Indian Karting Stars Join Akcel GP Academy for UAE Rotax & IAME Championships

Akcel GP Academy has announced its driver line-up for the 2025/26 Rotax Max and IAME UAE Karting Championships. The Abu Dhabi-based team will begin its debut season at Yas Marina Circuit with six Indian drivers: Atiqa Asif Mir, Rivaan Dev Preetham, Rehan Khan Rasheed, Ridhaan A, Krishay Gutte, and Jagrat Detroja. They will be joined by Canada’s Brando Londono and Lithuania’s Linas Volungevicius. The Academy’s programme focuses on developing drivers both on and off the track. Alongside racing, it provides technical training, fitness preparation, mental conditioning, and career guidance. In partnership with Wishtok, wellness and performance coaching are also included. Based at Yas Marina Circuit, the team has access to training facilities and a modern garage environment.

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Amit Kaushal, Chairman Akcel Group said: 'We are thrilled to launch the first season of the AKCEL GP Karting Academy, a dream that celebrates talent, passion, and perseverance. AKCEL GP Academy is more than just racing; it is about building future champions and giving young drivers the platform they deserve. We are proud to represent India, Canada, and Lithuania in our very first season, proof that motorsports knows no borders. Our heart lies in nurturing Indian motorsport talent, but our vision is global. To every young driver, remember, this is just the start of your journey. With hard work and belief, the track ahead has no limits.'

Indian drivers will feature prominently in the first season. Atiqa Asif Mir became the first Indian to secure a top-10 finish at the Rotax Euro Trophy. Rivaan Dev Preetham, a two-time national champion, was the first Indian to win a race at the FIA Motorsport Games in 2024. Jagrat Detroja also delivered a notable performance, taking pole position and finishing fifth in Valencia.

The international side of the team is led by Canadian racer Brando Londono, who has experience in the FIA European Karting Championship and plans to move into Formula 4. From Lithuania, Linas Volungevicius has competed regularly in Rotax events across Latvia and Lithuania, including a top-10 result at the FIA Motorsport Games.

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Akcel GP Academy has outlined plans to enter European karting by 2027. The team has indicated that it wants to connect its drivers to the FIA single-seater structure, which progresses from Formula 4 to Formula 2. The approach is intended to provide a step-by-step path for drivers moving beyond karting.