Two UAE racers are taking part in the landmark event in Malaysia, with Zain Elhommosany aiming to continue the momentum from his recent Nations Cup triumph in Qatar.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has emphasised that the inaugural FIA Karting Arrive and Drive World Cup, which begins today, is helping break down financial and technological barriers traditionally linked to karting, with the aim of expanding access and encouraging greater participation worldwide.
The long-awaited World Cup is being staged for the first time, featuring junior and senior competitors on Asia’s largest karting circuit, the LYL International Circuit in Malaysia.
Taking place over three days in Kuala Lumpur, the event brings together 107 drivers representing 50 countries, all competing in identical karts supplied by OTK Group. Among the field are 15 female competitors – the highest number ever recorded in an FIA Karting event.
The UAE is represented by two drivers: Aaryan Singh in the Junior class, and Zain Elhommosany in the Senior category following his standout win at the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup in Qatar.
Driver development plays a central role in the programme, with FIA-led workshops held before the racing began. These sessions covered key areas including driver safety, nutrition, anti-doping guidance, media handling, and familiarisation with the FIA International Karting Ranking system, ensuring competitors can grow both as racers and professionals.
FIA President 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.”
Hon. Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports – Federal Government of Malaysia: “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.”
The action is live and free to watch on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/@fiakartingchampionship9818