AKCEL GP Academy Launches In UAE To Nurture Rising Motorsport Stars

AKCEL GP Academy has revealed an impressive roster of young talents set to compete in the upcoming 2025/26 Rotax Max and IAME UAE Karting Championships, marking their debut season.

This diverse group includes promising drivers such as Atiqa Asif Mir, Rivaan Dev Preetham, Rehan Khan Rasheed, and Ridhaan A from India, alongside Brando Londono from Canada and Linas Volungevicius from Lithuania.

The academy's ambition extends beyond mere participation in races. Situated at the renowned YAS Marina Circuit, it aims to provide a comprehensive development program. This includes technical training, fitness regimes, mental conditioning in collaboration with Wishtok for peak performance, and strategic career planning.

These efforts are geared towards offering young drivers a solid foundation for a future in Formula racing. The AKCEL GP Academy's advanced facilities and a clear vision for career progression set it apart as a leading institution for nurturing motorsport talent.

The UAE is rapidly becoming a hotspot for motorsport, hosting major events like the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and boasting world-class circuits, including Yas Marina. The sports event market in the country is booming, with revenues set to double by 2030.

This makes the AKCEL GP Academy's launch both timely and significant, as it contributes to the UAE's growing status in the global motorsport arena. With the motorsport industry's worth soaring, the academy's role in developing future champions is more crucial than ever.

Atiqa Mir has already made waves as the first Indian to finish in the top 10 at the Rotax Euro Trophy. Her compatriots, Rivaan Dev Preetham and Jagrat Detroja, have also achieved significant milestones, with Preetham winning races at the FIA Motorsport Games and Detroja excelling in Valencia.

The next generation, including Rehan Khan Rasheed and Ridhaan A, shows immense promise, with Rasheed setting fastest laps and Ridhaan making a strong debut in the National Karting Championship.

The academy's roster also boasts international talents like Brando Londono and Linas Volungevicius. Londono, known as Canada's most-followed young racer, brings valuable experience from the FIA European Karting Championship, preparing for a move to Formula 4.

Volungevicius has shown his prowess in the Rotax Latvia and Lithuania Championships, securing a top-10 spot at the FIA Motorsport Games. Together, these drivers are poised to make a significant impact on the UAE karting scene.

"We are thrilled to begin the first season of AKCEL GP Karting Academy, a platform that celebrates talent, passion, and perseverance. More than just racing, AKCEL GP Academy builds future champions and offers young drivers a world-class pathway here in the UAE and beyond. This inaugural season brings together talent from across the globe, proving that motorsport knows no borders. To every young driver: this is just the start of your journey. With hard work and belief, the track ahead has no limits," declared Amit Kaushal, Chairman, AKCEL Group.

Looking to the future, the AKCEL GP Academy intends to broaden its reach by participating in European championships by 2027. This expansion aims to provide a smooth transition into the FIA Pyramid, covering FIA F4, FIA FREC, FIA F3, and FIA F2. By merging top-notch infrastructure with a detailed career trajectory, the academy not only acts as a team but also as a crucial stepping stone to professional motorsport careers.