Teenage karting prodigy with Formula One ambitions

A Teesside teenager is one of 52 drivers from across the world taking part in a competition previously won by Formula One's Charles Leclerc.

Jack Collinson, 13, from Hartlepool, is racing in the junior category (12 to 14-year-olds) of the FIA Karting Academy Trophy, following his selection last year.

He is currently in Valencia, Spain for the first competition of this year's series.

"As a competitor, you've got to hope to win it," he said, "but as long as I can fight at the front of the grid, it would be very good."

Jack started go-karting when he was nine, and races in the British Championships, as well as in competitions across Europe.

His kart typically travels at speeds of up to 93mph (150kmh) and is only 2in (5cm) from the floor.

His father, Ste Collinson, said he was "very proud".

"The level is as high as you can compete at," he said, likening it to the training academy for Real Madrid or Manchester United.

"Of course, it is dangerous. I can't imagine - even at my age - being sat so close to the floor, [travelling] at not far off 100mph.

"In a car, you would have to be doing 300mph to feel the same sort of effect."

Formula One - which Jack has been watching since the age of three - remains the teenager's ultimate goal.

The FIA Karting Academy Trophy was launched in 2010 and has become a valuable detection and training programme, offering winners a platform where they might be spotted by those recruiting for F1 teams.

Each national federation selects a driver to represent them at the competition. All the drivers use identical equipment, which is provided by the organisers.

There are three races held annually. This year, after Valencia, there will be rounds in Mülsen, Germany, in July and Cremona, Italy, in September.

Jack, who has dual nationality, will be competing for Latvia, and is one of two UK-based drivers taking part in this year's competition.

"It will be very exciting to see how well I can do," he said.

"One mistake can send you straight to the back. It's so intense that you've got to be fully focused all the time."

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