Motorsport Australia will again field a team of Australians to compete in the 2022 FIA Motorsport Games, with the first team members now confirmed.
Stephen and Brenton Grove will again represent their country in the GT discipline, the pair backing up their 2019 bronze medal at the most recent version of the Games.
Motorsport Australia can also confirm that Stephen Grove will take on the honour of being the Team Captain at the event, which will be based at Circuit Paul Ricard in France in October.
“I’m really excited to be returning to the FIA Motorsport Games in 2022 to represent Australia once again,” Stephen said.
“Personally, the added bonus will be the privilege of being Team Captain. I look forward to working with all of Australia’s competitors and hope we can bring home some great results for our country.”
Meanwhile, Brenton was also eager to take on the best in the world.
“We were quite disappointed when the last two games were cancelled due to Covid, so I’m thrilled to be back in France,” Brenton said.
“We know the car much better now and have some experience at the track so we’re hopeful of another podium finish for our country.”
Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith congratulated the Groves for again proudly representing their country.
“Stephen and Brenton are great ambassadors for our sport and following on from their success at the 2019 FIA Motorsport Games, we are proud to have them representing both the country and Motorsport Australia at this year’s games in France,” Smith said.
“Stephen is also the obvious choice for Team Captain, given his significant experience in all facets of motorsport, as well as the passion and drive he has to perform, no matter the category he might be competing in.
“We’re hopeful of announcing more competitors in the coming weeks and certainly encourage anyone else eager to take part to reach out to us to find out more.”
This will be the second time the FIA Motorsport Games take place in its current form, following a successful debut in 2019 in Italy. There, Australia ended the event equal second, having claimed a gold medal in Esports, as well as the Grove’s bronze medal in GT.
Prior to that, the Groves also competed in the FIA GT Nations Cup, when the event only featured GT racing before growing in to the larger event it is today.
The expanded games in 2022 means even more disciplines and more competitors will be able to take place across the following categories:
- GT
- GT Sprint
- Touring Car (TCR)
- Endurance
- Formula 4
- Rally2
- Rally4
- Historic Rally
- Karting Sprint Sr
- Karting Sprint Jr
- Karting Endurance
- Karting Slalom
- Cross Car Jr (off road)
- Cross Car Sr (off road)
- Auto Slalom
- Drifting
- Digital/Esports
While Motorsport Australia will provide various support in the lead up to and during event, competitors will be required to fund their own entry and event budget.
Motorsport Australia will also confirm details of the selection process for the Digital/Esports category shortly, with a local competition to take place to find the potential Australian entrant.
The event will also be broadcast in Australia, with specific details to be confirmed soon.
Any interested competitors should email [email protected] for more information and cost estimates.
The 2022 FIA Motorsport Games will take place in France on 26-30 October.