa Silkunaite, have been chosen to participate at the Iron Dames Young Talent Program from 29 to 30 July on the Franciacorta track.

Giovanni Minardi: “First of all I want to thank the Iron Dames Program Manager, Cathy Muller, for this opportunity she is giving to my girls. These two days will be an important experience for both of them, but above all it could be the beginning of a collaboration that can help them continue their dreams. Now it’s up to Julia and Vanessa to give it their all. I am sure that both will make an excellent impression.”

Julia Angelard: “I was chosen for the Iron Dames Young Talent Program event, which I am really looking forward to. I am very happy to be part of this special gathering with inspiring women in motorsport. I am grateful to have been chosen, and I see how much I can learn here. Full of enthusiasm, I look forward to new experiences and connections.”

Vanesa Silkunaite: “I am Vanesa, 13 yrs old Lithuanian driver and I am thrilled to be selected for the event of the Iron Dames Young Talent Program, which is happening very soon! My heart is pounding just thinking about it. I’ve been practicing sooo hard, you wouldn’t even believe. My mom and dad have been super supportive, taking me to all my races and cheering me on like crazy. I will try my best to stay focused, stay cool, and totally crush it. Plus, I’m so stoked to meet other racers from around the world. Maybe I’ll make some new friends who are just as into racing as I am! So yeah, wish me luck guys.”

DEVEN GRABKO WILL REPRESENT TEAM USA AT THE 2024 FIA MOTORSPORT GAMES IN VALENCIA, SPAIN

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12 year old Swedish-American racing talent, Deven Grabko, has been selected to represent the USA at the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games to be held in Valencia, Spain during the 3rd week of October.

Deven, who is represented by the well-respected Italian Driver Management Agency, Minardi Management, has already made an impact on the international junior karting scene, scoring an impressive top 10 finish at the age of 11 in his junior category and World Series Karting debut, where he finished 7th in the WSK Final Cup at the hallowed South Garda Karting Circuit in Lonato, Italy, last November.

The news of his nomination to represent the USA at the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games, dubbed the Olympics of Motorsport, comes on the back of not only his very strong debut in the international junior karting categories, OK Junior and X30 Junior, but also continued positive results during the beginning of the 2024 season, confirmation of his quality.

Grabko currently races with his team AD Motorsport, who are based in Helsingborg, Sweden. Together with his team, he has enjoyed a very successful start to his first full season of junior karting, scoring two race wins, three podiums, and several additional top 5 and top 10 finishes in the first half of the season, which also included debuts in the IAME Euro Series Winter Cup in Valencia, Spain, and the IAME Series Italy Open Games in Lonato. Deven now leads the drivers championship in Sweden’s largest and most prestigious karting championship, the South Sweden Kart Champions Cup, in the Junior Open 125cc class going into the Summer break.

Deven will not be resting this Summer, however. The young pilot will make his Champions of the Future Euro Series and FIA Karting European Championship debuts this month, the two biggest karting series in the world. The Åsum Ring International Karting Circuit in Kristianstad, Sweden will host the 4th rounds of these distinguished competitions July 17-20 and August 1-4, respectively.

The young racing talent continues to show great strides in development, and Giovanni Minardi, his manager, believes he is ready to take the next step in his career, and represent his country on the world stage.

Deven is ecstatic about the news, “This feels amazing! What a huge honour to represent the USA, how many people get to say that!? I can hardly believe it is true – it is almost like a dream! I will do whatever it takes to prepare well so I can make my country proud! I want to thank everyone who has ever supported me for helping to make this possible – all the sponsors, my team, Giovanni, Alex, Kevin, Hugo, Danny, Maximus, of course my family, and all the rest – this is why we do this!”

Giovanni Minardi was confident about Deven’s prospects. “This is a well deserved appointment for Deven, and a fitting next step for him on his journey. I have always known he was an extremely fast and talented driver, otherwise we would not have signed him. I am very sure he will be fighting near the front and do us and his country very proud.”

Deven Grabko is a Swedish American racing driver born in Trollhättan, Sweden, and raised in both Trollhättan as well as San Diego, California. He attends school in year 7 at Paradisskolan’s English Speaking Curriculum in Trollhättan.
• Web: www.grabkogp.com
• Instagram: @grabkogp
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grabkogp
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GrabkoGP

Minardi Management is a well reputed Italian Driver Management Agency run by the same family legacy from the Minardi Formula One team in the 2000’s and have been an active and influential name in motorsports throughout the years. They are known to bring their drivers from a young age through the kart racing categories and into single seater formula racing.
• Web: www.minardimanagment.com
• Instagram: @minardi_management
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minardimanagement
• FIA Motorsport Games: https://www.fiamotorsportgames.com/

CHRISTOPHER EL FEGHALI LEBANESE DRIVER JOINS MINARDI MANAGEMENT

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Minardi Management expands its international presence by welcoming the Lebanese driver Christopher El Feghali. In the upcoming 2024 season, Christopher will compete in a couple of international karting races in the OK senior category. However, his main focus will be on utilizing this year for preparation to enter Formula 4 in 2025. Exciting times ahead for Christopher and Minardi Management!

Giovanni Minardi: «I am thrilled to have reached an agreement with Christopher and his family. Following him closely at the 2023 FIA Karting World Championship in Franciacorta, I was truly impressed by his skills. Despite arriving without prior knowledge of the track or equipment, he immediately showcased his talent by contending for victory in the competitive OK Junior category. His speed and adaptability to new tracks are commendable. I have no doubt that we will be hearing more about him soon! 🏆​ For me Christopher has an outstanding talent and his performance reminds me a lot of another driver in the past!»

Christopher El Feghali: «It’s a pleasure joining Minardi management to take care of my racing career starting with F4 and beyond, the passion and professionalism from Giovanni and Dorothea will help us push the boundaries and reach our targets in the best way possible.»

VANESA SILKUNAITE REPRESENTS THE FIA WIM AT THE FIA KARTING ACADEMY TROPHY

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We are thrilled to announce that the talented winner, Vanesa Silkunaite, of the Girls on Track selection 2023 will be participating at the prestigious FIA Karting Academy Trophy 2024 as the official representative. The FIA Karting Academy Trophy, established in 2010, brings together 54 young talents aged between 12 and 14 from across the globe to showcase their skills.
Vanesa Silkunaite is set to be officially invited and proudly represent the FIA WIM this year, a remarkable honor following her victory in the FIA WIM Girls on Track selection 2023! The first event of the series will take place from the 25th to the 28th of April at the Circuit of Val d’Argenton in France.

Giovanni Minardi: «I am very happy that Vanesa is participating in this Trophy organized by the FIA, it is certainly an excellent opportunity to showcase herself at an international level. This category compares drivers from all over the world under the same technical conditions and therefore the value of the pilot matters a lot in achieving a good final result. Vanesa is very keen on doing well and showing off, he absolutely wants to make an excellent impression and I am convinced that she has all it takes to do so.»

Vanesa Silkunaite: «What’s it like being a girl in kart racing? It’s awesome! I love being part of the action and showing the boys what’s up. I want to prove that girls can totally rock it in racing too! Even when it’s tough, we girls are tough cookies and can totally crush it on the track. To all my fellow girls, don’t be scared to race and go for it! Keep trying, never give up, and you’ll totally nail it!»

SWEDISH GIRL MILLA SJÖSTRAND JOINS MINARDI MANAGEMENT

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We are pleased to announce that the Swedish driver born in 2008, Milla Sjöstrand, becomes part of the large Minardi Management family.
Milla has participated in various Championships in Sweden up until this year and finally in 2024, she will participate in a Championship outside of Sweden.
We decided together with her to participate at the Rotax Dutch Championship, divided into 8 weekends between Holland, Belgium and Germany, and then in 2025 take part in an even more international Championship, in preparation for the car debut in the 2026 season. Moreover, another fact which makes us really proud to have her on board is, that she was selected three times to participate at the FIA Girls on Track Rising Stars, both in the category Junior and Senior. An evidence that she is on fire!

Giovanni Minardi: “I am very happy that Milla is joining our Agency and that we are adding another pink quote to the team.
Milla has shown on several occasions that she is a very fast girl and with the program we are building I hope we can show it to everyone very soon. Milla has a beautiful attitude on and off track and she presents a very interesting package for the female world of Motorsport”.

Milla Sjöstrand: “I am happy to announce that I am working together with Minardi Management. Minardi Management is working on giving me the best conditions, both now and for the future. I am excited for what lies ahead and and sure we will find the right route towards my dream of racing at the highest level. This year I am racing in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium with Team Kartstore Benelux supported by MP Motorsport. It’s a big challenge to race there against drivers who have grown up on those tracks, but I enjoy a good challenge. I am sure what I learn this year will be a big asset to me in the future, and Minardi management is an important part of it”.