The new Karting Technical Regulations for MINI effective from 2026

[Translated with ChatGPT]

A technical update is planned for the MINI Gr.3 Under 10 and MINI Gr.3 Over 10 categories with the aim of reducing performance in both classes.

With the goal of reducing performance across all categories for young drivers aged 8 to 12—following a request from the FIA and fully supported by the ACI Sport Karting Commission in order to improve overall safety—a technical update to the Regulations for the MINI Gr.3 Under 10 and MINI Gr.3 Over 10 categories will come into effect on January 1st, 2026.

Performance reduction
The regulatory update aims to protect younger drivers by reducing performance, while being calibrated so as not to excessively compromise driving quality or the current karting market in Italy. It also enables a smooth transition to the Junior categories.

Carburetor and ignition
After conducting specific tests organized by ACI Sport in collaboration with FIA Karting, the following technical configuration will be introduced starting from the 2026 sporting season, coinciding with the new engine homologations:
MINI Under 10 category: 15 mm carburetor, 13,000 rpm ignition.
MINI Over 10 category: 18 mm carburetor, 13,000 rpm ignition.

Additional specifications

Wheels: minimum width allowed 140 mm (tolerance ±5 mm).
Minimum final gear ratios allowed*: Under 10: 11/76, Over 10: 11/74

* Clarification: gear ratio remains free, but cannot go below the indicated values.

Among the reasons, a decrease in top speed
The new configuration responds to the FIA's directive to reduce performance across all categories, including one-make series for younger age groups, by enforcing higher target times and lower top speeds—parameters particularly relevant from a safety perspective.

Balanced and sustainable solution
For MINI Gr.3 Under 10, ACI Sport has opted for an adjustment to the carburetor only, while maintaining a fixed ignition of 13,000 rpm in both categories to avoid:

technical complexity in engine management
costly and invasive modifications
fragmentation of the MINI Gr.3 market

Single carburetor for MINI U10
Considering that the new configuration for the Under 10 category will mandate the use of a 15 mm carburetor, and that the Over 10 category will later switch to an 18 mm carburetor (while maintaining the same 13,000 rpm ignition), ACI Sport intends to implement concrete cost containment measures. In particular, a tender procedure will be launched in the coming weeks to select a single supplier for the 15 mm carburetor, which will be used exclusively in the Under 10 category.

The central criterion for awarding the contract will be the maximum price, which must be fair and sustainable in order to:

minimize the economic impact on teams and drivers
support the smooth and affordable launch of the new technical regulation
encourage broad and consistent adoption of the new configuration

Conclusions
The changes to the MINI Gr.3 Technical Regulations starting from the 2026 racing season aim to meet the FIA’s requests while safeguarding the sustainability of national karting and ensuring a coherent technical and sporting path for young drivers. The carburetor supplier tender represents a responsible step toward a fair and controlled implementation of the new regulation.