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KF1 was the top level of karting. It is open to drivers aged 15 and up.
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This class used to be called Formula A and has changed since January 2007 when CIK-FIA decided to replace the 100 cc water-cooled two-stroke engines with 125 cc Touch-and-Go (TaG) water-cooled two-stroke engines (KF type). The engines produce 40 hp (30 kW). KF1 class karts use hand-operated front brakes. The front brakes are activated by a Lever. Chassis and engines must be approved by the CIK-FIA. Minimum weight is 160 kg (350 lb) with driver. [1] [2]
Karts are equipped with an electric starter and clutch. The engine rpm is limited at 16,000 rpm. Top speed is around 140 km/h (87 mph), depending on circuits. [3] [4]
As the Formula One of karting, KF1 has high costs and drivers typically spend $100,000 per year to compete. It is needed to finance much practice, training and testing, team costs, chassis and engines, tires and parts, and traveling. Most teams in this category are factory teams or financed by chassis or engine manufacturers. [1]
Drivers typically compete in national competitions, then move into international racing in the KF3 or KF2 classes where they must finish in the top 34 to qualify to compete in KF1. Once in KF1, drivers either stay for a few years to improve their skills before moving on to car racing, or they become professional kart racers and race in KF1 until they retire. [5] Many successful racing drivers and all current F1 drivers started their careers in karts, and KF1 has been home to rivalries involving the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Robert Kubica in the early 2000s, [6] [7] as well as Max Verstappen and Nicklas Nielsen in more recent times. [8] [9] The class also played a leading role in the so-called golden era of karting in the 80s and 90s. [10]
There is a European KF1 Championship, a World Cup, and a World Championship, the sport's main event. [2] [11] Since 2016 the new generation of Original Karts (OK) machines have taken over from the old KF engines. [12] [13]
