Max Defourny : A Great Future Ahead of Him

Though only 12, kart driver Max Defourny already has an eloquent list of achievements after less than three years. Champion of Benelux and Belgian vice champion, this Belgian young hopeful is about to start an intense international season, from which he expects a lot in terms of both experience and results. It is in the KF3 category, within the official Intrepid team, that he is determined to emerge from the pack.

> A promising Career Start
Despite his young age, Max Defourny is already a regular presence on podiums. During his first real year in competition, in 2008, he has achieved over 15 victories. He conquered the provincial title (Asaf) in Mini and became Belgian vice champion. In 2009, he decided to race in France, where the level of performance is particularly high. Fourth at the “Trophée de France” and winner of the highly reputed KART mag Prems Trophy in Minime, he returned to his country even stronger in 2010.

Second at the Belgian Championship with three high-level successes, he finished the season with two titles in his pocket: Benelux Champion and Asaf champion. “During the year, I have been able to use a kart very similar to the one I am going to use in 2011. It has been an excellent training”, Max said.

> The KF3 Category: A Must
Max Defourny is a fighter, with an impressive driving “touch”, who loves new challenges. In 2011, his progression up through the motor sport ranks will continue in KF3 (juniors from 12 to 14). As Alonso, Hamilton and Vettel did before him, Max is about to make his debut on the international scene: World Cup, European Championship, WSK Euro Series, Winter Cup and Academy CIK/FIA Trophy.

He will race at the wheel of an Intrepid-TM, since Max has just signed with Intrepid, fresh winner of the two world cups in KZ1 and KF3 in 2010. “I would like to thank Mirko Sguerzoni for his confidence: I will be the only French-speaking driver within Intrepid official structure to enter the different KF3 championships”, the Belgian driver commented delighted.

> A Special Advisor
In 2011, Max Defourny will be supported by a technician with unparalleled skills, Alain Boumal. Boumal is very experienced and has already provided his services to drivers such as Jenson Button, Kurt Mollekens, Andrea Gilardi and Giampiero Simoni. “I have worked with Max for three years now and undoubtedly he has big potential. In addition to his talent, he has excellent analysis skills and ability to focus. He knows that the first season in KF3 is never easy and that he has to practice a lot, but he is ready to give his maximum”, Alain added.

It must be said that Max started in motor sports when he was just a small child, because his father, Didier Defourny, had a successful career in car racing: excellent single-seater driver, he rubbed shoulders with David Coulthard, Rubens Barrichello and Olivier Panis in Opel-Lotus Formula and then in F3, he won the 24 Hours of Spa in 2000 and the title of French GT Champion in 2002, before dedicating himself to the organisation of the Belgian F1 Grand Prix.

> Profile
Born on 9 October 1998, Max Defourny has the Belgian nationality and attends an international school. He speaks French, English, Dutch and he is also learning German. In addition to karting, he has a good level at skiing and polo.