Greece to host 2026 FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup as FIA launches its first regional drifting competitions

The 2026 FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup will happen at Greece’s Serres Circuit from 13 to fifteen November 2026, following approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council by way of digital vote. The governing physique of world motor sport has additionally confirmed the creation of the FIA Central Asia Drifting Cup, with its inaugural version scheduled for 25 to 27 September 2026 at Sokol Worldwide Circuit in Kazakhstan.

The sixth version of the FIA IDC might be organised by the Hellenic Motor Sport Federation (OMAE), the FIA’s Member Membership in Greece, which was chosen following the FIA’s Name for Expressions of Curiosity launched final December to establish the organiser and host venue for the cup’s subsequent version.

First launched in 2017, the IDC marked the self-discipline’s debut beneath FIA governance, bringing drifting right into a structured and controlled framework.

The competitors shortly went on to determine itself as a world platform, attracting main drivers from nationwide and regional championships and sequence around the globe.

The primary three editions had been held in Japan, thought to be the religious house of drifting. The occasion debuted at a brief venue in Tokyo’s Odaiba district earlier than transferring to the famend Tsukuba Circuit in 2019. The next two editions befell in Riga, Latvia, on the Biķernieki Circuit, making Greece the third nation to host the competitors.

The latest version underlined the self-discipline’s rising worldwide enchantment, with 45 drivers representing 33 nations throughout 5 FIA areas.

Sporting and Technical Rules for the 2026 version might be finalised and printed sooner or later, outlining the eligibility standards for opponents and the registration course of.

FIA CENTRAL ASIA DRIFTING CUP TO DEBUT IN 2026Alongside the IDC, the FIA has permitted the launch of its first regional drifting competitors, the FIA Central Asia Drifting Cup. The occasion might be organised by the Kyrgyz Republic Auto Motorsport and Highway Security Federation (AMSRSF) however will happen in Kazakhstan, at Sokol Worldwide Circuit, with the authorisation and help of the FIA Member Membership of Kazakhstan, Automotorsport Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan (AFRK).

The brand new competitors is predicted to play a key function in accelerating the event of drifting in Central Asia whereas increasing the worldwide footprint of the self-discipline. It is going to function an essential stepping stone for each the FIA and regional stakeholders, offering a platform to construct organisational experience, elevate sporting requirements and appeal to a broader and more and more aggressive subject of drivers within the years to return.

The initiative displays a transparent strategic dedication from native organisers to develop drifting, alongside a robust willingness to align with FIA requirements and greatest practices. On the identical time, rising curiosity from drivers, organisers and followers throughout the area highlights the game’s growing momentum and underlines the increasing enchantment of drifting.

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, stated: “Drifting is among the key disciplines supporting the FIA’s dedication to doubling world participation in motor sport. Constructing on the success of final yr’s version, I’m happy to see the continued momentum behind the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup, which this yr will deliver lots of the world’s high drifters to Greece.

On the identical time, the launch of the FIA Central Asia Drifting Cup represents an essential step in accelerating the expansion of the self-discipline throughout the area and past. It is going to assist additional increase the worldwide attain and recognition of drifting, some of the accessible and dynamic types of motor sport.”

Fotini Psarrakou, President of the Hellenic Motor Sport Federation, stated: “It’s a great pleasure and honour for Greece and our motor sport that the FIA has determined to entrust us with organising the 2026 Intercontinental Drifting Cup. This project is a continuation of our wonderful collaboration with the FIA through the years.”

Dostan Ibragimov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Auto Motorsport and Highway Security Federation, stated: “The launch of the FIA Central Asia Drifting Cup marks an essential milestone for the event of motor sport in our area. We’re proud to host this competitors and to welcome drivers from Central Asia and past to Sokol Worldwide Circuit. This occasion displays our long-term dedication to rising motor sport, supporting younger expertise, and constructing a robust worldwide platform for drifting in Central Asia.”