This weekend, all motorsport fans around the world will turn their attention to the streets of Monte Carlo as the FIA Formula 1 World Championship contests the famous Monaco Grand Prix.
  
And as the iconic event takes place, there will be plenty of Aussies in attendance representing our nation with pride – both on track and as officials.
 
Of course, Oscar Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo will are the two most will be familiar with but there are plenty of other Australians flying the flag.
 
There will be those contesting the support categories, including Christian Mansell and Tommy Smith in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, and Sam Shahin in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.


 Another talented driver in his own right also confirmed to drive the streets of Monaco, albeit in an official capacity will be Karl Reindler, who continues his duties as the driver of the FIA AMG Medical Car.

Rounding out the pool of Aussies in Monaco is Matt Selley, who was appointed as one of three FIA Stewards for the Formula 1 race.
 
While Selley has been an F1 Steward on multiple occasions, and also co-chairs the Supercars Stewards Panel, this year will be his first time in Monaco. It follows his most recent F1 role, having served at last weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the famous Imola Circuit.
 
Having arrived ahead of his official duties with Formula 1, Selley was thrilled to be a Steward at the Monaco Grand Prix for the first time.
 
“I keep pinching myself,” Selley said.
 
“For any motorsport fan, this event is the pinnacle. The history, the scenery, the narrow track with its steep climb and descent with multiple blind exits. It’s jaw-dropping.
 
“I’m very fortunate to be one of the F1 Stewards at this event but I won’t pretend I’m not a little nervous with the world watching.
 
“I’ve had a few days here in Monte Carlo and it’s spectacularly beautiful. The excitement has been progressively building with spectators coming in for the event, and I believe there are more Lambos, Ferraris, Porsches and Bentleys per square mile here than anywhere else on the planet right now.
 
“I always enjoy the Stewards’ Familiarisation Laps where our Driver Steward is behind the wheel, but the most interesting part of any event as a Steward is the investigations and hearings.

“I’m obviously very fortunate to be here, but I can say from experience, having been to multiple Grand Prix, that our officials in Australia are truly world class and recognised as such.
 
“For me, every event is an opportunity to learn something. It doesn’t matter if it’s a category I have had years of experience in, there is always an opportunity to watch and listen to colleagues and take something away and use it to improve the way you do things.”


That attitude to continually improve himself and learn from others has been the main catalyst to help Selley secure a position at Monaco in one of the most important roles.
 
And although he has worked hard to bettering himself over the years, Selley was grateful for his time in Australia and those who he learned from, emphasising the need to spend time as a volunteer official.
 
“If it wasn’t for the insights and mentoring I received from the likes of Tim Schenken and Michael Masi, what I have learned from my experience with Supercars and the regard in which Australian motorsport officials are held, I wouldn’t be here,” Selley explained.
 
“If you embrace a philosophy of continuous improvement, there are many opportunities to progress. I’d encourage younger officials to put themselves forward. If you are prepared, show initiative, apply good judgment and relate well to others, your potential will be noticed.
 
“As a competitor also, it was seeing the passion and dedication of the officials, without whom we can’t play, which made me want to give something back to the sport.
 
“I now understand the enormous reward which comes from volunteering and coming away from an event proud to have been part of a team all of whom are working together and striving for perfection.
 
“I’d encourage all competitors in any discipline to think about how they can apply their years of knowledge and experience to officiating if they have the time.”
 
The Monaco Grand Prix takes place in Monte Carlo from 23-26 May.