KUALA LUMPUR: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), says the debut competition is reducing financial and technological barriers associated with karting to increase accessibility and widen global participation.
The highly anticipated debut FIA Karting Arrive and Drive World Cup kicks off today, with two categories (junior and senior) of emerging drivers taking to Asia’s largest karting circuit at the LYL International Circuit in Malaysia.
Taking place from the Nov 14-16, the competition will bring together 107 drivers from 50 nationalities worldwide to compete in identical, standardised karts provided by OTK Group. In addition, 15 girls are competing in the event, the largest number ever to enter an FIA Karting competition.
Seventeen drivers from across the Southeast Asia region will be competing in the milestone event.
Driver development is a core focus of the competition, with FIA workshops having taken place prior to the start of racing focusing on driver safety, nutrition, anti-doping, media training and increasing knowledge of the FIA International Karting Ranking system. These workshops ensure drivers have the opportunity to develop both on and off the track.
FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said:”The debut FIA Karting Arrive and Drive World Cup marks an exciting new chapter for grassroots motorsport across the world.
“Thank you to our FIA Member Clubs who have entered, and to President Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, MAM, and the Government of Malaysia for hosting this landmark event.
“The support for this new format has been incredible, and it shows our global commitment to increasing accessibility, growing motorsport participation, and empowering the next generation of talent.”
Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh, said: “We are proud to host this landmark event in Malaysia, highlighting our commitment to strengthening motorsport development in the country. Thank you to the FIA for this collaboration.”
FIA Karting Commission President, Akbar Ebrahim, said:”The FIA Karting Arrive and Drive World Cup is more than just a race, it will be an opportunity for promising racing talent from across the world to prove their racecraft and develop as well-rounded drivers at the start of their careers.
As the flagship Arrive and Drive event on the karting calendar, all eyes will be on Malaysia this month as we showcase accessible, affordable motor sport which puts the drivers centre stage.”
FIA Vice-President for Sport – Asia-Pacific, Lung-Nien Lee, said: “Motorsport in the Asia-Pacific region is thriving, and this event will once again give rising talent from around the world a platform to showcase their skills while advancing driver development through innovative workshops.”
Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) President Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, said: “Working with the FIA to support the next generation of talent is one of our key missions, so we are delighted to be welcoming over 100 drivers from 50 nationalities to Malaysia for this milestone event.” – BERNAMA
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© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
