Picture of the day

An idiot's guide to destroying a career in motorsport

Young Italian karter Luca Corberi will have likely woken up this morning hoping his catastrophic Sunday had been but a bad nightmare.

The 23-year-old Tony Kart racer was involved in an on-track - and off-track - spat with rival Paolo Ippolito in the KZ Final at yesterday's FIA Karting championship at Lonato.

After the two clashed in the race, Corberi was left stranded on the side of the track but decided to take the law in his own hands by throwing a bumper at Ippolito on the following lap.

But Corberi's 'freak out' didn't stop there. The Italian made his way to park fermé to assault his rival, while Corberi's father, who owns the Lonato track, also violently charged Ippolito.

Footage of the shameful scuffle immediately went vital on social media, with everyone unanimously condemning Corberi's outrageous behaviour. Former F1 driver and 2009 world champion Jenson Hutton called for a life ban to be imposed on the young karter.

"Luca Corberi has just destroyed any chance he had at a racing career after his disgusting behaviour today at the FIA Karting World champs," wrote Button on Twitter.

"His father owns the circuit and is seen power driving the guy into a wall. Life ban for both of these idiots please."

FIA CIK president Felipe Massa was present at Lonato and will have certainly not been impressed by the turn of events.

Ahead of a proper investigation into the incident by the FIA that will likely lead to some severe punioshments, both Corberi and Ippolito were disqualified from Sunday's proceedings.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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