Eleven-year-old Kashmiri, Indian racing prodigy Atiqa Mir announced her arrival on the European karting stage with a sensational debut in the prestigious WSK Super Master Series, becoming the first Indian ever to qualify second (P2) in the fiercely competitive OKNJ junior class a category dominated by seasoned male drivers.

Mir, one of the youngest competitors in the field of 37 international racers, stepped up from the Mini category to the more powerful junior OKNJ class this season. Despite limited experience in the higher-powered karts, the Formula 1 Academy-supported driver clocked an impressive 49.76-second lap in qualifying, briefly heading the timesheets before Finland’s Leo Latinen edged ahead in the closing moments. Her performance just a tenth off the top marked a historic milestone for Indian motorsport.

Across the weekend’s three heat races, Atiqa continued to impress, securing starts from the front row and posting finishes of 4th, 6th and 7th, including the fastest lap in Heat 1, showcasing her raw speed and adaptability.

However, Sunday brought challenges. A mechanical failure on the pre-grid left her kart unable to start, forcing a late start from 18th on the grid for the final. After being pushed off track at Turn 1, she dropped to 22nd, but fought back with determination to finish 14th in the final race a commendable result given the circumstances.

Reflecting on her breakthrough weekend, Atiqa said, “It was a good debut weekend for me… I wasn’t expecting a P2 in qualifying, almost a pole, on debut. The pre-final was unfortunate, but that’s motor racing.”

Her father, former Formula Asia vice-champion Asif Mir, expressed pride in her performance, highlighting her pace against experienced rivals and saying that seeing the Indian flag atop the timing screens was a special moment.

Atiqa’s strong showing in Italy not only underscores her rising talent on the global karting circuit but also signals a new chapter for Indian racers in top-tier international competition.