Interview with Enzo Joulié “This OK-Junior experience will make me stronger”

Enzo Joulié (14 years old) is one of those young drivers attracted by the international CIK-FIA categories like OK-Junior, and why not the OK in the future? The Frenchman has constantly progressed to the forefront in his country in Minikart then in Minime, before continuing his career in a brand challenge. During the last round of the 2018 European Championship on the circuit of Aunay les Bois, he took advantage of the opportunity to enter, thanks to the system of wild cards, and to dive into the world of OK-Junior at the wheel of a KR-Parilla. He did not regret it!

Enzo, how old were you at your Karting debut?

Like many other drivers, my father raced before me in Karting and he quickly put me in a kart, from the age of six years. In France, the Minikart category makes it possible to start very early and I soon participated in various competitions. My first seasons were excellent. I finished 3rd in the French Cup in Minikart, before becoming French Champion in Minime in 2016, at the age of 12 years. A great memory! From this moment I wanted to obtain a Junior license to race at a higher level.

Why did you participate in the French Kart Grand Prix at Aunay les Bois in Junior?

Since 2017, I have raced in a monobrand challenge, with encouraging results. Of course, the CIK-FIA Competitions are also very attractive because the standard is even higher. To race in the framework of the European Championship remained very motivating and the opportunity arrived this year. The CBK team, for which I race, teamed up with my father to create KR France and import the chassis of the same name. For the French Kart Grand Prix, a place in the KR Motorsport team was available and Dino Chiesa, its manager, told us about it. It was definitely a proposal not to be missed!

What did you think about OK-Junior equipment?

It really was a very pleasant experience. Compared to what I know, the engine offers a lot of feeling, especially the acceleration through its direct transmission, without a clutch, which allows you to feel the power of the engine. I really liked the tyres, with a very high level of grip. Under braking as well as in fast curves, it really pushes the limits. The cornering speed, especially at the end of the straight at Aunay les Bois, was intense. What fun! Of course, it is not always easy to make the most of this type of CIK-FIA homologated tyres when you are still learning, but it was still a very good experience. I am sure I left this Competition stronger than when I arrived.

How did the Competition go?

With 67 drivers at the start, I expected it to be difficult … and it was! Even though I had already had the opportunity to race at Aunay les Bois, many drivers know the category very well. In addition, the battles on the track are intense and incessant. We must constantly stay focused not to lose places and try to move forward. I had no idea that I was going to have a hard time being one of the finalists. Nevertheless, I think I have managed some very good runs, while achieving very encouraging times. In any case, I do not regret my trip and my discovery of the OK-Junior category, which was possible thanks to the CIK-FIA wild card system.

What did you think of your integration into a large international team and the famous Dino Chiesa as team manager?

It is an honour to have raced with him. He knows what he is talking about and the equipment he has developed is very powerful. Being part of such a team is different from what I knew. The technical team works with data acquisition a lot and it is important for a driver to be able to describe what he feels to improve the set-up of the chassis and the engine. You have to get involved and be able to analyse your equipment. At first it’s not easy and it’s at this level that more experienced drivers make the difference. In my team, I admit that it was interesting to have been able to face drivers who have raced in OK-Junior since the beginning of the season.

How do you see your future? Would you be tempted to switch to OK?

It’s really something that interests me. The equipment looks very competitive, very effective … But at this point, nothing is decided yet. Participating in the 2019 European and World Championships would be exciting, but we will give ourselves time to think.

Info CIK-FIA / © Photo KSP