Canadian Champ Bizzotto Focusing on Grand Finals Podium

“My goals for this RMCGF are the same goals that I have going into every race. To win.”

As you can see, Alessandro Bizzotto has only one vision for this years Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals.

The 2016 ASN Canadian National Champion in the Rotax DD2 category is competing in the Grand Finals for the third time in his career and has only the highest intentions, even when he knows he is competing in the grandest of stages.

“Although this race always proves to bring out the toughest competition year after year, I was able to show great speed in last year’s event in Portimao, and am confident that the same will occur this year in Sarno. Finding motivation is never hard to do going into a race of this magnitude, but having last year’s event end for me with engine malfunctions has just heightened my desire and determination to work hard and do well this year.”

Full of confidence that he would qualify, Bizzotto took advantage of a team test this summer at the Sarno karting circuit in Italy, host of this years Grand Finals, with the BirelART factory race team to prepare for not only the Canadian Championships, but the Rotax Grand Finals as well. It paid off as Bizzotto scored the largest victory of his career thus far in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec to qualify for Team Canada and the Grand Finals.

Bizzotto was all smiles after catching the Canadian title (Photo by: Cody Schindel / CKN)

And given his experience, he’s pushing himself to be the best he can be when he arrives in Italy next week.

“Preparing for any event is always essential in having a successful race weekend. For this upcoming race in Sarno, I have already done extensive training and test days at the Italian circuit. In addition, I am balancing off-track cardio and muscular training, as well as additional on-track driving at circuit Mont-Tremblant to be in the best shape for the event.”

A very relaxed and down to earth driver, Bizzotto has been known to show up on the bigger stages and doesn’t shy away from competing against the best at any opportunity. He’s been to Europe to compete a few times before and as his experience has grown, his potential has jumped with his competitors knowing he can be right there at any race.

Competing in Italy aboard a similar BirelART chassis will be a major advantage to Bizzotto in Italy (Photo by: Cody Schindel / CKN)

He also has been guided through everything with the support of Jean-Francois Valour, who has been at the Rotax Grand Finals as a driver and a coach many times.

“Since I work with Al, he has really discovered himself as an adult. He discovered his own limits and what he’s capable to accomplish,” explains Valour. “In the beginning, I was always pushing more and more to break the frame that was around him, to change is mind and the way he see things. After a few years, he really became a real gentlemen with a stuning work ethic that I’m today very proud. This is, in my book, the most impressive trait that he develop.”

As a benefit to Bizzotto, having the race in Italy may make it feel right at home as he has deep family roots in the European country and a love for everything about it.

“Italy’s a beautiful country and has so much to offer. So while I’m there I’ll definitely try and see some of the beautiful sights and of course I will try and catch a Napoli soccer match if time permits it. And one more thing, I’ll be eating. A lot!

The Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals runs from October 16 to 22 in Sarno, Italy. Team Canada has qualified 17 drivers to compete in the event and CKN is the official media partner for Team Canada covering every aspect of the event. Tune in often as we preview members of the team travelling to Italy.