MALAYSIA HOSTS FIRST FIA KARTING ARRIVE AND DRIVE WORLD CUP, PROMOTING ACCESSIBLE MOTORSPORT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has introduced its first-ever FIA Karting Arrive and Drive World Cup, aimed at reducing financial and technological barriers to karting and widening global participation.

FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the new competition marks a significant step towards making grassroots motorsport more accessible worldwide.

“The support for this new format has been incredible, and it shows our global commitment to increasing accessibility, growing participation, and empowering the next generation of talent,” he said in a statement.

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The inaugural event, held from Nov 14 to 16 at the LYL International Circuit in Malaysia, features 107 drivers from 50 nationalities competing in junior and senior categories.

All participants race in identical, standardised karts supplied by OTK Group to ensure equal technical conditions. The event also marks the highest number of female competitors in FIA Karting history, with 15 girls participating, while 17 drivers from Southeast Asia take part.

Driver development is a key focus of the championship, with FIA workshops conducted prior to racing on topics such as safety, nutrition, anti-doping, media training, and the FIA International Karting Ranking system.

Hosted with support from the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the event highlights Malaysia’s role in nurturing emerging motorsport talent.

Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh said Malaysia is proud to collaborate with the FIA in staging a landmark event that strengthens motorsport development in the country.

Meanwhile, MAM President Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir added that welcoming more than 100 drivers from around the world aligns with the association’s mission to support emerging talent.

-- BERNAMA