The series first launched in 2016 with nine competitions and additional seven were added last year.

A further eight events have been included on the Drone Racing World Cup schedule for 2018, beginning with the season-opener in Bali next Friday (April 6) to Sunday (April 8).

Shenzen in China is due to stage the second event, with the competition due to be used as a test for the inaugural World Drone Racing Championships in November of this year, from May 11 to 13.

Germany, France, Slovakia, Macedonia, Portugal, South Korea, Brazil, Finland, Bulgaria and Spain are among the 19 countries due to host World Cup races in 2018.

The season is scheduled to conclude with the finale in Prilep in Macedonia in October.

Competitors will participate in a series of races flying multi-rotor drones weighing no more than one kilogram at each event.

"The FAI is committed to supporting and promoting drone racing: one of the fastest growing air sports in the world," FAI President Frits Brink.

"Last year’s FAI Drone Racing World Cup was already a big event, attracting more than 400 participants from a total of 37 different countries. 

"With eight more contests on the calendar, the 2018 edition is on track to be even more successful.

 "I look forward to enjoying all the action from the competition alongside drone racing fans around the world."