From Go-Karting to Formula 1: The First Classes in the School of Auto Racing

Virtually all of the Formula 1 drivers start out racing as children in go-karts. Karting is the best school for racing because it is F1 in miniature: Competition, mechanics, driving skills, human relations - everything a driver must know to race at the highest level starts at the lowest level. Karting even has its own world championship yearly. In fact, karting has become such a big business that some drivers choose not to graduate into car racing and stay as professional racers. This image gallery started out in February at the annual karting show at the Circuit Carole, north of Paris. The show kicks off the karting season, and is open to the public.