CAMS has started work on assembling a team for the inaugural FIA Motorsport Games which will take place in Italy this year.
The FIA Motorsport Games will feature drivers racing for their countries across six disciplines over three days, with one National Sporting Authority (ASN) or National Automobile Club (ACN) to be crowned the winner.
Drivers will compete in GT, touring cars, Formula 4, drifting, karting slalom and ‘digital motorsport’, with gold, silver and bronze medals awarded in each, contributing to an overall medal table.
CAMS Director of Motor Sport and Commercial Operations Michael Smith has confirmed that it will enter ‘Team Australia’ in the games.
“Of course we are biased, but there’s no doubt that we have some of the best competitors in the world and we are keen to see Team Australia represented at the FIA Motorsport Games later this year,” said Smith.
“This is obviously a big event with plenty of planning required. We also want to make sure we have a strong qualification process in place.
“There are obviously budgets to consider, so we will be in discussion with the various category managers as well on the process.
“The Esports component is also particularly exciting, given the significant growth in this area – we expect to open up an online qualifying component before having a live final at a CAMS event in the coming months. Details around the platform for this competition will be available shortly.”
SRO Motorsports Group has been appointed the promoter of the FIA Motorsport Games, having also run last year’s GT Nations Cup in Bahrain which inspired the concept.
The first edition will commence with an opening ceremony in Rome on October 31, before track action at the nearby Vallelunga circuit on November 1-3.
Speaking about the launch, FIA President Jean Todt said, “I am pleased to launch the FIA Motorsport Games, which will combine a variety of disciplines and all the elements of a major sporting occasion in one event.
“It is something new for not only motor sport followers and future generations of competitors, but also those with a general appreciation of international sport.
“It is another opportunity for ASNs and ACNs to engage with new audiences and harness the patriotism within their respective nations.”