INTERVIEW WITH NEFELI KOSMOPOULOS

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#PROFIL
Name: Nefeli Kosmopoulos
Birthday: 15.06.2011
Place of residence: Thessaloniki
Nationality: Greek
Hobbies: Sim Racing, Drawing, Music, Climing und Skiing

As previously announced, here is the interview with Nefeli Kosmopoulos. Nefeli is another young and talented driver at Minardi Management. Find out more about her here.

How did you get into motorsport?
I got into motorsport through my father, who was a karting and rally champion and a really strong personality in Greek motorsport. My father founded the Cosmosrally Kart
Academy karting team with the support of my mother. Even though I grew up in this environment, I didn‘t want to go karting at first because I thought it was only for boys.
But that changed one day when I was 4 years old and we traveled to Italy to meet other drivers from our team. I met a young female driver who inspired me a lot.

How long have you been involved in motorsport?
I‘ve been interested in motorsport since I was a child. I grew up in the Cosmosrally team and started driving my own kart at the age of 4. A few years later, at the age of 8, I took part in my first race in Greece. In the same year, I also drove my first World Championship race in Italy. I remember that day very well, because I was super excited before that race.

How satisfied are you with your 2024 season so far?
The 2024 season was my first season in the junior categories. I learned a lot from the races and gained a lot of experience, even if the results weren‘t the best. In the first half of the season I wasn‘t able to do many races because of school, but in general I‘m still very happy with the season as I gained a lot of knowledge and I was able to arrange a lot of things for my school to be able to do more in the future.

What are your best moments in motorsport so far?
In motorsport you can experience many highs and lows, emotions can change from one day to the next. That‘s why I don‘t just have good moments in motorsport, but generally the best moments are when you achieve a good result after hard work and failures and celebrate this with family and friends from the team.

Are there already plans for the 2025 season?
My plans for the 2025 season are to ride more races than in the 2024 season, as I have found a way to solve the problem with school, improve and get better results in the world championships. I feel really ready for the season and I‘m super excited because I‘ve been working a lot. Among other things, I am doing a lot of tests in Italy and in our home country Greece. In Greece, my family and friends of ours have started to build an international karting track.

What are your wishes for your future in motorsport?
My wish is that one day I will manage to get into a program for girls and get into the F1 academy. But if you ask me, my real dream is to be a female F1 driver. I don‘t know how I will try to realize my dream (the valuable support of the Minardi management helps a lot), but I am sure that I will give everything and work hard for it. In any case, all this is taking place in a really colorful, interesting, inspiring and dynamic world and I am here to enjoy it to the fullest; with my eyes on the forest around me and not just on a tree!

What else would you like to tell the readers of our magazine about yourself or motorsport?
I would like to say that I am very grateful to my family and the Cosmosrally Kart Academy for giving me the opportunity to lead this kind of life and that I wouldn‘t trade it for anything in the world. Finally, I applaud the efforts of the FIA programs to give us (girls) more opportunities to be active in motorsport. I feel a responsibility from my own experience to inspire younger girls to get involved in motorsport.

We will continue to follow the further development of Julia and Nefeli and will of course keep you up to date.

#MOTORSPORTCAREER
2019
First race in Greece (at the age of 8)
2021
Rotax Max Challenge in Greece
(Micro Max category first place)
2021
First races in Italy (WSK series category MINI GR3)
2022
WSK series and Italian championship races
2023
Promotion to the junior class and participation in international races
2023
Participation in races in international OKJ categories and races in Italy

Interview: Petra Röhrig
Photo: Sportinphoto

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.

DEVEN GRABKO IS THE MOST DECORATED JUNIOR DRIVER IN SWEDEN FOR 2024

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With two national Championship Series titles to his name, and the Winner of the Gothenburg Grand Prix, no other driver in the country has achieved the same level of success.

The Swedish American ace pilot only made his Junior category debut this season, but has made an immediate impact in every category he has competed in.

The young 12 year old talent took victory at the most prestigious race on the Swedish karting calendar in September, the Gothenburg Grand Prix, and simultaneously secured his first national title in dramatic fashion, completing an amazing comeback to take the Swedish Junior X30 Crown with a flawless victory in the final round and becoming the 2024 IAME Series Sweden Champion, Deven proved a worthy Champion.

Grabko then completed his remarkable first junior karting season the first week in October, by finishing on the second step of the podium in the 7th and final round of Sweden’s most hotly contested and distinguished national karting Series, the South Sweden Kart Champions Cup (SKCC).

The result secured the young racer’s 2nd national Championship triumph of the year with an over 30 point margin to his nearest rival in the Junior Open 125cc category. The ultra-competitive class pits the Rotax Max, Vortex ROK, and IAME X30 125cc engine packages against each other in a gruelling 7 round long battle for supremacy with entries from throughout Scandinavia fighting for the title.

Deven scored 2 race victories and 2 second place finishes whilst never finishing out of the top five, his consistency confirming his Championship pedigree.

The double national Championship winning performances, combined with the Gothenburg Grand Prix win, not only show Deven’s quality on any given race day at any given track, but also his consistent high level of performance, and have earned him every accolade.

Deven Grabko “What a year it has been! I never thought I would be able to achieve all of these championships and big race wins going into the season. I just listened to my coaches and mechanics, focused on trying to improve and put my best out there every time I got in the seat, and in the end it paid off huge! I’ve learned so much this year, I feel like a completely different driver now than I was at the start of the season. I have too many people to thank – everyone who has supported me, my sponsors, coaches, management team, my family, AD Motorsport of course, everyone who cheers for me and sends me messages of congratulations and support – it all means so much. I am thankful for you all every day!”

Giovanni Minardi “We are so proud of Deven’s remarkable achievements this season as a junior rookie. His development rate has been unbelievable, and he has been our standout driver this season. Big compliments to him, and to his team AD Motorsport, who have done a wonderful job with our driver. Deven has proven himself to be a true champion, and he deserves every accolade for his accomplishments. For us, easily the strongest junior driver in Sweden this year.”

Next up for the promising young driver are two trips to Valencia, Spain, in quick succession. Deven has been selected to the U.S. National Team, and will represent the USA at the FIA Motorsport Games on October 23-27 where he will be fighting for medals at motorsport’s own olympic games. Two weeks later he will be back again for the IAME Junior X30 World Finals, which he qualified for via his IAME Series Sweden Championship Victory.

MINARDI MANAGEMENT AND ACHILLE REA ARE SEPARATED

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Minardi Management reluctantly communicates that the collaboration between the Agency and the driver Achille Rea has come to an end.

They have been two intense years of collaboration, with ups and downs, where together we have won several poles, heats, races, championships and also several trophies that have made Achille one of the fastest drivers in his category.

Giovanni Minardi: “We are very sorry for Achille that the collaboration with him has ended early, but unfortunately we had reached a point of no return and it could only end this way. We send him a big good luck for the future and we hope he can achieve all the goals he has set for himself“.

MATTIA BUCCI LEAVES MONZA WITH A SECOND PLACE

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The ace from Abruzzo took second place in Race 1. An unfortunate accident forced him to retire in the final heat

The Italian GT Sprint Championship has officially ended in Monza. The “Temple of Speed” was the scene of numerous brawls and among these there was also the GT Cup, a class in which Mattia Bucci and his teammate Filippo Croccolino compete with the Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo of Best Lap racing team.

The weekend started off with excellent auspices thanks to the second and third positions achieved respectively in Free Practice 1 and 2. On Saturday the melody was the same with two third places at the end of Q1 and Q2, results achieved at the end of sessions that saw the Ferrari n.178 in full battle for Pole Position.

Race 1, in which Bucci started by virtue of his participation in the first of the two Qualifying, was the scene of the second podium of the season for him. Mattia took advantage of the restart from the Safety Car and overtook the competitor in front of him with a move on the outside of “Prima Variante”. Due to the poor visibility dictated by the time, the race was then suspended definitively, giving the second place to the youngster.

Sunday’s race was the other side of the coin. The Abruzzese driver was forced to retire following a heavy accident that involved him while he was virtually occupying the podium spot, confirming the leitmotif of the weekend with a top 3 race pace. Following the suspension of activities and the freezing of the ranking due to the red flag, the Ferrari n.178 still managed to classify in eighth position.

In the final standings, Mattia Bucci finished in eighth place with 35.5 total points: the bronze medal in Imola and the second place in Monza stand out.

Mattia Bucci: “It was a fantastic race weekend. We started off strong and were super competitive despite it being my debut in Monza. We narrowly missed out on Pole Position also due to obstacles during our laps. We confirmed our potential in Race 1, where I took advantage of every single moment to maximize the result. Unfortunately in Race 2 I was involved in a big accident after the Safety Car. We could have achieved a double podium which would have done a lot of good in the general standing and for our morale. Motorsport is also this and we have to accept it, now focus on 2025! I would especially like to thank Giovanni Minardi and Minardi Management, Filippo Croccolino who is more than a teammate, the Best Lap team for the work done and for being by my side after the accident, my sponsors, my family, my staff and my trainer Walter Marini together with his entire team.”

PHOTO CREDITS: Foto Speedy & Lorenzo Colangeli

Matteo Gaudieri
Mattia Bucci’s Press Office

NICHOLAS PUJATTI CHIUDE LA PRIMA STAGIONE IN PORSCHE CARRERA CUP ITALIA CON DUE GARE POSITIVE A MONZA

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Cala il sipario sulla stagione 2024, la prima di Nicholas Pujatti nella Porsche Carrera Cup Italia.

Sul circuito di Monza, nel fine settimana appena passato, la Porsche Carrera Cup Italia ha vissuto le sue ultime due gare stagionali, più che mai avvincenti e degne del gran finale.

Nicholas ha concluso la propria stagione dando continuità ai buoni risultati degli ultimi appuntamenti, segnando un importante step di crescita prestazionale nella categoria. Nonostante lo schieramento più numeroso e competitivo dell’anno con 33 partenti e nomi della Porsche Supercup, il numero #46 della Scuderia Villorba Corse ha soddisfatto il team con una qualifica di buon livello. P11 per Gara 1 e P17 per Gara 2 considerando la bandiera rossa che ha condizionato la sessione di attacco al tempo.

La prima gara di sabato ha visto Pujatti amministrare le prime fasi della gara e soprattutto la Prima Variante, come sempre caotica, restando fuori da possibili contatti fatali. Ottimi i tempi sul giro e soprattutto la gestione della bagarre nel finale. P11 sotto la bandiera a scacchi ad un passo dalla top ten e quarto nella classifica riservata ai rookies.

L’ultimo atto di domenica ha poi chiuso la stagione nel migliore dei modi. Partenza ancor più solida per Nicholas, in piena rimonta per tutta la durata della corsa, chiusa in P13 e ancora al quarto posto della classifica rookies.

Una lunga stagione che ha premiato tutti gli sforzi e la grande progressione del pilota italiano, quinto nella classifica generale dei debuttati nella categoria e tra i primi quindici della classifica assoluta Porsche Carrera Cup Italia.

N.Pujatti – Villorba Corse: “Cosa posso dire? Chiudere la prima avventura in Porsche a Monza è un sogno che si realizza, lo chiamano il Tempio della Velocità… finalmente posso dire che Monza, un tempio, lo è sul serio! Il weekend è partito in modo difficile ma è via via andato migliorando e questo, una volta di più, denota la grande professionalità da parte di tutto lo staff Villorba Corse che ringrazio per avermi sempre sostenuto e messo nelle migliori condizioni per tutta la durata della stagione. Spero che l’avventura di quest’anno sia solo l’inizio della mia carriera nelle ruote coperte. Ringrazio tutto lo staff della squadra, il mio management Minardi Management e gli sponsor per aver permesso tutto questo, la mia famiglia e ovviamente tutti gli amici e le persone che sono venute a trovarmi in pista! Pronti per il 2025”.

CLASSIFICHE COMPLETE

Ufficio Stampa Nicholas Pujatti
Petrolhead Communication
Foto: G.Benfenati

GIOVANNI MINARDI: “TALENT FIRST”

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LA STAGIONE PORSCHE CARRERA CUP ITALIA ALL’ULTIMO ROUND, PUJATTI PRONTO PER MONZA

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Il Tempio delle Velocità di Monza sarà l’ultimo scenario della stagione 2024 targata Porsche Carrera Cup Italia. Nicholas Pujatti pronto al gran finale.

Quello della Porsche Carrera Cup Italia è stato un cammino lungo, fatto di prime volte, grandi sforzi e tanto lavoro per il pilota numero #46 della Scuderia Villorba Corse. Una prima annata che l’ha visto crescere gara dopo gara fino all’epilogo che ci apprestiamo a vivere sull’Autodromo Nazionale di Monza.

I test estivi hanno permesso a Nicholas di sperimentare il nuovo asfalto di Monza e dunque prendere confidenza con il leggendario circuito brianzolo. Il gran finale della stagione sarà più interessante che mai con una entry-list più che numerosa fatta di grandi nomi del panorama Porsche Mobil1 Supercup e non solo. Motivo in più per Nicholas che si spingerà a fare ancora meglio fino da subito sfruttando le sessioni di prove libere prima di entrare in clima gara.

Il programma prevederà come sempre il venerdì di prove libere alle ore 14.10. Sessione di un’ora che precederà le qualifiche in programma sabato 5 ottobre alle ore 09.20 prima di concentrarsi su Gara 1 nel pomeriggio ore 15.50 (30 min. + 1 giro). Gara 2, l’ultima dell’anno, fissata per domenica 6 ottobre ore 12.40 (30 min + 1 giro).

Entrambe le gare saranno trasmesse in diretta e on-demand sulla piattaforma Dazn free e in live streaming HD sul sito www.carreracupitalia.it.

Tutti gli aggiornamenti sui canali ufficiali di Nicholas Pujatti (Instagram e Facebook).

PROGRAMMA GARA

Ufficio Stampa Nicholas Pujatti
Petrolhead Communication

MATTIA BUCCI IS READY TO FACE THE LAST ROUND OF THE SEASON AT THE ICONIC MONZA CIRCUIT

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Curtain will fall on the Italian GT Sprint Championship, it will be the first time for Mattia at the “Temple of Speed”

Mattia Bucci will return in action with the Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo of Best Lap racing team after a month break period. He will take on the last round of the Italian GT Sprint Championship by ACI Sport, scheduled to be performed at the legendary Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

Mattia never raced in Monza, so this will mark his debut in the famous “Temple of Speed”. The amount of kilometers covered by him in that circuit is zero and over the weekend these statistics will be officially revised on the Lombard track, fresh from works that have partially changed its characteristics.

The GT Cup class programme will include, as usual, two Free Practice sessions on Friday, at 10:30 am and 4:10 pm respectively, two Qualifying sessions (10:55 am and 11:15 am) plus Race 1 (5:55 pm) on Saturday and Race 2 at 4:40 pm on Sunday to seal the last ACI Racing Weekend for the Sprint series.

The races will be broadcast on ACI Sport TV (channel 228 of Sky Italy) and on both the “Campionato Italiano Gran Turismo” Facebook and Youtube channels.

Mattia Bucci: “We’re finally back on track, there’s a bit of bitterness because it will be the last time this year. I’m super happy with what we’ve done this year, especially with the experience we’ve gained. We need to do the best we can in Monza and then switch focus on 2025. For me it’s a dream to race in the ‘Temple of Speed’ with an iconic racecar and brand like Ferrari, something I’ve always wanted as a kid watching races on TV or playing video games. I’m super pumped and I can’t wait, I miss going on track! I hope to end the year on a high note, because we deserve it after all the bad luck that has haunted us. I thank Giovanni Minardi and Minardi Management, the Best Lap team, my family, my sponsors, my Staff, my trainer Walter Marini and his team and for the support.”

PHOTO CREDITS: Lorenzo Colangeli

Matteo Gaudieri
Mattia Bucci’s Press Office

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!