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 will likely be held at Biķernieki, Latvia’s solely everlasting racing circuit
This marks the primary time since 2021 that the occasion will carry collectively top-tier drifting expertise from all over the world in a standalone competitors awarding an FIA title. The final version was additionally held within the Latvian capital, making Riga a well-known and becoming host for this prestigious occasion.
The 2025 version of the FIA IDC will likely be organized in partnership with the Latvian Car Federation (LAF), the FIA’s Member Membership in Latvia. LAF performed a vital 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 will likely be open for all opponents keen to take part; nevertheless, a main entry part will grant precedence to FIA Member Golf equipment to enter one chosen competitor. This method ensures a various and aggressive line-up of drivers, with a number of nations represented.
The FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup was first launched in 2017 as the primary worldwide drifting competitors below FIA governance. Designed to carry the game right into a structured and controlled worldwide setting, the IDC rapidly gained reputation, attracting prime drivers from nationwide and regional championships. The primary three editions had been held within the religious house of the game, Japan. Initially at a brief venue in Tokyo’s Odaiba district earlier than shifting to the famend Tsukuba Circuit in 2019.
The inaugural FIA IDC was gained 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.
Through 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 various 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 important drifting-related announcement of 2025, following the FIA World Motor Sport Council’s approval of latest DC2 and DC3 specs for drifting automobiles, 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 energy of our sporting neighborhood. 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 Chairperson, mentioned: “Drifting is among the most accessible and fastest-growing types of motor sport at present, so the return of the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup is incredible information for your entire neighborhood. The success of drifting on the FIA Motorsport Video games has demonstrated a robust 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 various.”
Linda Medne, LAF Common Secretary, mentioned: “Because the Common Secretary of the Latvian Car Federation, I’m honoured to welcome the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup again to Riga in 2025. It is 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 neighborhood, we goal to ship a very world-class occasion that evokes future expertise globally.”
