The inclusion of Esports in the International Sporting Code: a major opportunity of development for the future of the discipline

The FIA is accelerating its efforts to inspire future generations and increase global participation in motor sport. To do so, the FIA World Motor Sport Council, which met in December 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, approved the creation of an Esports regulatory framework (Appendix E to the FIA International Sporting Code) with the possibility of it evolving into an independent code in the future. 

One of the FIA’s key goals is to grow motor sport’s global fan base, and Esports – as an accessible, grassroots discipline – offers a golden opportunity to reach a new, young and enthusiastic audience.

This landmark decision will allow the FIA, as well as its National Sporting Authorities, to regulate Esports competitions to an even greater extent than before. To that purpose, the Appendix E features adapted definitions and concepts which are more suitable for this virtual motor sport discipline. It also provides a framework on how an FIA-regulated Esports event should be planned, structured, organised and reported on. It further supplies guidelines for sporting management in regard to driver behaviour on track.

As part of this major development to grow this grassroots category, a proposal to include an International Esports Licence under Appendix L was also approved. As a result, National Sporting Authorities have now the possibility, for the first time, to issue an FIA-recognised international Esports licence, which will be gradually rolled-out at future FIA Esports events. They will also be able to use Appendix E as a basis to develop their own National Esports Competition Rules for their respective events.

With several FIA-sanctioned Esports events currently planned at global and regional levels, the FIA’s pioneering approach presents a golden opportunity for future stars of the circuit to get their start in the sport via the burgeoning sim racing scene.

“We are working tirelessly to grow the Esports discipline and provide the best possible racing experience to our competitors”, said FIA Esports Commission president Niroshan Pereira.

“I’m delighted that the FIA keeps making significant steps forward for the benefit of the sport. Esports promotes mass participation by removing most of the traditional barriers to entry and is also a great example of the equality, diversity and inclusivity in motor sport. I now look forward to seeing several FIA-sanctioned Esports events play out at global and regional levels in the coming months.”