MANILA, Philippines - Larco Rafael Pesigan Cortez of Formula E Racing became the biggest discovery this season after clinching his fifth consecutive victory and virtually the Formula Cadet Novice plum recently in the Clark leg of the 2013 Coca-Cola Karting Super Series at the Clark International Speedway.
The win further widened his lead over his rivals with 505 points, which assured him of the crown even if he doesn’t show up in the championship leg set Dec. 14-15 at the Carmona Racetrack.
What further impressed the crowd is, Cortez is a witty, thinking karter who calculates every move and comes up with timely decisions and strategic maneuvers in crucial situations.
For Formula-E Racing Management CEO and racing mentor Elson Carpio, showing dominant skills far advanced than his contemporaries only proves that the 11-year-old Don Bosco-Makati student is ready to face bigger challenges next season.
He admits Larco is one rare find that, despite his age, has shown the passion and dedication to improve his craft as he never fails to come up with something surprisingly new in every race.
His intensity and driving consistency on dry or wet track could be attributed to his character as a good listener and a fast learner which Carpio considers as basic ingredients in the making of a champion.
“I’m quite impressed how Larco has improved so fast in karting. No doubt, he’s really talented but I’m just afraid that his fast racing maturity may have its adverse effects on the kid. I don’t want him to burn out too early before he reaches the ripe age to be the champion,†Carpio added.
Nothing yet is sure about plans for next year, whether he’ll move up to the Formula Cadet Expert, Mini-ROK or in the Formula SL Novice class. The only thing certain is, he’ll make his first international stint in the coming Macau leg of the 2013 Asian Karting Open Championship on Oct. 12-13 at the Kartodromo de Coloane Circuit.