FIA investing in the future of motor sport with driver development workshops at landmark global karting event

FIA news The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today provided comprehensive driver development workshops to the karting drivers racing in this weekend’s inaugural FIA Karting Arrive and Drive World Cup in Malaysia. 107 drivers have arrived in Kuala Lumpur this week ahead of the landmark event on the international sporting calendar which is set to redefine the way the FIA supports, promotes and champions the next generation of motor sport stars. As the governing body, the FIA has offered these workshops to invest in their personal and professional development whilst raising racing and safety standards across the sport. Across the day, four workshops were offered to all the drivers as part of their entry to the competition. The FIA Safety Department led a session on current safety regulations, emphasising the critical importance of using homologated personal equipment and highlighting the serious risks associated with counterfeit or non-homologated equipment. A workshop on nutrition and anti-doping offered practical guidance on maintaining healthy racing habits, while media training introduced young drivers to essential communication techniques to support their growing public profiles. Additionally, a session on the National Karting Ranking System explained the structure and purpose of the new framework, designed to benchmark driver performance across national, regional, and international events. The driver development workshops reflect the mission of the FIA’s Global Karting Plan, launched last year, to increase accessibility, affordability and participation across grassroots motor sport. The plan has brought FIA Karting into a bold new era as the FIA recently revealed that 2025 has been a record year for karting entries with a 25% increase in entries from 2024 with 86 nationalities represented across FIA Karting events and competitions. 2026 is set to be a golden year for FIA Karting with a larger calendar than ever before and three new continental arrive and drive championships which will bring affordable, accessible motor sport to an even wider global audience. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “This competition is more than just racing, it is the future of motorsport. We are investing in the next generation and the workshops we have provided for the drivers covering safety, medical, sporting conduct and media training demonstrate our commitment to their development and the future of our sport. “I am confident there will be incredible racing, close competition and a commitment to development both on and off the track reflecting the true spirit of karting.” Akbar Ebrahim, FIA Karting Commission President, said: “Our support for the next generation of motor sport champions extends far beyond the track. New, accessible events and championships, coupled with driver development opportunities such as the workshops we have provided in Malaysia and the upcoming FIA Karting Shootout are key ways we’re investing in the future of our sport. “As the drivers take to the track this weekend, I hope the workshops will support them to be well-rounded, safe and race ready drivers at the start of their motor sport careers” The FIA Karting Arrive and Drive World Cup gets underway tomorrow at the LYL International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  The event is LIVE and FREE on the FIA Karting YouTube Channel from Saturday 15 November. 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. Karting FIA Karting FIA SEASON 2025 FIA Circuit 1FIAKartingCircuitFIASEASON 2025FIA Karting00 Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 11:29am Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 11:29am