The FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup is about to make its long-awaited return this yr, with the extremely anticipated occasion scheduled to happen from October 3-5 in Riga, Latvia. The occasion might be held at Biķernieki, Latvia’s solely everlasting racing circuit
This marks the primary time since 2021 that the occasion will deliver collectively top-tier drifting expertise from around the globe in a standalone competitors awarding an FIA title. The final version was additionally held within the Latvian capital, making Riga a well-recognized and becoming host for this prestigious occasion.
The 2025 version of the FIA IDC might be organized in partnership with the Latvian Vehicle Federation (LAF), the FIA’s Member Membership in Latvia. LAF performed an important position in securing the return of the competitors, demonstrating sturdy enthusiasm and dedication to internet hosting the occasion in affiliation with Drift Latvia.
This yr’s FIA IDC will introduce a novel sporting format aimed toward strengthening and diversifying worldwide illustration and competitors. The entries might be open for all opponents prepared to take part; nonetheless, a main entry section will grant precedence to FIA Member Golf equipment to enter one chosen competitor. This strategy ensures a various and aggressive line-up of drivers, with a number of international locations represented.
The FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup was first launched in 2017 as the primary worldwide drifting competitors underneath FIA governance. Designed to deliver the game right into a structured and controlled worldwide setting, the IDC rapidly gained recognition, attracting prime drivers from nationwide and regional championships. The primary three editions had been held within the non secular residence of the game, Japan. Initially at a brief venue in Tokyo’s Odaiba district earlier than transferring to the famend Tsukuba Circuit in 2019.
The inaugural FIA IDC was received by native ace Masato Kawabata, adopted by back-to-back victories for Georgy Chivchyan in 2018 and 2019. After a one-year hiatus, the FIA IDC returned in 2021 in Riga, the place Irishman James Deane claimed victory.
Throughout the absence of the FIA IDC, the FIA’s main drifting competitors was held as a part of the FIA Motorsport Video games, attracting sturdy and numerous entries within the final two editions at Circuit Paul Ricard and Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
The return of the FIA IDC marks the second vital drifting-related announcement of 2025, following the FIA World Motor Sport Council’s approval of new DC2 and DC3 specifications for drifting cars, creating a transparent pathway from grassroots to elite-level competitions.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, mentioned: “The return of the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup underscores the continued international growth of motor sport and the power of our sporting group. Drifting is rising in each momentum and recognition, and its growth into areas with rising motor sport scenes is a testomony to the FIA’s dedication to doubling international participation.”
Koichi Murata, FIA Drifting Fee Chairindividual, mentioned: “Drifting is likely one of the most accessible and fastest-growing types of motor sport immediately, so the return of the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup is implausible information for your complete group. The success of drifting on the FIA Motorsport Video games has demonstrated a powerful urge for food for worldwide FIA-sanctioned drifting competitions. I’m hopeful that we’ll see a number of Nationwide Sporting Authorities supporting their opponents, resulting in an entry which is each sturdy and geographically numerous.”
Linda Medne, LAF Basic Secretary, mentioned: “Because the Basic Secretary of the Latvian Vehicle Federation, I’m honoured to welcome the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup again to Riga in 2025. This can be a proud second for Latvia and a testomony to our rising presence in worldwide motor sport. With the dedication of our group and help from the drifting group, we intention to ship a really world-class occasion that evokes future expertise globally.”
