Maranello Kart at Le Mans: Two FIA Podiums in KZ and KZ2 Masters
Le Mans gives nothing away. It is one of those weekends where every detail counts: driving, preparation, set-up and the ability to stay fast when the pressure rises. At the big FIA event for gearbox classes, Maranello Kart left a clear mark at Le Mans with two prestigious results: third place for Daniel Vasile in KZ and second place for Angelo Lombardo in KZ2 Masters.
Two podiums achieved in different contexts, but with a common message: when driver, team and equipment work in the same direction, the Maranello package can be competitive at the highest level.
In short At Le Mans, in September 2026, Maranello Kart took two FIA podiums: Daniel Vasile third in the KZ World Championship and Angelo Lombardo second in KZ2 Masters. The official results list the manufacturer, not the chassis model used.
Maranello Kart at Le Mans: two podiums that matter
In the KZ World Championship, Daniel Vasile took the Maranello chassis to the third step of the podium. In a class where some of the most complete and best-prepared drivers in international karting compete, finishing in the top three means having built a solid weekend from start to finish.
KZ2 Masters brought another important result. Angelo Lombardo finished second, confirming the competitiveness of Maranello equipment in a race where experience, feel and consistency make a huge difference.
The brand was also visible in KZ2, completing a weekend that put Maranello Kart at the centre of the scene in the main gearbox classes.
It is not just a matter of speed
A podium in an FIA race does not come from a single fast lap. You need a kart that stays precise under braking, effective on corner exit and predictable when conditions change. Above all, you need a behaviour that lets the driver attack without constantly having to correct the kart.
This is where the chassis becomes part of a system. It does not work alone and does not replace the driver, the engine or the team's work. But it must turn all these components into usable performance, lap after lap.
What a race like Le Mans demands from a KZ chassis
KZ classes put the kart under high loads. Braking is more demanding, acceleration is violent and the transmission requires a very precise balance between stability and the ability to rotate.
A good chassis must give confidence at three key moments:
Under braking. The kart must stay composed and readable.
Mid-corner. It needs to run freely without losing precision.
On exit. Traction must put the power down without making the kart nervous.
The final result then comes from the set-up: ride height, track widths, axle, hubs, pressures and seat must be adapted to the driver, the track and the conditions. Copying a set-up without understanding its purpose rarely leads to the same result.
What these results really show
The podiums of Vasile and Lombardo are not a sales promise and do not mean that buying a chassis is enough to get performance automatically. But they do show something concrete: the Maranello project is a competitive base, able to work at a high level when it is prepared and interpreted correctly.
For a driver or a team, this matters more than any slogan. The quality of a chassis is measured by the possibility of finding an effective balance, adapting it to the conditions and keeping it understandable throughout the weekend.
Which Maranello chassis to choose?
The answer depends on the class, driving style and type of use. A KZ kart is not chosen with the same criteria as a model for direct drive classes, just as an amateur driver may have different needs from someone racing a full championship.
To find your way through models and classes, read our complete guide to Maranello chassis. If you are considering a purchase, you can also browse the chassis available in the TKS RaceLab shop.
An important clarification: the official FIA results list the manufacturer Maranello, the TM Kart engine and LeCont tyres, but do not report the exact chassis model used by each driver. For this reason we do not attribute the Le Mans results to a specific model without official confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
What results did Maranello Kart achieve at Le Mans 2026?
Maranello Kart took two FIA podiums: Daniel Vasile finished third in the KZ World Championship, while Angelo Lombardo took second place in KZ2 Masters.
Which Maranello chassis was used?
The official FIA documentation lists Maranello as the manufacturer, but does not specify the chassis model used by each driver. Naming a specific model without a direct source would therefore be incorrect.
What is the difference between KZ and KZ2?
Both are gearbox classes, but regulations, level of competition and entry criteria differ. What they have in common is high performance and the need for a precise, stable and well set-up kart.
Where can I buy a Maranello chassis or spare parts?
In our shop you will find Maranello chassis and a selection of dedicated components. If you are not sure which solution to choose, message us on WhatsApp: we start from your class, your experience and your goal.
🏁 Considering a Maranello chassis? TKS RaceLab is an official Maranello dealer and helps you choose the right model for your class, with real technical support and advice based on track experience. 👉 Go to the Chassis shop →
Conclusion
Le Mans gave Maranello Kart two valuable podiums and an important confirmation. In the hardest races, being fast for a few laps is not enough: you need balance, method and consistency. The chassis is a decisive part of this work, but it gives its best only when it is chosen and set up with good judgement.
Information checked against the official FIA Karting results.
Questions about this topic?
Message us on WhatsApp: we answer personally, with the experience of people who live at the track. And if you want to drive a real racing kart, with Arrive & Drive you get into one of ours, ready on track. The right spare part? You will find it in the shop.
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Read also: Maranello chassis range: classes and how to choose → · Maranello MK3 OK vs Formula K Dragon EVO3 OK → · Karting classes explained: from Mini to KZ →
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Author: Sergio, TKS RaceLab | Published: 23 September 2026 | Updated: 8 October 2026
TKS RaceLab is the Italian online store dedicated to karting: spare parts, accessories and everything you need to get on track. With Arrive & Drive you arrive at South Garda Karting (Lonato), Franciacorta, Cremona or Ala and find your kart ready to go. No hassle, just driving.
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