PIT TALK PARTNER MEDIA DI MINARDI MANAGEMENT

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Nasce la collaborazione tra il network di Pit Talk e Minardi Management: un 2025 all’insegna dei giovani talenti del motorsport

Siamo entusiasti di annunciare una straordinaria partnership tra il nostro network, punto di riferimento per gli appassionati di Formula 1 e motorsport, e Minardi Management, l’agenzia di gestione piloti guidata da Giovanni Minardi, da anni impegnata nella valorizzazione di giovani talenti nelle categorie propedeutiche delle corse automobilistiche. Questa collaborazione, che abbraccerà l’intero anno solare 2025, rappresenta un’opportunità unica per raccontare e seguire da vicino il percorso dei futuri protagonisti del motorsport.

Attraverso questa sinergia, il network offrirà approfondimenti esclusivi dedicati ai piloti gestiti da Minardi Management, con aggiornamenti costanti sui loro risultati e sulle sfide che li attendono nel corso della stagione. L’obiettivo è quello di creare un collegamento diretto tra gli appassionati e la nuova generazione di talenti, offrendo contenuti inediti e uno sguardo privilegiato su storie spesso poco raccontate.

Pit Talk dedicherà spazi specifici agli atleti di Minardi Management, con interventi, articoli, interviste esclusive e analisi approfondite. Ogni episodio rappresenterà un’occasione per comprendere meglio il duro lavoro e i sacrifici che i giovani piloti affrontano per inseguire il sogno di una carriera nel motorsport professionistico. La passione di Giovanni Minardi e la sua esperienza saranno il motore di queste narrazioni, offrendo ai nostri ascoltatori un racconto autentico e appassionato.

Giovanni Minardi, commentando la collaborazione, ha dichiarato: “Sono molto entusiasta di aver trovato l’accordo per una collaborazione tra la Minardi Management e tutto il network di Pit Talk. Penso che sia una collaborazione che darà maggiore visibilità alla nostra agenzia e ai nostri clienti e ci permetterà di approfondire argomenti a noi molto importanti nel mondo del motorsport trasmettendo i nostri valori e lo spirito sportivo che ci contraddistingue. Inoltre questa collaborazione darà modo ai nostri giovani piloti di prendere dimestichezza con il mondo dei media, in modo da iniziarli a preparare a quello che in futuro si troveranno davanti, quando diventeranno dei piloti professionisti.”

Il 2025 sarà un anno ricco di emozioni e opportunità, e non vediamo l’ora di intraprendere questo viaggio insieme a Minardi Management. Restate connessi per non perdere nemmeno un aggiornamento.

Autore: Francesco Svelto

BENJAMIN WESTWOOD TO RACE IN THE IAME EURO SERIES WITH PANTANO RACING

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Our 12-year-old Maltese talent relies on Pantano Racing Team’s experience and competence to take on the IAME Euro Series, X30 Junior category. For Benjamin it will be an exciting season, where he can leave his mark on the international scene also in the Champions of the Future Academy Program, OKJ category.

Giovanni Minardi: «I’m very pleased to have managed to bring Benji in the Pantano Racing Team. I’m convinced that, thanks to Giorgio’s experience, Benji can grow a lot and improve many aspects, which will help him in every race he will take on this year. I’m also extremely excited to see him racing not only in Italy, but, by competing in the IAME Euro Series and the Champions of the Future Academy Program, he will have the chance to learn new circuits».

Benjamin Westwood: «I’m very excited to start the year racing with the Pantano Team. It’s going to be our first time competing in the IAME Euro Series, I’m really looking forward to the challenge!».

Giorgio Pantano: «I’m looking forward to starting to work with Benjamin. It’s a privilege to being able to support him in his growth process, and I’m happy to contribute to the achievement of success in international championships».

Author: Jacopo Rava

MATTIA BUCCI INTERVIEW

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What attracted you first to the world of motorsport?
«My passion for motorsport was passed down to me by my family. My father and my uncle often went at a racetrack riding a minibike; I asked my father to buy me one for my birthday and I was satisfied».

You started racing very young, but on minibikes. What pushed you towards karting?
«The transition to karting happened after my father saw I started going fast on the minibike. To change my mind, he thought of pulling me over on the grass while we were running: I was scared, but he still thought of letting me try a kart on the circuit, I remember it was a 50cc Easy Training. It was love at first sight».

How did you meet Giovanni Minardi and how did he affect your career?
«I met Giovanni through my dad: he initially contacted him after discovering Minardi Management. At first he didn’t answer, but he contacted us later and we signed the contract after I was examined by one of his scouts in Siena. For me he’s essential, because he has years of experience in motorsport. He’s an important point of reference for my career and will be for a long time. I hope our collaboration can last as long as possible».

How did your perception of F1 change after you started racing in F4?
«The moment I switched to Formula, I appreciated the world of single-seaters and Formula 1 more. I thought that, especially with today’s cars, driving was easier, but I changed my mind after trying a Formula 4: I realized how difficult it is to be quick in a single-seater and how much work you have to do to prepare for a test or a race».

What is one lesson you learned in the paddock that you can apply in your daily life?
«An important lesson that the paddock gave me is to always smile even in the face of difficulties, because getting down doesn’t solve anything. You always have to believe in what you do».

You play the drums in your free time. What kind of music do you play and listen to?
«I play the drums in my free time, it’s my second passion after racing. Playing such an instrument, I really appreciate rock: it’s a kind of music with which I can let off steam, even if I listen to all genres».

Which movie describes you best?
«“Rush”, because it represents my passion for motorsport».

This year, in the Italian GT, you fulfilled 3 dreams: becoming a racing driver, driving a Ferrari and racing in Imola. What’s the next dream?
«It’s been a beautiful and important year for me. Rather than dreams, I would like to define them as “goals”, those that I have set myself and achieved. The next steps set are to always improve, to win as many races as possible and to try to compete for a championship».

When can you consider yourself satisfied with your career?
«I’ll be satisfied when I retire (laughs, ed). I have to give my best until the last moment of my career, I hope I can be proud of what I have done».

What legacy do you want to leave in motorsport?
«I hope to become somebody, so I can leave a legacy in motorsport (laughs, ed). What I recommend to all the young people who follow me is to smile at the difficulties, my family has always taught me to look at the glass half full. Using difficulty as a lesson to be able to find motivation: a mistake is not negative, but an event useful to grow to become stronger».

Author: Jacopo Rava

VLADIMIR IVANNIKOV JOINS BIRELART FOR THE 2025 KARTING SEASON

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Vladimir Ivannikov will race with Birelart in the 2025 karting season. The 2010-born driver from Moscow will make his debut in the OK category, a new challenge towards the big step to single-seaters.

In 2025, he will take on the CIK FIA European and World Championships, the Champions of the Future and the WSK Super Master Series and Final Cup.

Giovanni Minardi: «It was one of the easiest and quickest negotiations I have ever done in more than twenty years of my career. Everyone wanted to work together, so the deal was concluded in a short time».
«I’m glad that Vladimir can start with a new program and a new team. We know we must work hard, because he’s a rookie in the category, but he will have the time and the opportunity to grow, without any rush. I’m thankful to Ronni and Birelart for giving us this opportunity».

Vladimir Ivannikov: «I’m glad to announce I will be stepping up to the OK category under the Birelart colours in the 2025 season. It’s a team with a very rich history, I’m glad to finally be part of this red family».
«I’m very excited for this new adventure: higher speeds, an extremely competitive grid and many new things to learn. I’m thankful to Ronni Sala and Jordan Lennox for giving me this opportunity to show myself. I’ll do my best!».

Author: Jacopo Rava

MARKAS SILKUNAS SIGNS WITH VDK RACING FOR HIS SECOND SEASON IN OK CATEGORY

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The 16-year-old Lithuanian signed with VDK Racing to take on his sophomore year in the OK category. After a very positive 2024 season, Markas will try to get back on the podium of the Champions of the Future Academy Program.

In addition, he will take advantage of the experience gathered last year to establish himself as a top driver in the CIK FIA European and World championships, the WSK Euro Series and the Champions of the Future.

Giovanni Minardi: «We have finally concluded the negotiations with VDK Racing for the 2025 season. I’m really excited and convinced that this driver/team combination can truly fight for great results. Like last year, Markas’ schedule features a very intense season, where he’s certainly going to be a protagonist in every championship he will race in. Now it’s his turn to give his 100%».

Markas Silkunas: «I’m very happy to start 2025 with VDK Racing. I’m looking forward to achieving better results and having a good and successful year in karts. See you on track!».

Eric Verdaasdonk: «As a Team Manager, I can only be delighted to have been able to recruit a driver of the quality of Markas. He has a natural speed which will allow him to get on the podium. It’s really a big opportunity for me and for the whole VDK team».

Author: Jacopo Rava

VANESA SILKUNAITE MOVES TO VDK RACING TO CONTINUE IN OKJ CATEGORY

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The 13-year-old Lithuanian will continue to race in the OKJ category, but with the support of the VDK Racing team. She will take on the premier international championships, namely the World and European CIK FIA championships, the Champions of the Future and the WSK Euro Series.

Alongside these commitments, she will come back fighting for the podium in the Champions of the Future Academy Program, OKNJ category.

Giovanni Minardi: «This year, Vanesa will have a season full of races, as she will compete in 4 championships. This year, her family gave her the opportunity to have an excellent material in every competition she will race in, therefore I expect her to grow noticeably and to bring home excellent results. I’m looking forward to being back on track with her and to bringing home the results that, due to bad luck, she couldn’t achieve in the 2024 season».

Vanesa Silkunaite: «I’m really excited to start the 2025 season with the VDK Racing Team. It’s exciting for me, because I’ll be staying in the Junior category. I can’t wait for my first race of the 2025 season with VDK and hope it will be a great and exciting year. I’m looking forward to being back on track!».

Eric Verdaasdonk: «I had the pleasant surprise of discovering Vanesa at the International Warriors Final 2024, and that allowed me to confirm all the good things that we thought of her. Thanks to her, the team finally has an excellent driver girl».

Author: Jacopo Rava

FEDERICO SBARDELLATI TO DEBUT IN PROTOTYPE RACING WITH WOLF RACING IN 2025

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Federico Sbardellati begins a new chapter in his career. After the magnificent performance in last year’s Wolf Racing Cars Contest, the 14-year-old Italian got his chance to participate in the 2025 Wolf Racing Cars Academy. As a consequence, his karting career is over.

Alongside his racing, Federico is set to drive the Wolf car in a testing program in order to get ready for his debut in the 2026 Italian Sport Prototypes Championship.

Giovanni Minardi: «I’m really excited for the journey Federico is about to embark on. After his beautiful performance in the contest organized by the Bellarosa family on the Magione Circuit last November with Wolf cars, we decided it was right to continue in this direction.After talking with Ivan, who showed us their Academy program, despite Federico’s young age, just 14 years old, we considered right not to continue in karting, rather beginning a 2026 season’s preparation program, so that we are ready and competitive right from the get-go in the 2026 Italian Sport Prototypes Championship».

Federico Sbardellati: «Il 2024 concluded with the Wolf Racing Cars Contest, which gave me the chance to be selected for the 2025 Wolf Racing Cars Academy. There I start a new chapter! My passion for motorsport began in 2015 by watching the “Rush” movie. Among its protagonists was James Hunt, who drove for Wolf in 1979. For me it’s incredible thinking about it. I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to this new fantastic opportunity, in which I join the world of cars a bit early, but with great desire to learn and perform well. The journey is still long, challenging and full of hurdles, but with my feet steady on the ground, I keep dreaming!».

Ivan Bellarosa: «We are very excited to welcome Federico in our Academy, and to do so working closely with Giovanni Minardi. We are sure Federico will show his great skills, as he did at the Steering Wheel Award, and together we’ll be able to show an alternative route towards professionalism».

Author: Jacopo Rava

MAYA WEUG JOINS MINARDI MANAGEMENT

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Minardi Management is excited to announce the signing of new driver Maya Weug. The 2004 born Dutch-Belgium driver is member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021. Since then, she improved considerably, and stood out in 2024 by concluding the F1 Academy in 3rd place overall.

Considered one of the most talented female drivers, she has no problems adapting to different cars and teams. Her meticulous approach allows her to get the most out of the car every time, even when the time available is narrow.

Giovanni Minardi: «I am extremely proud to have signed the management contract with Maya. In my humble opinion I believe that Maya has all the credentials to compete on par with male drivers and bring home excellent results, as she already showed several times in the previous seasons.
Considering her age and the categories in which she’s competing, I think she can be the first girl to have the possibility to reach the highest goal in motorsport, and she can be a benchmark for the other girls in our Agency, advising them on how to become professionals. We at Minardi Management will do everything we can to make Maya’s dream come true».

Maya Weug: «I’m really excited to start working together with Minardi Management, I’m sure they will help me develop and create the best structure and possibilities around me. They’re super humble and hard working, with all their experience and network I’m confident that we can achieve great things together!»

Author: Jacopo Rava

MARKAS SILKUNAS INTERVIEW

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How do you reflect on the 2024 season?
«My season was a success, and I’m really happy with my performance and results».

What did you learn from each championship you raced in?
«I’ve learned a lot from these championships, becoming faster and more successful with each race».

Where does your win in Al Forsan rank in your best moments of the year?
«Winning in Al Forsan felt amazing, especially to do so in front of Toto Wolff and all the other racing teams».

You finally got to hear your national anthem again on the podium. What kind of support do you feel you’re receiving from Lithuania?
«Winning at the FIA Motorsport Games was the highlight of my season. Hearing my national anthem play was an unforgettable feeling».

What’s your best quality?
«I believe my greatest strengths are my focus, consistency, and adaptability».

What is the aspect you’re working on the most?
«Right now, we’re working on becoming more consistent and finding ways to improve my speed in wet conditions».

Is there a personal aspect in which you improved thanks to racing?
«At the moment, I’m focused on analyzing what went wrong in recent races and figuring out how I can improve moving forward».

What are your expectations for the 2025 season?
«In 2025, I aim to secure more podiums and continue to develop my driving skills».

Where do you see yourself in three years time?
«In three years, I would like to be competing professionally, whether in F3 or F2, and ideally either racing for free or being paid for my efforts».

What is the ultimate goal in your career?
«My ultimate goal is to become an F1 driver or to be paid for doing what I love».

Author: Jacopo Rava

JULIA ANGELARD TO STAY AT JSTR RACING FOR 2025 KARTING SEASON

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Julia Angelard will continue his karting journey with the JSTR Racing team. The thirteen-year-old Pole will take on her sophomore season in the ROK Italy Series, Junior category. Moreover, she will feature in the prestigious Champions of the Future Academy Program, OKNJ category.

Giovanni Minardi: «I’m very excited about the program Julia will undertake this year, participating in the ROK Italy Series and the Champions of the Future Academy Program.I’m sure that, after what she showed last season, 2025 will be a season where she can get many good results in both championships.I’m looking forward to seeing her on track, especially in the Champions of the Future Academy Program. She will be a girl to fear on track».

Julia Angelard: «I am very excited to continue my karting experience to fulfill my dreams in my motorsport career. I’m staying with JSTR by Jastrzębski Racing Team, which helped me to develop my skills and proved to be very fast and competitive. In 2025 I will repeat ROK Cup Italy, which I liked to participate in last year, but I will also participate in the Champions of the Future Academy Program. If budget and calendar allows I will also participate in some WSK races and the Polish Championship. I will also continue my partnership with Minardi Management, who has been a great support for me in my career and in making decisions. It’s going to be a busy and exciting year».

Kamil Jastrzębski: «After a very busy 2024 season with a lot of racing, Julia showed great improvement and progress. We will continue working together to get even better results in 2025. In this season, we are excited to focus on ROK Cup Italy series and some WSK rounds»

Author: Jacopo Rava