Qualifying practice and the first heats have been run at the South Garda Karting Circuit in Lonato.
The 37th Andrea Margutti Trophy at South Garda Karting in Lonato immediately showcased its immense appeal, drawing a significant participation of approximately 280 drivers from 37 nations across all continents. Many key players are ready to honor this event—organized by Parma Motorsport in memory of the young Andrea Margutti—in the best possible way.
Qualifying practice officially kicked off this 37th edition, which stands as one of the most well-attended ever. It features the presence of numerous international teams and many rising stars eager to add their names to the prestigious Hall of Fame, which dates back to 1990.
KZ2 – Bertuca sets the pace.
In KZ2, with 64 drivers competing, Cristian Bertuca (Birelart Racing – Birelart/Iame/Vega) immediately began set the pace in qualifying. The winner of the 2025 and 2023 editions clocked the overall fastest time in 45.958s in Group 1. However, Alex Maragliano (CL Racing Team Renda – Birelart/TM Kart) also delivered an excellent performance, posting the fastest time in Group 2 with a 46.097s. The Belgian Elie Goldstein (TB Kart Racing Team – TB Kart/TM Kart) was among the best driveres with a time of 46.154s in Group 1, and Michael Ider (KCS Racing – Birelart/TM Kart) with a 46.124s in Group 2. Filippo Sala (CL Racing Team – Birelart/TM Kart) also had a brilliant showing on his KZ2 debut, securing the third-fastest time in Group 1 with a 46.198s. Rounding out the top performers were the German Daniel Stell (Kartshop Ampfing – Birelart/TM Kart) at 46.218s and Michael Barbaro Paparo (Monster K Factory – Monster K/TM Kart) at 46.273s.
OK-N – Pavan leads the 90 drivers of OK-N.
Sebastiano Pavan (Zanchi Motorsport – KR/TM Kart/MG) leads the massive OK-N field, which is crowded with an impressive 90 drivers. Pavan set the overall fastest time in Group 3 with a 47.644s, outpacing his two most formidable rivals: the Frenchman Lucas Bonhomme (Bonhomme – Tony Kart/Vortex), who was fastest in Group 1 with a 47.756s, and Alessandro Cocozza (Cocozza – Sodi/TM Kart), the leader of Group 2 with a 47.810s.
Among the challengers, several drivers stood out: Federico Rossi (AKM – Parolin/TM Kart) with a 47.733s, Valerio Gaetano (PRK – Tony Kart/Vortex) who posted a 47.774s, and Andrea Barbieri (Zanchi Motorsport – Tony Kart/TM Kart) at 47.880s. Barbieri was preceded by teammate Cristian Blandino (KR/TM Kart), who clocked a 47.760s in Group 3. Meanwhile, last year’s winner, Manuel Scognamiglio (Pantano by DAM – Pantano/Iame), is expected to mount a comeback after qualifying with a 47.889s.
OK-NJ – Great performance by Muller in the Junior.
With 63 drivers, the Junior category highlighted Tiberius Muller (Beyond Racing Team – LN/Modena Engines/MG), who took the top spot with a time of 48.559s in Group 2. He surpassed Patrick Bissa (Power Competition – EKS/Modena Engines), who had led Group 1 with a 48.613s.
In Group 2, following closely behind Muller were Gioele Carrer (Emme Racing – EKS/Modena Engines) at 48.575s and Orlando Rovelli (Team Driver – KR/Iame) at 48.618s. In Group 1, after Bissa, notable performances came from Alex Poligheddu (Lenovo Kalì Kart Team – Kalì Kart/TM Kart) with a 48.630s and Filippo Tessarollo (Tessarollo – CRG/Modena Engines) with a 48.731s.
MINI Gr.3 – Mair is the fastest.
The MINI Gr.3 category featured a strong turnout of protagonists, with several international drivers taking center stage. The overall fastest was the Englishman Alfie Richard Mair (Tony Kart Racing Team – Tony Kart/Vortex/MG), who clocked a time of 53.976s in Group 1. Meanwhile, Group 2 saw the Romanian Adam Pirvu (CRG Racing Team – T-Group/TM Kart) lead the way with a time of 54.098s.
In Group 1, standout performances were also delivered by the Swede Elton Skalhammar (Ward Racing – Parolin/TM Kart) at 54.025s, the Spaniard Abraham Schelvis (CRG Racing Team – T-Group/TM Kart) just a hair behind at 54.054s, and the Maltese driver Zane Pace (Tony Kart Racing Team – Tony Kart/Vortex) at 54.085s. In Group 2, following Pirvu, the top spots were taken by the Ukrainian Leo Kralev (Borsch Racing – KR/Iame) in 54.171s and his teammate Matteo Gei in 54.278s.
MINI U10 – Burgess sets the fastest time.
It was a fierce battle as usual in MINI U10, where the American Zayne Burgess (Parolin Motorsport – Parolin/Iame/MG) confirmed his form by setting the fastest time in 54.450s. Burgess edged out Oliver Weytjens (Team Driver) by just 61 milliseconds, while the other category standout, fellow American Blake Hsueh (Tony Kart Racing Team – Tony Kart/Vortex), followed 0.101s behind. Also performing well were the Estonian Sten Mihailov (AIX Racing Team – Maranello/TM Kart) at +0.331s and the Maltese driver Miguel Spina (Borsch Racing – KR/Iame) at +0.373s.
The opening day concluded with the first qualifying heats, which will continue throughout Saturday. The final phase will take place on Sunday, March 15th.
The program of the Andrea Margutti Trophy 2026:
Saturday, March 14th: Qualifying heats.
Sunday, March 15th, Live Streaming: Second chance races, Prefinals, Finals, Prize Ceremony.
All information are available at www.trofeomargutti.com.
Parma, 13.03.2026
Parma Motorsport
Press Office