Atiqa Mir Leads Rising Indian Stars in AKCEL GP’s Global Karting Line-Up

Abu Dhabi – The AKCEL GP Academy has unveiled its inaugural line-up of young racing talent for the 2025/26 Rotax Max and IAME UAE Karting Championships, spotlighting a strong contingent of Indian drivers alongside international contenders.

The squad features Atiqa Asif Mir, Rivaan Dev Preetham, Rehan Khan Rasheed, Ridhaan A, Krishay Gutte, and Jagrat Detroja from India, joined by Brando Londono of Canada and Linas Volungevicius of Lithuania.

At the forefront is Atiqa Mir, who has already made history as the first Indian to secure a top-10 finish at the Rotax Euro Trophy. Rivaan Dev Preetham, a two-time national champion, became India’s first race winner at the FIA Motorsport Games, finishing 8th globally in 2024.

Other standout Indian talents include Jagrat Detroja, who claimed pole position and a 5th-place finish in Valencia; Rehan Khan Rasheed, known for record lap times at all three FMSCI-homologated Micro Max tracks; and 11-year-old Ridhaan A, who broke into the National Karting Championship top-six on debut. Krishay Gutte adds consistency with strong showings across Asia and the UAE.

On the international side, Brando Londono, Canada’s most-followed young racer, brings FIA European Karting Championship experience as he prepares to step up to Formula 4. Linas Volungevicius, a front-runner in Latvia and Lithuania’s Rotax Championships, impressed with a top-10 finish at the FIA Motorsport Games.

Together, these eight racers form a fearless, ambitious squad set to ignite the UAE karting circuit.

“We are thrilled to launch the first season of the AKCEL GP Karting Academy—a dream that celebrates talent, passion, and perseverance. Representing India, Canada, and Lithuania in our debut season proves that motorsport knows no borders. Our heart lies in nurturing Indian talent, but our vision is global,” said Amit Kaushal, Chairman of AKCEL Group.

Looking ahead, AKCEL GP Academy aims to expand into European championships by 2027, building a direct pathway into the FIA Pyramid, from F4 through to F2.

With inputs from IANS