This year heralds the much-anticipated return of the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup, taking the spotlight from October 3-5 in the vibrant city of Riga, Latvia. Set against the backdrop of Biķernieki, Latvia’s esteemed racing circuit, this event is sure to captivate motorsport enthusiasts around the globe.
The 2021 edition left a lasting impression on the Latvian capital, and now, in 2023, the competition returns to this familiar and dynamic venue. The event once again gathers premier drifting talent from every corner of the world, as drivers vie for the coveted FIA title. Organizing this event is the Latvian Automobile Federation (LAF), the faithful FIA associate in Latvia, which has been relentless in its efforts to bring back this renowned competition, now in cooperation with Drift Latvia.
This year’s cup will feature a unique sporting format designed to broaden the scope of international participation. While the competition welcomes all eager participants, priority entry is offered to FIA Member Clubs, allowing them to put forward a chosen competitor. This method promises an exciting and varied lineup, showcasing talents from across the globe.
Initially launched in 2017, the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup aimed to elevate drifting to the international stage within a structured framework. Its debut saw rapid success, drawing stellar drivers from various national and regional arenas. Japan, widely regarded as the heartland of drifting, hosted the first three competitions, transitioning from Tokyo’s temporary setup in Odaiba to the iconic Tsukuba Circuit.
Drifting enthusiasts might remember Masato Kawabata, who clinched the inaugural title, followed by Georgy Chivchyan’s consecutive triumphs in the subsequent years. Fast forward to 2021, the cup found its temporary home in Riga, where Irish phenom James Deane took the win.
In the interim years, with the FIA IDC on pause, drifting action continued as part of the FIA Motorsport Games, with impressive entries gracing tracks like Circuit Paul Ricard and Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
The comeback of the FIA IDC also follows the exciting introduction of DC2 and DC3 car specifications, enhancing accessibility and creating clear progression paths in the drifting arena.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, expressed his enthusiasm: “Bringing back the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup highlights the global growth of motorsport within our robust community. Drifting’s surge in popularity is pushing it into new territories, showcasing the FIA’s commitment to expanding international engagement.”
Echoing this sentiment, Koichi Murata, Chairperson of the FIA Drifting Commission, remarked: “Drifting’s appeal is undeniable, and the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup’s return is a major boon for our sport. The remarkable success we’ve seen in recent FIA Motorsport Games underscores a robust demand for international competitions. I anticipate strong backing from National Sporting Authorities, culminating in a diverse and powerful roster.”
Linda Medne, General Secretary of LAF, shared her excitement: “Welcoming the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup back to Riga in 2025 is a moment of great pride. It underscores Latvia’s rising stature in the global motorsport arena. We are committed to delivering an event of outstanding caliber that will inspire burgeoning talent worldwide.”
