Chennai, India, September 15, 2026: Indian karting talent Rivaan Dev Preetham produced a strong performance at the FIA Karting Arrive and Drive Asia Pacific Championship 2026, finishing fourth in the Junior category at the Circuit of Macau Coloane in Macau.

Held from September 11 to 13, the championship brought together young karting talent from across the Asia-Pacific region. Rivaan was competing at the Macau circuit for the first time and faced a strong field that included several local champions.

The weekend was disrupted by thunderstorms, with delays affecting the schedule and Sunday’s heats eventually being cancelled. Rivaan started the Grand Final from fifth on the 20-driver grid and delivered a determined drive through an action-packed opening lap before moving up to P4 at the chequered flag.

Adding another highlight to his weekend, Rivaan recorded an official event-fastest lap of 47.375 seconds, setting the event record in the process.

Rivaan showed competitive pace from the opening sessions. Across five Free Practice sessions, his best result was P3 in the second session on Day 1, providing an early indication of his pace around the unfamiliar circuit.

The Indian youngster then carried that momentum into the qualifying sprint heats. Starting fifth in Sprint 1, Rivaan finished second, before securing third in Sprint 2 after starting from sixth on the reverse grid.

Rivaan, who was the Indian champion in the Mini class last year, said the Macau event provided valuable international experience despite narrowly missing out on a podium finish.

“It was a good learning experience for me. The competition was very tough, and I am happy with P4 in the final though it would have been more satisfying had I finished on the podium,” said Rivaan.

The FIA Karting Arrive and Drive format was designed to provide a level playing field, with all competitors using the same equipment package. The field raced with Kosmic Mercury chassis, powered by 2-stroke Vortex SV engines, along with Vega Option XH4 slick tyres and Vega Q6 wet tyres.

The initial allocation of chassis and engines was decided by ballot, while engines were swapped between competitors during the event to further ensure an equal equipment platform.

The strongest performers at the FIA Karting Arrive and Drive Asia Pacific Championship will earn direct qualification for the FIA Karting Arrive and Drive World Cup, scheduled to take place in Malaysia later in 2026.