Regularity during the six -rounds planned will be the key to obtaining the best possible results. Especially since a great diversity of circuits awaits the pilots this 2025 season. Indeed, for six meetings, the championship will go to two karting tracks (Vesoul and Val d’Argenton), two automobile circuits (Croix-en-Ternois and Charade), and finally two Tōges (Luby-Osmet and Calmont), which makes our championship even more new.
The Pusey valley circuit, a great first
For the opening of this 2025 season, the French Drift FFSA championship will go to the Pusey valley circuit near Vesoul, for a historic first. This brand new route will be a real challenge for pilots, who will quickly have to adapt to it. Mainly known for its karting tests and technical turns, the Valley circuit adapts perfectly to the Drift Discipline, guaranteeing a high -level show for spectators.
Elite and Pro categories more raised than ever
The leisure category having disappeared this season, only two categories will be present on this first round: Elite and Pro. What significantly strengthen the sporting level of the championship.
In the Elite category, we find the regulars and favorites of the championship such as Mathias Locatelli, Anthony Rocci, Axel François, back with his corvette or even Steve Leiber the premises of the stage, which will be keen to shine at home.
On the Wildcards side, the Elite category will be well represented with the return of the double reigning French champion, Jason Banet, who will participate in this first round as a guest. We will also have the pleasure of welcoming Andrew Hirschy, who came to complete the list of wildcards for this inaugural round.
As for the PRO category, the level promises to be just as high with experienced pilots like Bryan Roman, 2024 leisure champion, or Etienne Mustache, engaged throughout the season. The female pilots will also be in the spotlight with the presence of Gaëlle Mayet and Alena Renaude, who came to proudly defend their chances.
Alongside them, many rookies will take their first steps in the French Drift FFSA championship. If their level remains to be discovered, there is no doubt that they will be able to set the mood and shake up the established order.
Quality Wildcards will enrich this already noted set, notably with the Serbian pilot Sacha Aleksic, as well as the French Timothe Stehlin, Kevin Siegrist and Loïc Merklen, the latter last minute guest following a package in the category.
The competitiveness of this category promises to be particularly intense, and the outcome of this opening round remains more uncertain than ever.
-Change on the weekend program
The qualification format is evolving this season: finished the solo runs, make way for the One Shot Battles! From now on, some pilots will have to compete directly to get their place in the top 32.
For this first round, each pilot will receive a number of “Rank” based on the final ranking of the previous season. The pilots classified between the 25th and 40th place will have to go through the One Shot Battles in order to try to integrate the Top 32.
This system will only be applied during the first round. From the second, in Croix-en-Ternois, the classification taken into account will be that of the previous round, that is to say Vesoul.
The principle is simple: the 25th will face the 26th, the 27th will face the 28th, and so on until the 40th. The winners of these duels will then integrate the top 32 of the weekend.
To compose the final table, each winner of One Shot Battle will be integrated according to its initial place. For example, the winner of the duel opposing the 39th and 40th will face in top 32 the pilot classified number 1 on the handle, and so on for the others.
This new format will naturally have an impact on the organization of the weekend, with rolls concentrated on the days of Saturday and Sunday
Armand FAURE – President of the French Drift FFSA Championship
“What a joy to open this new season of the championship, all the more on a completely unprecedented route. The offseason was particularly intense, both on the organizational side and on the sporting level. Thanks to the involvement of our teams and the engagement of our pilots, we are about to live an exceptional season, both in terms of performance and experience for the public. Cars, pilots, media… Everything has been pushed to its highest level.
Jérome Vassia – Managing Director of the French Drift FFSA Championship
“What a joy to open this 2024 season on the Valley circuit, with an unprecedented route that awaits our pilots. Teams and pilots have invested tirelessly to offer a show up to the tune. In the background, the organization is doing everything, combining dynamism and new ideas, to grow our discipline.”
