The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile just finished holding its annual Sport Conference in Manila. As part of the three-day event, the organization put on a number of motorsport demonstrations at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds. Yesterday, no less than former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa stopped by to show off his skills in karting.
The 37-year-old Brazilian racing driver, who had recently been elected president of the FIA karting commission (CIK-FIA), took to the wheel to demonstrate the new electric karts that will also be making an appearance at the 2018 Youth Olympics. Massa, who will be joining Formula E as a driver next year, drove on a specially created track to set a benchmark time which local drivers then had to try and beat.
The 11-time F1 race winner clearly enjoyed himself as he raced around the track in front of conference delegates and local spectators, with even FIA president Jean Todt stopping by to have a look. The e-karts, four of which had been brought to the country by the organization for the convention, were developed by engineering company Bosch and German kart manufacturer Mach1. They feature a 20kW powertrain that puts down 300Nm of torque and fully complies with FIA regulations.
Below are photos for those who weren’t able to catch Massa during his e-karting demo.
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