Sim-racing fans are over the moon with the latest announcement from the FIA and iRacing: an F4 eSport World Championship that will take its first laps around the track in September, with prizes of up to 25,000 US dollars ($).

The world-famous sim-racing title iRacing has been a partner of the FIA, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, since 2023. This partnership has been renewed this year in the form of an international championship, which will make its debut with its inaugural season in September. The aim is simple: get virtual drivers from all over the world to take part in 4 events and 8 rounds, and the finalists can win prizes of up to $25,000.

Those who already follow iRacing on social networks – and indeed, the races will be broadcast on the various iRacing pages – will know that this partnership is not really new. About a year ago, the FIA and iRacing launched the FIA F4 Regional Tours, virtual F4 competitions held on circuits in several regions of the world.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be working with the FIA to launch the FIA F4 World eSports Championship,” says Tony Gardner, President of iRacing. “iRacing and the FIA are committed to helping aspiring drivers enter the real world of motorsport through accessible opportunities, and the Formula 4 platform is a great way to do this. We look forward to an exciting season this autumn and are confident that the leaders of this series will compete at the highest level of motorsport again in the years to come.”

For those wishing to take part in the FIA F4 World Championship, you’ll have to act fast, as qualifying begins in mid-June. You’ll need to race in the FIA F4 Regional Tour series, and the first 10 eligible drivers will be invited to the world championship. Which means the competition will be tough, and that’s not all. According to the latest information on this new championship, eligible drivers must reside in the respective region for which they have qualified. I imagine this little detail is there to ensure a worldwide sample of pilots.

Nikolas Tombazis, FIA Director of Single Seater, said: “I’m delighted that the FIA is partnering with iRacing again for the next phase of this highly innovative collaboration, bringing FIA F4 eSports to the global stage after the great success at regional level. This latest stage of our partnership aligns with our strategy to foster the growth and development of eSports and, in so doing, broaden the appeal of our sport to new audiences, with the aim of doubling global participation in motorsport.”

Further information is available on the FIA andiRacing websites.