Lonato del Garda, 11 March 2026. A structured and comprehensive academy designed to embrace every aspect of motorsport: on-track performance, athletic preparation, management, communication and much more. This is the vision behind the launch of WYDA, whose primary goal is to provide specialised expertise aimed at achieving maximum performance across the many sectors linked to motor racing, from karting to single-seaters and other racing categories.
An acronym for World Young Drivers Academy, WYDA was officially presented today at the South Garda Karting circuit in Lonato (Brescia, Italy). The project builds a solid and coherent ecosystem around the driver, drawing on the experience of the professionals involved.
Paolo Montera, Salvatore Gatto and Manuel Pereira, each bringing their own specific expertise, form the core of the initiative. Their main goal is to transform potential into performance and performance into a career.
Paolo Montera is the promoter and strategic coordinator of the project. With extensive experience in sports management, communications and the development of training programmes, he oversees the academy’s overall coordination, partnerships and institutional and media positioning. His managerial background has enabled him over the years to build a strong network of key figures within the motorsport world.
Salvatore Gatto heads MP Academy Gamoto, one of the most solid and recognised team in karting. With many years of experience in team management and in developing young talents, he contributes technical expertise, facilities and resources for on-track training, data analysis and preparation for both national and international competitions. Gatto also boasts an impressive racing career. He first competed successfully in karting before moving to Formula Azzurra, where he finished runner-up in the 2005 championship behind Davide Rigon. He later raced in the German Formula 3 Championship and in Formula Master, where he won the opening race of the 2007 season in Valencia and finished third in the championship.
Manuel Pereira, a Venezuelan founder of Focuz Performance, is specialised in physical, mental and behavioural preparation. He already works with several drivers on their path towards success, making use of the most advanced technologies. Supported by a multidisciplinary team, Pereira integrates athletic training, sports psychology and performance coaching, offering a holistic approach to driver development.
WYDA has also already established a number of partnerships with leading motorsport organisations. In terms of communications, the academy will rely on the British company Press Racing. For Driving Coaching, it will count on experienced drivers such as Davide Forè, Erika Lavazza, Riccardo Azzoli and GT Driver Ambassador Michele Merendino.
Paolo Montera: “Launching WYDA represents, for me, a return to the future. Reuniting with professionals with whom I have shared important experiences – today recognised figures in international karting and motorsport – is deeply meaningful. My journey in motorsport, including my time as manager of Salvatore Gatto, who is once again my travelling companion, has taught me that talent alone is not enough. What is needed is method, strategic vision and a structure capable of guiding a young driver from karting to the professional categories. In this respect, the contribution of Manuel Pereira is fundamental, as he oversees mental, physical and nutritional preparation through an integrated performance science approach.”
Salvatore Gatto: “Together with Paolo Montera – who managed my career from karting to single-seaters more than twenty years ago – and with another professional like Manuel Pereira, we have created a structure designed to guide young drivers through the racing world from A to Z. My experience working with young and very young drivers tells me that WYDA is exactly what is needed to build their future, without overlooking any aspect, whether it be coaching, management or psychological and physical preparation.”
Manuel Pereira: “I am very pleased to begin this project alongside two people with such extensive experience in motorsport. This project was created to bring young drivers to the highest level of performance and accompany them all the way to the top categories, providing them with comprehensive training not only in sport but also in life in general. We support the driver at every level, taking care of physical, mental, technical and strategic preparation, as well as driving skills and race weekend management. Communication is also an important element. Around each driver we build a tailored programme designed to place them in the right position at the right moment.”