Madagascar’s Karting Prodigies Gear Up for FIA World Cup Showdown in Malaysia
Three young motorsport talents from Madagascar are preparing to make their mark on the global stage at the inaugural FIA Karting “Arrive and Drive” World Cup, scheduled for November 14-16, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
National Champions Ready for International Challenge
The Malagasy Federation of Motor Sport (FSAM) has selected three exceptional drivers to represent the island nation. Fourteen-year-old Hasinjo Matthew Quentin Andriambelo will compete in the Senior category, while David Ivan Andrianjafy, 13, and Matheo Rajomarison, 12, will battle in the Junior division.
These aren’t just promising newcomers—they’re already established champions on home soil. Matheo Rajomarison, the 2021 Madagascar Poussin champion and subsequent Minime vice-champion, gained valuable international experience at the 2024 African Karting Cup in South Africa before dominating the 2025 junior championship.
David Ivan Andrianjafy brings an impressive resume as a double national champion in the Minime category. His ninth-place finish at the 2024 African Karting Cup and victory at the 23rd Madagascar International Trophy demonstrate his competitive edge. He currently holds the title of national junior champion.
Matthew Andriambelo, whose passion for motorsports began in childhood, has been building momentum with a third-place finish at the 2024 Madagascar International Trophy and multiple national podium appearances this year. His performance in South Africa—seventh at Redstar Raceway and sixth at Killarney Raceway—signals his readiness for the world stage.
A Level Playing Field for Global Talent
The upcoming event at Malaysia’s LYL International Circuit—the largest karting facility in Asia—will assemble 108 drivers from 50 countries in what promises to be a spectacular display of emerging talent.
The “Arrive and Drive” format eliminates equipment advantages, with all competitors using identical karts provided by the OTK group. This creates pure racing where driver skill alone determines success.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the event as “opening a new chapter for grassroots motorsport.” He noted that the strong participation from member clubs reflects a growing commitment to making the discipline more accessible worldwide. “I’m enthusiastic about seeing the next generation of champions take to the track,” he added.
Madagascar’s Motorsport Ambitions
For Madagascar, this represents more than just another competition—it’s an opportunity to showcase the nation’s developing motorsport program and demonstrate that talent can emerge from unexpected places. These young drivers carry not just their personal ambitions but the hopes of a nation looking to establish itself in international motorsports.
Racing enthusiasts can follow the competition live through the FIA Karting YouTube channel, offering free access to watch these future stars compete. As these three Malagasy drivers prepare to face the world’s karting elite, they embody the growing global reach of motorsport and the potential for new racing nations to emerge.
Source: This article first appeared on Midi Madagasikara
Reporting by Manjato Razafy