2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Cup Opens European Karting Season

The 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Cup officially kicked off the European Rotax Karting season at KartCenter Campillos. The CIK/FIA-homologated circuit once again tested drivers with its mix of long straights, technical sections and wide racing surface, rewarding accuracy and consistency.

The event took place under changing weather conditions. While the early sessions ran in stable conditions, Friday saw strong winds, cold temperatures and rain, which mixed up the standings and made results unpredictable. Sunny weather returned for Finals Day, allowing for clear and competitive races.

Highlighting its international importance, the Winter Cup featured drivers from more than 30 countries, including many from outside Europe, underlining the global reach of Rotax Karting.

Thursday: Qualifying Sets the Early Pace

Qualifying took place in stable conditions, allowing drivers to push from the start.

• In Mini MAX, Britain’s Joshua Cooke took pole position by a narrow margin and won the opening heat.

• Junior MAX saw Swiss driver Luan Seidl secure pole, but the first heat was won by Zdenek Babicek.

• In Senior MAX, Macauley Bishop set the fastest time overall, while rookie Rayan Ghandour impressed with a strong showing.

• DD2 qualifying was led by Wout Kurstjens, with Nicolas Picot setting the pace in DD2 Masters.

Friday: Weather Shakes Up the Order

Friday’s difficult conditions changed the standings across all categories.

• Cooke remained in control in Mini MAX, while Austin Oman climbed into second overall.

• In Junior MAX, Babicek moved into the lead as Seidl dropped down the order.

• Senior MAX saw Bishop deliver consistent performances to hold onto first place.

• In DD2, Antoine Barbaroux took over the lead after strong heat results, while Picot stayed on top in DD2 Masters.

Saturday: Finals Decide the Winners

Sunny conditions returned for Finals Day, setting the stage for decisive races.

• In Mini MAX, Logan Rolfe was declared the winner after a post-race penalty reshuffled the results. He claimed the Winter Cup title and earned a full free entry to the Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy.

• Junior MAX was won by Zdenek Babicek, who converted pole position into a controlled Final victory ahead of Jenson Chalk and Majus Mazinas.

The Winter Cup successfully launched the 2026 Rotax Karting season, delivering competitive racing and highlighting emerging talent from around the world.