The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has unveiled a groundbreaking esports competition designed exclusively for women and girls aged 16 and above. In collaboration with Advanced SimRacing and iRacing, the FIA Girls of Track Esports Cup aims to promote gender diversity within the motorsport community by engaging aspiring female racers through virtual racing platforms. Participants must register via the FIA’s official website and possess an active iRacing account. The competition begins with online qualifiers where entrants aim to achieve the fastest lap times using iRacing's Time Attack mode, culminating on May 6th. Top performers will advance to an in-person final event held during the FIA Extraordinary General Assemblies Week in Macau next June.
As part of its broader mission to expand opportunities for women in motorsport, the FIA is leveraging the growing popularity of esports as a platform to inspire future generations. This initiative follows previous efforts such as the highly acclaimed "Girls on Track – Rising Stars" program, which nurtured young female drivers over four editions between 2020 and 2023. Now, the organization shifts focus toward digital racing environments, offering participants not only competitive experience but also educational workshops that provide insights into media relations and networking within the industry.
This new cup represents another step forward in integrating esports into traditional sports governance structures. Last year, the FIA established the FIA Esports Code, a comprehensive framework regulating sim racing competitions globally. By creating dedicated events like this one, the federation underscores its commitment to fostering inclusivity while enhancing engagement among diverse audiences worldwide.
In addition to showcasing talent, the finals scheduled for Macau promise valuable learning experiences beyond just competition itself. Finalists will engage in specialized training sessions focused on media interaction skills and professional development strategies tailored specifically for those interested in pursuing careers related to motorsport. Through these initiatives, the FIA continues to redefine how modern athletes can break into high-performance fields traditionally dominated by male competitors.
With increasing emphasis placed on inclusiveness across all levels of sport, including virtual domains, this latest endeavor from the FIA highlights their progressive vision for tomorrow's racing stars. By encouraging participation among underrepresented groups, they hope to cultivate lasting interest and passion for both real-world and simulated motorsports alike.