from CIK-FIA
Now retired from Formula 1, Jarno Trulli takes a very lucid look at today’s karting, especially as his young son Enzo was racing internationally in 2018 in the OK-Junior category.
According to the Italian, everything is now much faster, compared to when he grew up. More than ever, a young Driver must have qualities other than speed and talent. He must also have a clear head!
WHEN YOUR CAR CAREER ENDED, WERE YOU THINKING OF PASSING THE BATON TO YOUR TWO SONS?
Not at all. I was not particularly in favour of them starting Karting. One of my friends took his son to the rental kart track and offered to take my two children. Marco, the youngest, told me he had fun, but he did not want to race. For Enzo, I felt that it had been different, that he had really loved it. It was my father who was quick to buy him a kart. However, we took the time to set up a Mini racing programme last year.
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DURING COMPETITIONS, HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR PLACE AT HIS SIDE?
In the beginning, my priority was to see him enjoying himself in a family team, with my father and a friend who took care of me in my go-kart in the 80s and 90s. We managed our own equipment, and had a great time together. It was only in 2018, when he was in OK-Junior, that I thought it would be better for him to join a well-structured team like CRG. Nevertheless, I stay by his side to help him as much as possible. We have a very good relationship and he understands that I always push him to excel.
HOW DO YOU RATE HIS PERFORMANCES?
I regret that he didn’t race more when he was younger. He has already won races, the Trofeo Margutti and a round of the German Championship, every time it was at the circuit of Lonato that he knows very well. The European Championship on other tracks has been more difficult. He is still young and lacks experience. I admit that I had doubts before he moved to Junior, but a year later, I am very impressed with his progress.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO COMPARE YOUR BEGINNINGS IN KARTING, MORE THAN 30 YEARS AGO, WITH THOSE OF ENZO?
No, it’s totally different. In my day, the idea of enjoyment was more important. Today, we expect a lot of seriousness and a lot of work from 13-year-olds. They need to acquire a professional approach to make a difference because the gaps are tiny. Becoming a champion nowadays requires effort, investment and a strong mind. Speed is important, but early maturity is essential.
DO YOU THINK ABOUT YOURS AND ENZO’S FUTURE ALREADY?
No, I do not want to imagine what will happen in three or five years. For my part, my career is behind me. Regarding Enzo, firstly I want him to have fun and to get results. We’ll see after that…
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