One of the karts stolen from the family of the late F1 driver Jules Bianchi has been found.
“It is with immense joy that I confirm that Jules’ go-kart has been found! A huge relief for our entire family” his father, Philippe, posted on social media.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who made this possible. We still have a few go-karts and a mini-bike to find, but thanks to all of you, I have high hopes. Forever Jules!”
Last week, thieves made off with nine karts from the family’s home in Brignoles, France. Among them were Jules’ last competition kart, a KZ 125 ART GP model, and several mini-karts belonging to his young grandsons.
At the time of the theft, Bianchi Snr said it was deeply distressing and re-opened an immense wound.
He wrote this message to the thieves:
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“What you took was not just material. It has almost no market value, and for an obvious reason: you’ll never be able to use it. It’s identified, traceable, and unusable on a go-kart track.
“But above all, it belonged to Jules Bianchi. A man, a rider, a karting kid. A name that all enthusiasts know, respect, and still carry in their hearts.
“By stealing this equipment, you didn’t just take items. You’ve reopened a wound. You stole a memory. You made Jules’ parents and relatives suffer a second time.”
Jules died on July 17 2015, aged 25, due to injuries sustained in a crash during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix nine months prior.
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