Slowed down by age
Benjamin Mazatis, the 14-year-old motorsport talent from Bruckmühl, hadn't envisioned his season starting like this. His motto for 2012 was supposed to be: „In the footsteps of Sebastian Vettel,“ but his planned start at a BMW junior academy had to be postponed. The youngster didn't receive the necessary licence from the German Motorsport Federation (DMSB) and will now be battling for wins in karting again.
Benjamin Mazatis still has to wait until he can enter Formula racing.
The disappointment was great. By October, everything seemed to be in the bag. Benjamin Mazatis convinced those responsible for the BMW Talent Cup and was already presented at the grand finale in the Oschersleben Motorsport Arena as the youngest participant of the 2012 season.
But at the turn of the year, the dream of entering Formula 1 racing was shattered. An age regulation from the supreme world governing body, the FIA, prohibits the DMSB from issuing the required licence, and Benjamin Mazatis had to cancel his start. „I didn't expect this. After we had already signed all the necessary contracts before Christmas, I couldn't wait to start,“ explained the 14-year-old youngster. Despite the bitter setback, he managed to put together an attractive emergency programme.
He will compete in a karting season once again and will participate in the ADAC Kart Masters. The championship of the world's second-largest automobile club is considered one of Germany's most fiercely contested kart racing series and has produced several talented racing drivers since its inception. For Benjamin Mazatis, it's clear that even though starting in karting is only his second choice, he wants to be at the top at the end of the year. „My height and weight don't make karting entirely easy for me. But now I have to grit my teeth and will give it my all again this year.“ The grammar school student will again be supported by Kartshop Ampfing. The team has been a loyal companion for years and will also professionally prepare his racing equipment for this year's events.
Despite missing out on the Formula BMW Talent Cup, Benjamin doesn't have to completely do without the 140 hp racing car. He will continue to hone his driving skills on select test days and is eagerly looking ahead to the future.
My aim is to become a professional racing driver, unfortunately this path isn't easy. I'm now looking ahead and will start the season highly motivated in mid-April.