Traditionally for drivers in the Formula D series the biggest hurdle, aside from keeping the car together, was to qualify in the top 16 for an event and be able to battle in that particular round of competition. The governing body of the series, the Formula Drift Association, has announced that for the 2009 season they will be accepting 32 drivers into tandem competition. This is where drivers take turns leading and following in an attempt to out-drift their opponent. For the teams this means one more round of abuse for their vehicle to endure; for the fans this means twice as much tandem action per event.

.