Akbar Ebrahim expresses desire for India to be the venue for FIA karting competition.

Akbar Ebrahim, the President of the FIA International Karting Commission (CIK-FIA), has emphasized the organization's commitment to making karting more affordable on a global scale. Speaking at the inaugural round of the Indian National Karting Championship, Ebrahim outlined several initiatives aimed at reducing costs associated with the sport. He highlighted the introduction of the FIA Global Kart as a significant step forward. “Currently, purchasing a CIK-homologated chassis along with a CIK-homologated engine can set you back between €8,000 and €10,000. Our objective is to lower the price of a complete FIA Global Kart package to approximately €4,000,” he stated.

The rising costs of karting have drawn attention from prominent figures in motorsport, including Formula One champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who have voiced concerns about the financial barriers facing aspiring drivers. Ebrahim noted that the FIA is actively working on creating alternative pathways for entry into the sport. “The FIA’s Arrive and Drive program is one aspect of this initiative, alongside scholarship opportunities. However, to truly increase participation, we must genuinely reduce the costs associated with karting,” he explained. He also expressed a desire to tap into the recreational karting market, which he believes is crucial for nurturing future talent. “We aim to establish a clear progression from recreational karting to competitive racing, thereby making the sport accessible to a broader audience,” he added.

In addition to cost reduction efforts, Ebrahim revealed plans to host an FIA-sanctioned karting event in India, a long-standing goal for the organization. “India has yet to host an FIA karting event, which has always been a priority for us. We currently have one CIK-homologated circuit at the Madras International Karting Arena, with two more potentially in development. We had hoped to organize an event this year, but geopolitical circumstances prevented that from happening. Our ambition is to bring the FIA Continental Arrive and Drive Championship to India, and ultimately, the Arrive and Drive World Cup, which would be a remarkable achievement for the country,” he concluded.