Marcelo joins world-famous Tony Kart

Philippine karting champion Stefano Marcelo will soon be driving for the world-renowned Tony Kart Factory Team.

Marcelo received invitation to be part of the Tony Kart Team from team owner Roberto Robazzi.

“I’m very flattered and happy with the invitation. It’s not only a big recognition for all the efforts and dedication I gave racing here and in Europe, but also validates that Filipinos are really going places in the karting and car racing scene,” said Marcelo, 16.

Robazzi first took note of Marcelo in the 2007 Macau Asian Karting Open Championship Finals and World KF1 championship where the Filipino ace bagged his first Asian Karting crown and wound up 10th in the tough 28-man field of KF1 Championship including world champions Marco Ardigo, Gary Catt and Will Stevens.

His feats in the World Super Karting (WSK) Championships in La Conca and Sarno, Italy and Zuera, Spain, the Parma Industrials Cup in Italy and the 2008 World ROK Cup Finals also impressed Robazzi.

In the World ROK Cup Finals, Stefano posted the fastest time in the qualifying time trials and won two of the three heats against the best in the world.

“I’m very happy that I’ve been chosen from thousands of other equally talented drivers around the world, particularly in Europe, to run for the Tony Kart factory. Knowing that they have produced drivers that made it to the pinnacle of motorsports, I hope that they do so in me as well,” said Marcelo.

Tony Kart has been the world’s top factory team, having won several world championships for years. World champions Sebastian Vettel, Heikki Kovalinen, Jarno Trulli and Micheal Schumacher are among big names who had stints with the team.

Stefano is the first Asian to be offered a berth with Tony Kart.

“This is really a big honor. There have been Japanese drivers in Tony Kart before but as I was told they were drivers who applied to be with the team. I believe Tony Kart will help me improve my driving skills as I will get help from their current drivers,” said Marcelo.

“Every time we travel to Europe to race, it’s hard not to notice Tony Kart as they stand out from the other teams. The partnership with Tony Kart is a great opportunity to be competitive in international race events, and knowing this makes me more confident in my future in motor sports as I believe they have chosen me for the reason that they think that I have the potential to get into Formula 1,” he added.

Though he will be still be running in the local races, Marcelo sees himself traveling more often with the Tony Kart Team and competing in European races such as the WSK Championship, the Asia-Pacific Series, the Macau World Finals and the North American Championships in Las Vegas.