Bahraini karting sensation Tariq Soofi is a youngster like no other.
At just 10 years old, he is already a two-time champion in the kingdom’s premier national karting championship where he competes with NorthStar Racing, and shows an impressively high level of maturity and understanding of motorsport, despite only just racing for the past four years.
Tariq’s limitless potential has not gone unnoticed. With the aim of helping guide him through the ranks in the highly competitive world of racing, Tariq was picked up last year by Minardi Management – a leading driver management company in Italy established in 2003 by Giovanni Minardi, son of Gian Carlo Minardi, the founder of the historic Minardi Formula One team that bears their family name.
With Minardi Management’s guidance, Tariq hopes to be headed towards many more years of excellence in karting and beyond.
“I started racing when I was six years old – my parents put me into motorsport when it was my birthday, and I have been driving in karting now for four years,” Tariq told the GDN of his start in the sport.
“I like the sound of an engine and the speed of the car when it goes very fast,” he added.
“When I was small, I always dreamt about cars. I feel like I’m an F1 driver (when I’m racing), and I feel like I am in a real car and driving, so it’s very exciting.”
Minadri first saw Tariq in action during the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) in 2024, held at Circuito Internazionale Napoli in Sarno, Italy.
Tariq put in an outstanding performance in the Micro MAX class – the same category in which he is Bahrain’s back-to-back champion – and his talent immediately caught the eye of the Faenza-based manager.
“Tariq is a young man with a strong desire to reach the top,” Dorothea Schulz from Minardi Management told the GDN when asked what about Tariq impressed him the most.
“I see in him the drive to achieve his goal: becoming a professional driver and perhaps even the first Bahraini racer to reach the highest levels of motorsport.
“Tariq is determined, fast, and possesses all the qualities needed to become an excellent driver and accomplish his ambitions.”
Tariq shares that his ultimate goal in his racing career is to become an F1 driver in the future. “I want to be a Bahraini F1 driver and I want to make Bahrain proud,” he highlighted.
He says that his favourite driver is the late, great Ayrton Senna – an unexpected answer for such a youngster, especially considering Senna had passed away two decades before Tariq was born.
“I like Ayrton Senna because he won championships, he pushed himself, he fought, and he never gave up,” explained Tariq.
It is this deep knowledge of motorsport and his vast on-track skills that has Minardi Management singing praises.
“On a technical level, he is an incredibly fast driver who leaves nothing to chance,” said Schulz.
“Tariq studies every track he will race on, memorising the circuits, braking points, and ideal racing lines. This is crucial because arriving at a new track with this knowledge provides a significant advantage.
“It’s a skill Tariq possesses despite his very young age, and I’m sure it will help him as he progresses in his career.”
Motorsport in Bahrain is rapidly expanding, and Tariq represents the new generation ready to elevate the kingdom’s presence on the international stage, which is becoming increasingly competitive.
Soon, Tariq will be competing in several events outside Bahrain. “What I expect and hope for Tariq is that he comes to race in Italy,” said Schulz. “This is crucial because, at his young age, the most important championships take place in Italy.
“This summer, he will be competing in the ROK Championship in Cremona and Franciacorta. It will be essential to see how he adapts to this new environment.
“I believe that over the next several months, he will have the opportunity to race here, learn quickly, and achieve great results.”
Tariq will once again be competing in the RMCGF at the end of this year, pitting him against some of the world’s best while donning Team Bahrain’s colours.
Giovanni has called on the kingdom’s motorsport authorities to continue their backing for Tariq as he continues his drive towards a bright racing future.
“Tariq has all the qualities to succeed,” said Schulz.
Tariq also has the unconditional support of his loving parents Yousif and Basma. “We are very happy that Tariq is enjoying the motorsport experience,” Yousif told the GDN.
“We thank (NorthStar) manager and coach Khalifa Al Yaqoobi, the mechanics, the team and family members, Bahrain International Karting Circuit staff, Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF) president Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa and BMF director general Abdulaziz Al Thawadi, the karting commission, and marshalls for their support and organisation to make Bahrain the home of motorsport.
“We call for the support and sponsorship for Tariq, who is one of many Bahraini drivers who works towards raising the kingdom’s flag and making Bahrain proud.”
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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