FIA IDC DRIFT - NEWS

FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup 2026 gets underway in Serres

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 17:59:00 +0000

The FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup 2026 officially got underway at the Serres Racing Circuit, following the completion of the first two practice sessions on Friday, marking the first time that Greece has hosted this prestigious international FIA drifting event.

A total of 41 cars successfully completed scrutineering, with drivers taking to the track for their first practice runs and beginning preparations for the competitive sessions ahead.

From the early hours of the morning, hundreds of drifting enthusiasts gathered at the circuit to witness the opening action. Spectators were treated to impressive performances, while drivers expressed their enthusiasm and excitement at being part of such a major international sporting event, bringing together leading competitors from around the world.

The competition continues on Saturday, 14 November, with the third free practice session followed by qualifying, which will determine the 32 drivers progressing to Sunday's final battles.

Saturday's programme begins at 9:30 a.m. with the third free practice session for Group A drivers. Qualifying is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. and is expected to conclude at 4:30 p.m.

The qualifying action will be broadcast live on the official FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@FIAIDCDRIFT.

The FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup 2026 marks an important milestone for Greek motorsport, bringing the world's drifting elite to Serres and placing the Serres Racing Circuit on the international motorsport stage.

Record field set for FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup's Greek debut

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:01:00 +0000

The FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup heads to Greece for the first time this weekend (13–15 November), with a record-breaking field of 48 drivers representing 26 countries from three continents set to compete at Serres Racing Circuit.

Organised in partnership with the Hellenic Motor Sport Federation (OMAE), the FIA Member Club in Greece, the sixth edition of the competition promises a highly competitive field, with 13 nations also contesting the Nations Cup, which runs alongside the individual competition.

The 2026 edition will also mark a milestone in the history of the FIA IDC, as Eva Ivanov and Alice Ene become the first female drivers to compete in the event.

Romanian driver Alice Ene is no stranger to Serres Circuit, having set a Guinness World Record at the venue in 2021 when she became the youngest female driver to win a Drift King International Series event, aged just 14 years and 79 days. Eva Ivanov also brings valuable competitive experience, having finished runner-up in the Georgian championship in 2025 and secured more than 15 top-eight results in drifting competitions.

The strength of the entry list is further underlined by the presence of 14 drivers who have previously claimed national championship titles, bringing together established competitors and emerging talents from across the international drifting scene.

Among the leading contenders is Lithuania's Benediktas Cirba, a multiple Lithuanian and Baltic champion renowned for his aggressive driving style and technical precision. Following a strong 2026 season, Cirba will be looking to carry his momentum into the FIA IDC at the wheel of his BMW G42.

Switzerland's Yves Meyer makes his return to the competition, having finished runner-up at the 2018 FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup. Driving his distinctive Toyota GR Yaris, Meyer arrives in Greece following title-winning campaigns in both Italy and Germany, making him one of the experienced contenders to watch.

Representing France, Mathias Locatelli will make his FIA IDC appearance fresh from securing the 2026 French Drift Championship title in the Elite category, following a season marked by consistency and strong performances.

Home hopes will include Stavros Gryllis, a former Drift Masters European Championship competitor who has continued to establish himself on the international stage. The Greek driver finished runner-up in the 2026 Polish Drifting Championship and will be looking to make the most of home advantage behind the wheel of his BMW M2.

EXPANDING THE INTERNATIONAL REACH OF DRIFTING
As one of the fastest-growing disciplines in motor sport, drifting continues to attract competitors and audiences worldwide. Unlike most FIA-sanctioned disciplines, results are determined not by the stopwatch but by the drivers' ability to demonstrate precision, car control and technical skill.

For the second consecutive year, FIA Member Clubs acting as National Sporting Authorities have been given the opportunity to nominate competitors for the FIA IDC. Introduced in 2025, this initiative forms part of the FIA's wider commitment to increasing international participation and supporting the development of drifting through closer engagement with its Member Clubs.

First held in Japan in 2017, the FIA IDC returned to Tokyo in 2018 before moving to Tsukuba Circuit in 2019, with Georgy Chivchyan claiming back-to-back victories. The competition subsequently expanded beyond Japan, moving to Latvia in 2021, where James Deane took the title, before returning to Riga in 2025, when local driver Nikolass Bertāns claimed victory.

The move to Greece marks another step in the competition's international development, with the 2026 entry list surpassing the previous record of 45 drivers set last year.

In addition to the individual title, the Nations Cup will bring another competitive dimension to the weekend. Greece, Ukraine, Türkiye, France, Switzerland, Romania, Latvia, Georgia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Egypt, Italy and Hungary will each field multiple drivers, making them eligible to compete for the title.

The Nations Cup classification will be determined using the two highest-scoring drivers from each eligible nation, based on their qualifying scores and final Top 32 positions.

The event gets underway on Friday, 13 November, with the first of two practice sessions, ahead of qualifying on Saturday, 14 November. The action concludes on Sunday, 15 November, with a dedicated tandem practice session followed by the Top 32 elimination battles, culminating in the crowning of the 2026 FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup winner.

DECODING DRIFTING: ANGLE, ACCURACY AND SPEED
Unlike conventional circuit racing, drifting is a judged discipline in which drivers are assessed on their ability to maintain control of their cars while sliding through a prescribed course.

During qualifying, drivers complete solo runs evaluated on criteria including line, angle and style. Competitors must follow the designated trajectory while maintaining the appropriate drift angle and accurately negotiating clipping points and zones defined by the judges.

The top 32 qualifiers progress to the tandem elimination battles, where two drivers compete against each other, alternating between lead and chase positions. The chasing driver must follow the leader as closely as possible, matching their line and angle while avoiding contact. A majority decision from the judging panel determines which driver progresses to the next round.

Qualifying and the Top 32 battles will be livestreamed on the FIA IDC YouTube channel, allowing fans around the world to follow the action from Serres Circuit.

Official Logistics Agent for FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup – Serres 2026

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 06:37:00 +0000

Hellenic Motorsport Federation (OMAE), FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) representative in Greece for car racing and karting, has appointed ORPHEE BEINOGLOU S.M.S.A. as the official forwarder, on-site agent and customs broker for the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup – Serres 2026 to be held on 13th -15th November 2026.

ORPHEE BEINOGLOU S.M.S.A. is the official forwarding company to provide logistics and customs clearance services for participants of the event, including all-in services: pick-up from your premises, transfer to Greece, full customs support, delivery to venue, onsite handling and return to country of origin. On-site handling services, inclusive of vehicles and/or self-propelled exhibits can be provided by the company. To ensure a seamless flow of procedures and deliveries, all participating parties are kindly requested to contact ORPHEE BEINOGLOU S.M.S.A. the soonest possible, in order to coordinate and receive all the necessary information. Please reach out to the below contacts for your request.

Dimitris Kostas

Direct: +30 210 9466294

Mobile: +30 694607622

E-mail: dcostas@beinoglou.gr

Angeliki Katevaini

Direct: +30 210 9466292

Mobile: +30 6956625131

E-mail: akatevaini@beinoglou.gr

The Intercontinental Drifting Cup “Sets Sail” with Superfast Ferries

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:10:00 +0000

Superfast Ferries will serve as the transportation sponsor for the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup, which will take place from November 13 to 15, 2026 at the Serres Circuit.

Following an agreement with the Hellenic Motor Sport Federation (ΟΜΑΕ), Superfast Ferries is offering crews traveling from Italy to Greece a 30% discount on both the route from Ancona, Bari, or Venice, as well as for the return trips from Patras or Igoumenitsa.

The discount applies to the transport of 80 passengers, 30 trucks up to 10 m in length, 20 passenger cars, and 20 trailers up to 6 m in length, in a cabin class subject to availability, for travel taking place between November 9 and 19, 2026.

Please note that the discount does not apply to unaccompanied vehicles, and that it cannot be combined with the company's other general offers. In such cases, the greater discount applies on a case-by-case basis.

To book and issue tickets, interested parties may contact the following departments:

Call Center (for passengers, passenger cars, trailers), Tel.: +30 210 8919800,

Email: cc@attica-group.com

Truck Reservations Department: Tel. +30 210 8919710,

Reference Number: 4673

Email: adriatic.cargo.capacity@attica-group.com

Serres Takes Center Stage in the World of Drifting!

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:59:00 +0000

The city of Serres is getting ready to host the biggest sporting event in the world of drifting. From November 13 to 15, the Serres Circuit will host the Intercontinental Drifting Cup, the FIA's only world-class drifting event. The world's top drift drivers will take part in this major event, organized by the Hellenic Motorsport Federation (OMAE).

This is the largest race ever held at the Serres Circuit, with drivers and teams expected from countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. After all, the Intercontinental Drifting Cup is the only drifting competition organized by the FIA.

Serres is one of the most interesting destinations in Northern Greece, combining unique natural landscapes, significant historical monuments, exceptional cuisine, and one of the top motorsports tracks in the Balkans.

Serres Circuit

The Serres Circuit is considered the premier racing track in Greece and one of the best in the Balkans. It is located about 8 km outside the city of Serres and attracts thousands of motorsports enthusiasts every year.

It is 3,186 meters long, 12 to 15 meters wide, has 16 turns, and meets the specifications for hosting car and motorcycle races. On the outside of each turn, special run-off areas provide an additional level of safety for competitors in case they go off the track. The start-finish straight is 662 meters long.

Inside the track is the paddock parking area, which covers

approximately 4,900 m² and consists of 18 pits. Access to the paddock is via an underground passage located near the starting straight.

The track is equipped with the MyLaps X2 race control system, providing accurate timing, real-time monitoring, and comprehensive race management capabilities.

To support race operations and ensure competitor safety, the track features six FIA Grade 3 LED control boards, strategically located at turns K1, K3, K6, K9, K13, and K16. These display broadcast messages from race control in real time.

For more information, please visit www.serrescircuit.gr .

Access to Serres

Serres is one of the most strategic locations in Southeast Europe for hosting an international motorsports race. Its geographical location allows for easy access by road, sea, and air.

For reference, the distances from Serres to our neighboring countries are as follows:

Country	Nearest border crossing	Distance from Serres	Driving time
Bulgaria	Promachonas	35 km	25–30 minutes
North Macedonia	Evzonoi	120 km	1 hour 20 minutes
Turkey	Ormenio	200 km	Approx. 3 hours
Romania	via Bulgaria	Approx. 450 km	Approx. 6 hours
Serbia	via North Macedonia	Approx. 400 km	Approx. 5.5 hours
Albania	Crystallopigi	Approx. 240 km	Approx. 3 hours

The Port of Thessaloniki is 100 km away (approximately one hour), the Port of Kavala is 65 km away (approximately 50 minutes). It is 200 km from Alexandroupoli (about two hours) and 600 km from Piraeus (about 7 hours via highways).

The nearest airport is “Macedonia” Airport in Thessaloniki, which is 100 km from Serres—a distance that takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car. There are daily direct flights from most European countries.

Most European competitors can transport their race vehicles by truck or trailer, reach Serres on the same day from Bulgaria and North Macedonia, and be at the track within a few hours from Romania, Serbia, and Turkey.

Participants from countries outside Europe (Japan, Brazil, Oman, Saudi Arabia, etc.) can ship their vehicles by sea to the ports of Thessaloniki or Piraeus and then have them transported by road to Serres.

The Serres Motor Racing Circuit is located just a few minutes from the city center and has a direct connection to the national highway network. This means that transporting race cars from warehouses, ports, or customs can be done quickly and at a lower cost compared to other locations in Greece.

Accommodation

For your stay, you can choose either the city of Serres or one of the nearby tourist destinations. In the city of Serres, you'll find 3- to 5-star hotels, and it serves as an ideal base for exploring the entire prefecture.

Top Attractions

The Prefecture of Serres is known for its natural beauty and attractions.

Lake Kerkini

The artificial Lake Kerkini is considered one of Europe's most important wetlands and is home to more than 300 species of birds. It is ideal for boating, birdwatching, cycling, horseback riding, hiking, and nature photography. It is located approximately 45 km west of the city of Serres and 100 km from Thessaloniki.

Roupel Fortress

The historic Roupel Fortress is a symbol of Greek resistance during the German invasion of 1941. Visitors can tour the underground tunnels, the gun emplacements, the soldiers' living quarters, and the fortress's small museum. It is the largest complex on the Metaxas Line. It is located about 50 km from Serres, near the Strymon Valley and the Greek-Bulgarian border.

Lailias

Mount Lailias is located just 27 km from the city of Serres. It features beech and pine forests, excellent hiking trails, is ideal for mountain biking, and offers panoramic views of the Serres plain. During the winter months, the ski resort of the same name is open.

Ano Poroia

One of the most beautiful villages in Macedonia, located at the foot of Mount Beles and about 55 km from Serres. It stands out for its traditional architecture, local cuisine, and views of Lake Kerkini, and is ideal for hiking.

Sidirokastro and Thermal Baths

The area is known for the thermal baths of Sidirokastro, its Byzantine history, and its natural surroundings. Sidirokastro is 25 km from Serres.

Holy Monastery of St. John the Baptist

One of the most important Byzantine monasteries in Macedonia, built in a lush natural setting just 12 km from the city of Serres.

Cuisine and Local Specialties

Serres is renowned for its culinary offerings. Famous among them is the Akanes of Serres, the region's traditional dessert made with butter and almonds, as well as the Serres bougatsa, one of the best-known in Northern Greece.

Be sure to try Kerkini buffalo meat, whether as steaks, sausages, or kavourmas. There are also local cheeses produced on Mount Beles and in the Kerkini region. You can also sample wines and tsipouro from vineyards in the Strymon region.

Nikolass Bertāns goes one better at home to clinch 2025 FIA IDC crown

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:02:00 +0000

Youth prevailed as Nikolass Bertāns beat Daniels Baumanis in an all-Latvian final to win the 2025 FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup in Riga – the biggest and most international edition of the event to date. Paweł Korpuliński secured third place, while Latvia also claimed the Nations Cup victory on home soil.

In a tightly contested final, 20-year-old Bertāns, who finished a close second to James Deane in 2021 when the FIA IDC last visited Latvia, produced a superb chase and lead run against 17-year-old Baumanis to secure his first-ever IDC crown at the wheel of his BMW based on a HGK Eurofighter chassis.

“It’s a good step up in life and another title in the bag so I am really happy that I ended the season on a good,” said Bertāns after the final. “Thank you to Daniels for an amazing final; I have been looking forward to driving with him all my career because he was just starting out when I was in Pro and now, we are in the final on the big stage."

After seeing off Egypt’s Karim Hany after a re-run in the first round of elimination tandems, Bertāns had to overcome a serious of tough battles on his journey towards the final, namely against Polish duo Jakub Przygoński and Pawel Korpuliński in the Top 8 and Top 4 bouts respectively.

A brilliant chase run against Przygoński in the Top 8 was the key to progressing to the final four, while an equally impressive lead run with Korpuliński in close company gave Bertāns his ticket to the final.

Similarly, Baumanis came through a nail-biting semi-final with El Salvador’s Nasser Alharbali Urias in his BMW E46. Contact between the two in the first run left Alharbali Urias needing to make repairs to his car while Baumanis was deemed responsible. After the second run resulted in a dead-heat, Baumanis eventually prevailed in the third battle, relegating Alharbali Urias to dispute third place with Korpuliński.

Both Alharbali Urias and Korpuliński were so evenly matched in their two runs, that the judges forced a deciding winner-takes-all tandem to determine the final step on the podium. Korpuliński just got the better of Alharbali Urias to win over the judges to grab third.

After topping qualifying on Friday afternoon, Alharbali Urias had earlier survived a scare in the opening Top 32 run of the day, against Greek driver Christos Chantzaras, hitting the long wall at the end of his chase run. Chantzaras was deemed to have decelerated too much, therefore backing into Alharbali Urias, paving the way for the latter to progress.

Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Abdul-Karim Jahan nearly produced a big surprise in his Top 8 tandem battle with Korpuliński, before the Polish driver made it through after a more accurate second run.

Prior to exiting the competition in the semi-final stage, Przygoński had engaged in arguably the most exciting tandem of the day in the Top 32, facing off against Japanese driver Hokuto Matsuyama. Both drivers (at the wheel of their Toyota GR86 and Toyota A90 Supra respectively) delivered pin-point lead runs and aggressive chases but it was Przygoński who went through.

Elsewhere in the first round, there was yet more drama for Rubén Bolaños who, for the second day in a row, suffered technical problems during his first run. The Spanish driver took the regulatory five-minute repair window but his BMW E46 would go no further, handing Georgian driver Mevlud Meladze in a similar BMW E46 a free passage to the Top 16.

In the Top 16 tandems, Meladze was then in strife himself, this time against eventual runner-up Baumanis. The pair made slight contact, and both spun out. A mistake at the initiation from Meladze on the re-run allowed Baumanis to progress.

Ahmed Al Amri was a non-starter in his Nissan Silvia S15, while Hungarian competitor Tamás Magyar’s Mercedes 190 was ruled out after a heavy crash against the long wall in his battle with Lithuania’s Andrius Vasiliauskas.

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

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:38:00 +0000

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

2025 FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup opens for competitor applications

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 08:25:00 +0000

The FIA has announced that competitor applications for the 2025 FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup will open on 16 June and close on 1 September, as the world’s premier drifting competition prepares for a re-launch this October with a return to Riga, Latvia

Drivers wishing to compete must hold an international circuit licence (ITD1, ITC-D, or above) and enter cars that comply with FIA DC1 technical regulations.

The 2025 FIA IDC will feature a refreshed sporting format designed to enhance international diversity and competition.

While entries are open to all eligible competitors, a priority nomination phase will give FIA Member Clubs the opportunity to select one driver, supporting broader global representation and diversity among entrants. Nominations can be submitted by National Sporting Authorities until 15 June at idc@fia.com.

In addition to the Drivers’ title, a Nations Cup title will also be awarded, provided at least five different countries are represented, with a minimum of two cars per country. A maximum of 45 competitors will be accepted. The entry form will be available here.

The sporting regulations are published on both the FIA and the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup websites.

The 2025 FIA IDC is being organised in partnership between the FIA and the Latvian Automobile Federation and is set to be held from 3-5 October at Biķernieki, the country’s only permanent racing circuit, which previously hosted FIA IDC as well as the Latvian round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship.

FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup Returns to Riga for 2025 Season

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 17:50:00 +0000

The 2025 edition of the FIA IDC will be organised 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.

Commenting on the return of the event, FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, 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,” he said.

FIA drifting commission chair person, Koichi Murata, 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,” Murata stated.

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 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 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.

WE ARE BACK

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:26:00 +0000