It was a proud weekend for Malta in the world of international karting as Jacob Micallef delivered another stellar performance, clinching his fourth consecutive podium finish during the Champions of the Future Academy race event held in Jesolo, near Venice, Italy. Competing against some of the top young karting talents from across the globe, Micallef stood out with a first-place finish in the OK-N Junior class on Sunday, June 6, after securing second place on Saturday.
Micallef’s victory on Sunday came after a highly competitive race featuring 36 international drivers, further cementing his reputation as one of the most promising young racers in the European karting scene.
Micallef wasn’t the only Maltese driver in action in Jesolo. Joining him were Benjamin Westwood and Benjamin Borg Irima, both representing Malta with skill and determination.
- Benjamin Westwood competed in the same OK-N Junior category as Micallef. He initially crossed the finish line in a respectable seventh place, but a 5-second time penalty unfortunately pushed him down to 15th position.
- Benjamin Borg Irima competed in the OK-N Senior class, where he made a promising start, climbing as high as eighth position before being flagged out for safety reasons. The incident was caused by an accident involving another driver, who was subsequently disqualified, underscoring the unpredictable nature of high-speed motorsport.
Jacob Micallef’s recent performances have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. He now holds 22nd position in the FIA International Karting Classification, a remarkable feat considering the rankings include 822 drivers worldwide.
This latest triumph continues to elevate Micallef’s profile as one of the leading figures in junior karting, with eyes now turning toward his next challenge as he aims to climb even higher in the FIA standings.
Micallef’s rise is a testament to the growing talent pool in Maltese motorsport and a beacon of inspiration for young drivers across the island. With strong showings from both Westwood and Borg Irima, Malta’s presence on the international karting circuit is gaining serious traction.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these young drivers as they continue to represent Malta with passion, precision, and podium finishes.
