Action Taken: Implementation of International Go-Karting Scheme, Globally Activated
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and mobility organizations worldwide, has commenced delivering positive results from its recently implemented Global Karting Plan. Unveiled during the General Assemblies week in December 2024, the aim of the initiative is increase participation in karting competitions.
The significant positive response is primarily attributed to two factors: the introduction of FIA President's Medals and an intensive outreach program to National Sporting Authorities (ASNs). These strategic measures have led to a projected 50% hike in drivers enrolled in National Karting Rankings by 2025 compared with 2024 figures.
Since its establishment in 2023, the National Karting Ranking has been steadily expanding, with over 1,000 drivers joining the global register in 2024. With the implementation of the FIA President's Medals and direct action from the FIA, that figure is expected to reach 1,500 by 2025.
Throughout 2025, the FIA's Karting Department has been actively engaging with 59 ASNs, which has resulted in a marked surge in interest from across various continents, including the Americas, MENA, Asia-Pacific, Africa, South America, and Europe.
Looking ahead to the second half of 2025 and beyond, a series of in-person meetings and subsequent discussions are planned to sustain the momentum and encourage further growth.
The National Karting Ranking plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between national-level competitions and the FIA's international events, rewarding those who excel at home yet have not had the chance to compete at the highest international level. This recognition system showcases emerging talents who might otherwise have gone unnoticed, particularly those with financial limitations preventing international competition.
Akbar Ebrahim, President of the FIA Karting Commission (CIK), emphasized that the Global Karting Plan was designed to uncover hidden talents globally, crucial for implementing the FIA President's vision of doubling motor sport participation. The introduction of the GKP World Cup in 2025, the proposed GKP Continental Championships in 2026, Karting Excellence Centres, and the FIA scholarship prize fund all serve as testaments to this commitment to affordability, accessibility, and diversity.
Valerio Iachizzi, FIA Secretary General for Sport, reinforced the organization's focus on doubling motor sport participation by working closely with ASNs. He acknowledged that the Global Karting Plan was a shining example of this collaboration, with its central goal of reducing barriers to entry and allowing talent to shine regardless of financial means. Moreover, the connection between the FIA President's Medals and the Karting Excellence Centre demonstrates the plan's long-term impact, inspiring hope for additional drivers to join the ranks in the coming years.
The FIA's introduction of the FIA President's Medals and the intensive outreach program to National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) have been key factors in the projected 50% increase in drivers enrolled in auto-racing competitions by 2025, such as karting and racing. With the growing interest from various continents in karting events, it is expected that over 1,500 drivers will join the global register by 2025, uncovering hidden talents and providing opportunities for those with financial limitations to compete at the highest international level.
