FIA Intercontinental Drift Cup in Riga: Record Participation from 33 Countries at Biķernieki Circuit

The FIA Intercontinental Drift Cup (IDC) is making its long-awaited return this year, taking place from October 3–5 in Riga, Latvia. The event will be hosted at the Biķernieki circuit, the only permanent race track in Latvia. The competition will coincide with the grand finales of the Baltic and Latvian drifting seasons, providing an unforgettable experience for spectators. Full competition days for all championships will run from October 3–5.

For the first time since 2021, the FIA IDC will gather the world’s top drifting talents for a standalone event where the prestigious FIA title will be awarded. The 2025 FIA IDC will feature 45 drivers from 33 countries — likely the largest number of nations ever represented at Biķernieki. These 33 countries will compete not only for individual win, but 12 countries, including Baltic countries, will also contest the Nations Cup.

The FIA IDC introduces a unique competitive format aimed at strengthening and diversifying international representation and competition, as well as fostering global relationships. The Intercontinental Drift Cup was first launched in 2017 as the first FIA-sanctioned international drifting championship. Its goal was to bring structure and regulation to the sport at the international level, quickly gaining popularity and attracting top-tier drivers from national and regional championships. The first three championships were held in the birthplace of drifting — Japan — initially on a temporary track in Tokyo’s Odaiba district, and in 2019 at the famous Tsukuba circuit.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem commented: “The return of the FIA Intercontinental Drift Cup highlights the continuous global growth of motorsport and the strength of our community. Drifting is increasingly popular and appealing, and its expansion into regions with growing motorsport interest demonstrates FIA’s commitment to doubling global participation.”

A wide range of federation representatives, media, teams, and, of course, drivers will arrive in Latvia. Among the 45 drivers from 33 countries are well-known Baltic representatives — Čirba, Vasiliauskas, Kroģeris, Bertāns, Randalu, and Strelkovs — as well as other prominent names from Europe. Poland will send a particularly strong lineup, including Przygonskis and Korpulinski.

The competition boasts truly global participation — all drivers are experienced, multiple championship participants and podium finishers. For the first time in FIA drifting history, the Middle East will also be represented, with drivers arriving from the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Oman, and Egypt. Many are shipping their cars by plane, and some have already arrived at Biķernieki.

Special excitement comes from the participation of a Japanese driver — Japan being the birthplace of drifting — accompanied by a large Japanese delegation. It should be noted that the head of the FIA Drift Commission is also from Japan.

For sure one of driver which is highlighted is Joao Barion from Brazil, who gained international recognition through the Netflix show Hyperdrive. His car is already in Baltic countries, and he will not be the only Brazilian driver, meaning Brazil will also compete in the Nations Cup.

Altogether, 33 countries will be represented: Brazil, El Salvador, Japan, Austria, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Moldova, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.

Each participant brings their own story, experience, and achievements. In total, 45 charismatic and talented drivers will compete at Biķernieki, offering spectators a unique opportunity to witness world-class drifting live in Riga, Latvia already after 2 weeks.

Tickets are available at very accessible prices — a 3-day pass, covering both the FIA IDC and Baltic finals, costs just €50.

For more information about the event, the full driver list, ticket details, and schedule, visit the official website: www.fiaidcdrift.com