CIK Best-of 2014: Stefano Mantese, director of Vega

The Italian company Vega Spa has specialised in the production of kart racing tyres since 1980. Their record includes more than ten world titles and numerous other European titles. In 2014, Vega tyres were fitted to all KF-Junior karts participating in the CIK-FIA World Championship and European Championships. At Vega Stefano Mantese owns and leads […]

FIA Karting Best Of FIA Karting

CIK Best-of 2014: Stefano Mantese, director of Vega

What is your assessment of the 2014 international season?

– For Vega, 2014 was a good year. We won the tender for the CIK-FIA to equip the KF-Junior category. It was a new challenge because the regulations have changed and we must be able to provide more durable tyres, while maintaining high grip levels. The CIK-FIA has sought to reduce the cost of racing by reducing the number of tyres allowed in a Competition. While our goal is to sell the best possible tyres, we think this is a good decision for the future of karting.

How have you managed to meet this challenge?

– Our experience of racing was paramount. We have worked hard to develop the performance of tyres over time. According to our view, we do not necessarily suggest very hard tyres to meet the distances imposed by the 2014 regulations. If a tyre lacks grip, it will slip and wear more, resulting in not reaching its goal. We have reached a good compromise between performance and longevity, to the satisfaction of the drivers. Our products have also been used in several other major championships in Europe.

What is the strength of Vega?

– We are able to provide consistent quality of tyres at each event. All of our tyres for a Competition are made in a very short time – less than a week. The other quality of the product is to ensure high grip during the greater part of the life of the tyre. That said, the drivers must know how to use them, including avoiding relying unduly on new tyres. We must somehow run in tyres, like the rest of the equipment. We operate several types of quality control over our tyres, during manufacture, but also on the track during the season.

What are Vega’s goals for the future?

– This year has been very positive for Vega, but we will try to do even better in 2015. We will respond once again to the various CIK-FIA tenders hoping to supply the equipment to a large class. But in any case we will do our best to satisfy our customers.

(Extract of the CIK-FIA Best-Of 2014)

Info CIK / © Photo KSP

Publié le 03/02/2015