Philippe Bianchi, father of Jules BianchiThe Formula 1 driver who tragically died after his accident during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix announced on Facebook that he had been the victim of a burglary. Several go-karts were stolen, including the one his son had been using.
Unique chassis that have disappeared
In his message, Philip Bianchi It is specified that nine chassis stamped "JB17 Forever" were stolen, as well as the KZ 125 ART GP model, the last competition kart driven by Jules. Mini-karts belonging to the family's children were also stolen. Jules' father writes: “Dear friends, last night we were burgled and the unscrupulous thieves made off with 9 JB17 Forever chassis. Even worse, they stole Jules’ last go-kart… aside from the value of the machines, it’s the sentimental value that hurts us.”
A call to the karting community
Philippe Bianchi is appealing to all karting enthusiasts to be vigilant in their efforts to recover these historically significant items. The theft represents not only a material loss, but also, and above all, an affront to Jules' memory.
Jules Bianchi started in karting before making a name for himself in single-seater categories, then joining Formula 1 with Marussia in 2013. His accident at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix plunged him into a coma, before his death in 2015 at the age of 25.
The hope of getting back to the go-karts
The family hopes that the mobilization of enthusiasts and community members will make it possible to recover at least some of the stolen items, including the "JB17" chassis, which have become symbols of Jules Bianchi's career.
