Reflecting on the start of the 2024 racing season
9 April
Q: With WSK complete and my Champions of the Future campaign just underway, how do I reflect on my results?
A: “I think it was pretty okay to be honest. I had some good results, but of course I’m not completely happy. Lots of people did many tests during the winter, whereas I just had one pre-test.
“I think testing plays a big role in deciding your results. For example, I didn’t test too much on the Maxxis tyres we use in the FIA championships. Some drivers trained for five days on the track where we are due to race. That makes it pretty tough when you arrive at the circuit.
“The results aren’t showing for me just yet, but I’m confident they will improve as the season gathers momentum and my seat time increases.”
Q: At which event do I think I’ve performed the best so far in 2024?
A: “I think that will be the WSK event at Cremona. In the rain, I was the fourth quickest driver – and comfortably among the front runners. I even did some purple sectors in the rain. My top-five results were pleasing and, in the rain, I beat some of the drivers that were at the front in the other races.
“That was a pretty good event for me. In the Final I got pushed off the track three times which was frustrating and unfortunate. But in the heats, I showed some good pace and I definitely took confidence from that.”
Q: What is an important thing I’ve learned so far this year?
A: “Success in karting is all about experience and I think what I’ve learned during the four race meetings I’ve completed in WSK and Champions has definitely made me a stronger competitor.
“For example, the drivers in OKJ are not easy with each other. They love to push each other out of the track and I’ve had that happen to me quite a lot this season. As a female, I think I need to earn the respect of the drivers.
“When you don’t have that, your race can look completely different because they can just smash you off the track. That’s the thing most people are telling me at the moment. I have to get the respect of those around me and that’s what I'm working hard to achieve.”
Q: Am I enjoying the challenge that 2024 has brought so far?
A: “Absolutely. It’s a privilege to race and test myself at this level in OKJ and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given.
“It’s quite tough on occasions because every race and every heat is completely different and you need to adapt quite a lot. There’s also a big number of drivers in OK-Junior now – maybe 100 to 120 – and that makes it even harder to get to the Final.
“There are probably 36 drivers that could actually win the Final at every event. Some people view it like it’s already a success if you get to the Super Heat and get a decent position there.
“I understand that, but my goal is always to get to the Final and compete for a result that’s as strong as possible.”