The FIA and iRacing are pleased to announce the creation of the FIA F4 Esports Global Championship, which will commence its inaugural season this September. The all-new, pro-level Esports series is the latest step in the successful partnership between the two parties around the Formula 4 platform. The four-event, eight-round series will see drivers from around the world battle for a $25,000 prize pool. Races will be broadcast live across iRacing social media channels.

FIA Single-Seater Director, Nikolas Tombazis said: "I am delighted that the FIA is again joining forces with iRacing for the next phase of this highly innovative collaboration, taking FIA F4 Esports to a global stage following great success at the regional level. This latest step in our strong partnership aligns with our strategy to foster the growth and development of Esports and, in so doing, extend the appeal of our sport to fresh audiences, with the aim of doubling global participation in motor sport."

“We couldn’t be more excited to work with the FIA to launch the FIA F4 Esports Global Championship,” said iRacing president Tony Gardner. “Both iRacing and the FIA are committed to helping aspiring racers break into real-world motorsport through accessible opportunities, and the Formula 4 platform is a terrific means of doing so. We look forward to an exciting season this fall, and we’re sure that the front-runners in this series will be battling once again in the upper levels of motorsport in the years ahead.”

Since the relationship between iRacing and the FIA began in mid-2023, tens of thousands of drivers have taken to the track in the virtual F4, honing their skills as they begin to work their way into real-world racing. Series like the FIA F4 Regional Tours, which focus on tracks within specific regions of the world, provide racers with a sim experience that reflects the start of a racer’s real-world journey. In addition, iRacing has worked with dozens of FIA national sporting authorities (ASNs) to provide account support to sim racing newcomers around the world, as well as helping to create numerous national championship series.

Drivers will be able to qualify for the FIA F4 Esports Global Championship by running in iRacing’s FIA F4 Regional Tour series during 2024 Season 3, which kicks off in mid-June. The top 10 eligible drivers in championship standings across each of the Regional Tour series will be invited to compete in the Global Championship. In order to be eligible for an invitation to the Global Championship, drivers must reside within the respective region for which they qualify, ensuring a truly global championship field.

Doubleheader events have been scheduled for September 14, September 28, October 12, and November 2, with the first race session opening at 18:30 GMT. Track selections for each event will be announced 24 hours prior to the race, forcing drivers to adapt quickly to each course. Drivers will also compete with fixed setups, ensuring an equal playing field for all.

For more information on iRacing and for special offers, visit www.iracing.com.

To know more about the partnership and access an iRacing license via your local ASN, visit www.FIA.com/iracing