Sport news
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has reaffirmed its commitment to widening participation in global motor sport with the first joint FIA Karting and Esport event held at the Asum Ring in Kristianstad, Sweden, ahead of this weekend’s Mondokart.com 2025 FIA Karting World Championship.
The International Esports Trophy event featured an entry list of 27 competitors who utilised simulators provided by Svenska Bilsportförbundet, the Swedish Automobile Sports Federation. Drivers raced in the FIA F4 category around the Nürburgring circuit using the iRacing title and of the 9 finalists, 5 were also karting drivers registered in this weekend’s World Championship in a display of the current strength and promise of grassroots motor sport.
Throughout the day, a series of heats and qualifying sessions narrowed the field to eight finalists who set the grid for the final 3 races of the competition. After a tense and closely fought opening race, Dylan Stebler showcased his racecraft with a determined charge through the pack to claim the first chequered flag. The Swiss driver then delivered a commanding performance in Race 2 to maintain his lead. A minor setback in the final race saw him slip to second, but it did little to overshadow his dominant display across the event.
Stebler finished the finals with 42 points, 11 points clear of his closest rival Jensen Burnett who will compete in the Mondokart.com 2025 FIA Karting World Championship this weekend for Forza Racing in the OK Category. Dylan Stebler duly raised his well-earned International Esports Trophy and became the first winner of what is sure to be an exhilarating weekend of racing.
Since the World Motor Sport Council validated the addition of Esports into the FIA International Sporting Code in 2023, the FIA has expanded its reach to new communities and disciplines. With the total global esports audience projected to reach 640.8 million in 2025 and the Asia-Pacific region comprising 57% of the global Esports viewers, Esports presents a powerful opportunity to expand motor sport’s reach, grow its fanbase, and increase participation worldwide
By bringing together karting and Esports, the FIA is bridging the gap between on screen and on track racing, creating new, accessible entry points into the sport and engaging a broader, younger and more diverse audience. The Kristianstad event marks a milestone in this integration, reinforcing the FIA’s commitment to accessibility and innovation across motor sport whilst contributing to the FIA’s mission to double motor sport participation globally.
Akbar Ebrahim, FIA Karting President, said:
“We were proud to host the International Esports Trophy ahead of the FIA Karting World Championship in Kristianstad, Sweden this week. Esports is an exciting and fast-growing discipline that offers a fresh entry route into motor sport. This joint event has demonstrated the potential and importance of embracing new formats to engage the next generation of competitors and fans.”
“Through the FIA Global Karting Plan, we are committed to widening access to our sport, and this initiative is another step toward making motor sport more inclusive, innovative and accessible than ever before.”
Jessica Bjurström, Chair of Svenska Bilsportförbundet, said:
“Bringing Esports into the FIA Karting World Championship weekend is a proud moment for us. It reflects how motor sport is evolving, becoming more inclusive, more innovative and more connected to younger generations. Whether you’re behind the wheel or behind a screen, the passion and competition are the same and this event has shown how digital racing can inspire on track journeys into the sport”
The 2025 Mondokart.com FIA Karting World Championship will be held in Kristianstad, Sweden over 11-14 September and will crown champions in the OK-Junior (12-14 years old) and OK (14+) categories. FIA Karting events are free to watch on YouTube on the FIA Karting Championship channel, available here.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact Omar Sharif, Sport Communications Manager: osharif@fia.com
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
FIA Karting World Championship – OK
FIA KartingEsportsFIA
SEASON 2025SportCircuit1SportFIA Karting World Championship – OKCircuitFIASEASON 2025FIA KartingEsports00Friday, September 12, 2025 – 9:01amFriday, September 12, 2025 – 9:01am
