The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today confirmed that the inaugural FIA Karting Arrive and Drive World Cup will be one of the most inclusive, accessible and affordable motor sport events on the international calendar.
Following the close of applications on 22 August, the FIA is proud to announce that 108 drivers from 46 countries will compete in the event. With representation from every continent and particularly strong participation from Asia (48 drivers), the grid reflects the growing global reach and inclusivity of grassroots karting.
Notably, 14 female drivers will take part across both Junior and Senior categories, highlighting the rising participation of girls in grassroots motor sport around the world.
The event will utilise the ‘Arrive and Drive’ format championed by the FIA to reduce the financial and logistical barriers to entry. All drivers will compete in standardised karts, provided by OTK group, which vastly reduces the costs associated with entry and transportation to the event. This also ensures technical parity across the grid, maintaining focus on emerging racing talent and providing a springboard for the driving stars of tomorrow.
The Arrive and Drive World Cup is a cornerstone of the FIA’s Global Karting Plan, announced in December last year. The plan introduces targeted measures to lower entry barriers into motor sport. Early results are promising, with unprecedented interest in FIA Karting events throughout 2025. The FIA had to close applications for the affordable Karting World Cup OK-N early last month after the 90 grid spots filled in just hours, reflecting the strong health and growth of FIA Karting events.
As the governing body for motor sport worldwide, the FIA is implementing the Global Karting Plan as part of its mission to ensure the sport is accessible to all. As the entry point into various motor sport disciplines, karting has a crucial role to identify, support and develop the next generation of drivers in FIA events and world championships. By placing affordability, global diversity and driver development at the heart of the strategy, the FIA is dedicated to creating a more inclusive, diverse and sustainable future for the sport.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said:
“Karting is where motor sport begins and it is where the future is built. Through our Global Karting Plan, we are breaking down the barriers that keep young drivers from the track.
“With growing momentum, rising participation, and the launch of the FIA Karting Arrive and Drive World Cup, we are opening doors for fresh talent and setting the stage for a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable future in motor sport.”
Akbar Ebrahim, FIA Karting President, said:
“FIA Karting is healthier than ever before. Expanding grids, affordable entry points, a standardised ranking system and new formats such as ‘arrive and drive’ demonstrate that the Global Karting Plan is delivering on its promise to broaden the grassroots of motor sport.
“We are all looking forward to the first Arrive and Drive World Cup in Malaysia, which will redefine accessible motor sport and inspire the next generation of racers.”
The inaugural FIA ‘Arrive and Drive’ Karting World Cup will take place from 14–16 November 2025 at the LYL International Circuit in Malaysia. FIA Karting events are free to watch on YouTube on the FIA Karting Championship channel, available here.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact FIA Sport Communications Manager, Omar Sharif: osharif@fia.com
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
