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Record 266 Driver Entry Set for FIA Karting World Cup at Viterbo
A massive 50 percent surge in entries highlights the international growth of the OK-N category as the Leopard Circuit prepares for a decisive weekend of racing.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-10-06T10:35:00.000Z - 3 min read
A record-breaking entry list of 266 drivers has descended on the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo, Italy, for the 2026 FIA Karting World Cup. The event features competition across the OK-N and OK-N Junior categories, marking a remarkable 50 percent increase in entries compared to the previous year. This growth points to the rising accessibility of the OK-N concept and the strength of qualification pathways linking national competitions to the international stage.
The 16-corner Italian circuit welcomes 149 drivers in the senior OK-N division and 117 contenders in OK-N Junior. Defending his 2025 title is Italian driver Manuel Scognamiglio, who competes with Pantano by Dam this season. Scognamiglio secured his crown in Cremona last year with an eight-second margin, but faces renewed pressure from compatriot Danny Carenini, who arrives in Viterbo following a victory in the final round of the Italian championship.
The grid also incorporates several graduates from the FIA Karting Academy Trophy. Academy Senior winner Albie Lapper enters the senior category as the sole British driver competing for the title, securing his free entry through OTK Team. Other Academy frontrunners making the step up include Alexis Genolet, Ioan Tudor Jercan and Oliver Kurg, adding further depth to an already competitive field featuring 62 drivers racing under the Italian flag.
In the OK-N Junior category, a successor to 2025 winner Gioele Girardello will be crowned from a diverse international entry representing 33 nationalities. Leading the contenders is Troy Ferguson, who finished second in the 2025 FIA Karting Shootout and has raced with Parolin throughout the European season. Returning names such as Antoni Ociepa and Orlando Rovelli join recent national championship race winners including Luigi D'Ascoli, Kolovos Ioannis and Gioele Carrer.
Alongside the World Cup fights, Viterbo hosts the third and final round of the FIA Karting Academy Trophy Junior. John Han of Hong Kong holds a 38-point advantage at the top of the standings after a dominant run that included a clean sweep in Sarno and victory in the Asia-Pacific Championship. Italian home hope Domenico Coco sits second in the points and remains Han's nearest challenger heading into the decisive sessions.
Zoltan Coigny holds third in the Academy standings despite a scoreless outing at Sarno following a retirement from the final. While sitting 67 points behind the leader, Coigny has previously demonstrated the pace to control a weekend from pole position. Behind the leading trio, a tight battle unfolds between Takeru Shimbashi, Kevin Pentell, Georgios Psaroudakis and Sebastián Galeano Grinó, with just four points separating fourth and seventh place.
On-track action at Viterbo begins with free practice sessions on Friday morning, followed by qualifying practice and the opening heats. Saturday is dedicated entirely to the continuation of the qualifying heats across all classes. The weekend concludes on Sunday with the super heats, drivers' presentations and the respective finals for Academy Junior, OK-N Junior and the senior OK-N World Cup.