This marks the first time since 2021 that the event will bring together top-tier drifting talent from around the world in a standalone competition awarding an FIA title. The last edition was also held in the Latvian capital, making Riga a familiar and fitting host for this prestigious event.

The 2025 edition of the FIA IDC will be organized in partnership with the Latvian Automobile Federation (LAF), the FIA’s Member Club in Latvia. LAF played a crucial role in securing the return of the competition, demonstrating strong enthusiasm and commitment to hosting the event in association with Drift Latvia.

This year’s FIA IDC will introduce a unique sporting format aimed at strengthening and diversifying international representation and competition. The entries will be open for all competitors willing to participate; however, a primary entry phase will grant priority to FIA Member Clubs to enter one selected competitor. This approach ensures a diverse and competitive line-up of drivers, with multiple countries represented.

The FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup was first introduced in 2017 as the first international drifting competition under FIA governance. Designed to bring the sport into a structured and regulated international setting, the IDC quickly gained popularity, attracting top drivers from national and regional championships. The first three editions were held in the spiritual home of the sport, Japan. Initially at a temporary venue in Tokyo’s Odaiba district before moving to the renowned Tsukuba Circuit in 2019.

The inaugural FIA IDC was won by local ace Masato Kawabata, followed 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, where Irishman James Deane claimed victory.

During the absence of the FIA IDC, the FIA’s primary drifting competition was held as part of the FIA Motorsport Games, attracting strong and diverse entries in the last two editions at Circuit Paul Ricard and Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

The return of the FIA IDC marks the second significant 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 clear pathway from grassroots to elite-level competitions.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “The return of the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup underscores the continued global expansion of motor sport and the strength of our sporting community. Drifting is growing in both momentum and popularity, and its expansion into regions with emerging motor sport scenes is a testament to the FIA’s dedication to doubling global participation.”

Koichi Murata, FIA Drifting Commission Chairperson, said: “Drifting is one of the most accessible and fastest-growing forms of motor sport today, so the return of the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup is fantastic news for the entire community. The success of drifting at the FIA Motorsport Games has demonstrated a strong appetite for international FIA-sanctioned drifting competitions. I am hopeful that we will see multiple National Sporting Authorities supporting their competitors, leading to an entry which is both strong and geographically diverse.”

Linda Medne, LAF General Secretary, said: “As the General Secretary of the Latvian Automobile Federation, I am honoured to welcome the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup back to Riga in 2025. This is a proud moment for Latvia and a testament to our growing presence in international motor sport. With the dedication of our team and support from the drifting community, we aim to deliver a truly world-class event that inspires future talent globally.”