Maltese karting driver Jake Jordan Micallef has continued to showcase his growing talent with a strong performance at the IAME X30 Series in Italy, finishing just short of the podium in fourth place. The weekend proved to be both challenging and rewarding as the young driver adapted quickly to a new engine while competing against an international grid.
The event began with promise as Micallef set the second-fastest time in practice, immediately signalling his pace and composure. However, qualifying did not go entirely to plan. A few tenths lost in key sectors dropped him to tenth on the grid, forcing him to work through the midfield during the heats.
Despite the setback, Micallef responded with focus and determination. Across the two manches, he secured fifth and eleventh positions, which placed him eighth overall for the final. It was a display of consistent lap times and mature racecraft from a driver still gaining valuable experience on the European stage.
In the final, Micallef delivered one of his most spirited drives to date. After a strong start, he climbed to third place and was firmly in contention for a podium finish. As the laps unfolded, his pace remained competitive among some of Italy’s top junior racers. Yet motorsport can be unforgiving, and a small mistake in the final corner cost him a place on the podium. He crossed the line in fourth position, narrowly missing out but leaving a strong impression.
Speaking after the race, Micallef said:
“It was a tough but valuable weekend in Italy. I started strong with P2 in practice, but qualifying didn’t go as planned. I fought back hard in the heats and was running third in the final before a mistake in the last corner cost me the podium. It stings, but every lap is experience and every mistake is a step forward.”
While the result carried a hint of frustration, it also reinforced Micallef’s steady progression and adaptability behind the wheel. Competing against seasoned international rivals, his ability to recover from setbacks and maintain pace highlights his growing confidence and potential.
As the season continues, the focus now shifts to building on this momentum. Each race offers further experience and learning opportunities for Jake Jordan Micallef, who continues to represent Malta with determination and promise on the European karting circuit.
