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FIA’s new Esports Code set to regulate sim racing

The FIA has announced the ratification of an Esports Code to help motorsport governing bodies run sim racing events.

FIA's new Esports Code set to regulate sim racing

The latest FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Rwanda decreed a new ‘regulatory framework for esports’ to help enable the sanctioning of future virtual competitions.

It is the first time the FIA has ratified such regulations for esports, with the Esports Code helping regulate global sim racing competitions. The first two events to run to the Esports Code formed part of the FIA Motorsport Games last month, using both iRacing and Assetto Corsa Competizione.

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Image: FIA Motorsport Games, iRacing and Ross McGregor

The FIA has made significant inroads into esports in recent months, seeking out a sim racing partner for the Olympic Esports Games and launching the iRacing FIA F4 Esports Regional Tour, with its esports department set for expansion according to a recent job listing.

The Esports Code is heavily based on the FIA’s International Sporting Code for motorsport but with key changes made to distinguish between the two disciplines. The Esports Code, according to the FIA, can be adopted by national motorsport authorities, providing them with the necessary framework to run FIA-sanctioned events in their own countries. 

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Image: FIA

The UK’s domestic motorsport governing body, Motorsport UK, already has a heavy presence in the esports space thanks to its Motorsport UK Esports Hub, with its flagship series, the British F4 Esports Championship, enjoying full UK championship status.

We have reached out to Motorsport UK and the FIA for comment.

What do you think about the FIA developing an Esports Code? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.