FINER FOCUS

Catching up with Akbar Ebrahim, CIK-FIA President on everything about karting

- GAURAV DAVARE

Akbar Ebrahim has had a long and illustrious association with all things racing on and off-track in India, besides having held the post of president of the FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India). He recently added another feather to his hat, being elected as the president, CIK-FIA (Commission Internationale de Karting, the main sanctioning body for go-kart racing globally. We engaged in conversation with the veteran, quizzing him about global karting and what's in store for the future of grassroots motorsport in India.

You've been president of the CIK-FIA for a few months now, what's your view on karting competitions on a global level so far?

Karting is in different forms globally with different types of products. Under the CIK, the FIA World Karting Championship, European Championships, WSK, and Champions Of The Future all run with CIK homologated equipment, general prescriptions, sporting regulations, and specific regulations. There are other championships running at a national level in many countries with mono-brand engines which aren't CIK homologated. That's because they're all mono brands with single-make engines. It comprises an umbrella of different types of events.

As for my thoughts, the level is extremely high. National levels are getting stronger with good participation. We're looking to improve that and also how to bring CIK equipment to regional championships in different areas outside of Europe. Those looking at making a career in a variety of motorsports arenas, going through this route is a big bonus for career development.