The 2026 edition of the PZM Polish Digital Motorsport Championship has kicked off, reintroducing a national series that connects virtual competition with potential on-track opportunities. The campaign began in May with an opening round staged on iRacing, the championship’s official technology partner, at the virtual rendition of Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. After a pause, MPDM re-emerges this year with a redesigned structure that aims to serve both competitive sim racers and drivers who see the simulator as a step toward traditional motorsport.
This relaunch is organised in collaboration with the Polish Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (PZM) and is presented in line with the FIA vision for the future of digital motor sport. The season model doubles as a championship and a developmental framework: it rewards top performers while also creating measurable progression routes. The opening round took place on May 7, confirming the series’ return and setting the tone for a season built around professional standards like stewarding, race control, and live commentary.
Format, fields and race platform
MPDM 2026 fields competitors in FIA F4 cars across a sequence of four rounds, and organisers have structured entry lists to accommodate a large grid. The event capacity allows for up to 120 competitors, which are organised into four separate groups. Each of these groups functions as a split, a term used to describe parallel heats that keep races competitive and manageable. The series runs on iRacing, ensuring consistent simulation technology and robust online race management, and the four-round calendar is designed to test drivers across multiple tracks and conditions within the virtual environment.
Platform and partnerships
The championship’s reliance on iRacing guarantees high-fidelity physics and server stability for all race meetings, and the platform’s status as the official technology partner ensures integrated tools for officiating and broadcast. Working with the PZM and following FIA guidance gives the series formal recognition and clarity on sporting standards. That alignment is important because MPDM intends to be more than a leaderboard: it positions itself as an accredited competitive ladder where results and conduct are recorded under regulated stewardship and race control procedures.
Prizes, progression and coaching
Beyond the championship trophies, MPDM offers tangible rewards aimed at bridging simulator success and real-world testing. Prize packages include on-track opportunities such as Formula Renault 2.0 test sessions provided by Formula Drive, as well as practical support like gift cards and sim racing tuition from DriveLab Coaching. The inclusion of coaching packages underlines the series’ development intent: it’s not only about winning races, but also improving driving technique, racecraft, and understanding of vehicle dynamics, enabling successful sim racers to translate their skills toward track environments.
Three-year development programme
MPDM 2026 functions as the first stage of a planned three-year development programme intended to create a sustainable, professional pathway for sim drivers. Over the programme horizon, organisers aim to refine talent identification, expand support services, and build clearer transitions to on-track opportunities. The strategy mixes competition with education, using race results as an intake metric for deeper development possibilities such as physical testing, driver coaching, and potential real-world outings for standout competitors.
Broadcasts, officiating and how to get involved
All main MPDM race activity is streamed live via the MPDM-Polska YouTube channel. Broadcasts cover every round’s primary groups, labelled as Split 1 and Split 2, and include full commentary, stewarding reports, and race control oversight to mirror professional motorsport standards. This approach enhances visibility for drivers and offers fans polished viewing. For those interested in joining or following the season, detailed information about registration, the calendar, and series regulations is available on the official platform at https://www.mpdm.com.pl. Prospective entrants will find entry procedures, technical requirements, and contact points to begin their championship journey.
