Harry Bartle will represent the UK in the 2023 FIA Karting Academy, after coming out on top in a tough assessment process against some of the best young karters in the nation.

Bartle was selected after a demanding two-stage assessment process, the first taking place at iZone Driver Performance earlier this month and the second taking place at PF International Kart Circuit on Tuesday 24 January.

Bartle faced off against fellow finalist, Harrison Whitticombe. In tough, freezing conditions in Lincolnshire, both drivers hugely impressed with their on-track performances and feedback between sessions. The strength of both candidates made it a very difficult decision, with Bartle just doing enough to pip Whitticombe across the two-stage selection process.

“The calibre was incredibly high this year and highlights the depth of the talent competing in the UK,” commented Dan Parker, Motorsport UK’s Karting Manager. “There are some really promising young drivers out there, many of whom could be motorsport stars in the future.”

Bartle will now go on to represent his country in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy Championship, with driver development support being offered by Motorsport UK in the lead up to the competition.

Katie Baldwin, Motorsport UK’s Competitors Pathway Manager, added, “It was an incredibly tough selection process this year, with Harry and Harrison being excellent competitors and ambassadors of the sport. Both drivers should be proud of their efforts and how they conducted themselves in both assessment stages.

“We’re really excited to see Harry in action in the championship this year, and through the Motorsport UK Academy, we will be supporting him to ensure he is in the best possible position for success in the competition.”

On being chosen to represent the UK, Bartle said, “I am very excited and grateful to Motorsport UK to have been selected to participate in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy. I can’t wait to get started with this fantastic opportunity ahead of me and will give it 100%.”

Founded in 2010 and designed to help forge meaningful pathways for progression through the karting ranks, the three-event FIA Karting Academy Trophy boasts a star-studded list of former entries, including Formula 1 drivers George Russell, Esteban Ocon and Charles Leclerc.

Bartle will be in action at the first round in Třinec, Czech Republic (18 – 21 May), before moving to Rødby, Denmark (15 – 18 June) and finishing in Cremona, Italy (27 – 30 July).

The Motorsport UK Academy would like to extend its thanks to PF International Kart Circuit, the team at iZone Driver Performance, Piers Sexton Racing, Graham Smith, Jordan Albert and Marcus Littlewood, for their support in the selection process.

With additional thanks to Graham Smith for the photos at PFi