The father of Jules Bianchi has issued a plea for leads after a heartbreaking burglary which saw karts, including some raced by the late Formula 1 driver, taken.
Bianchi passed away in 2015, nine months after a devastating accident at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix in horrific wet weather conditions.
Part of Ferrari’s academy, Bianchi was hotly tipped to join the Scuderia after producing a string of sterling performances for the Marussia team.
The Nice-born talent, who was the godfather of current Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, is still celebrated, his grave in Monaco often stacked with cards and souvenirs by visiting fans.
But in a post on social media last night, his father Philippe Bianchi communicated the saddening update.
“Dear friends, tonight I am addressing my karting family,” he wrote.
“Last night we were burgled and the unscrupulous thieves made off with nine JB17 Forever chassis.
“Even worse, they stole Jules’ last kart, a KZ 125 ART GP model, as well as my grandsons’ mini karts.
“Apart from the value of the machines, it is the sentimental value that hurts us. If you see any JB17 karts in circulation, please let me know. Thank you in advance.”
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