The third edition of the FIA Motorsport Games is officially underway following a spectacular opening ceremony staged this evening in Valencia (23 October).
A total of 646 athletes representing 82 nations were present to launch the multi-disciplinary event at the City of Arts & Sciences, a stunning complex of modernist buildings located close to Valencia’s historic port. Proceedings began at 19:30 and included each national delegation, with this year’s hopefuls spanning Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, and Australasia.
They will compete across no fewer than 26 categories, a significant increase from the 16 contested last time out in France and six at the inaugural edition in Italy. The Rally discipline has expanded from three categories to nine, while further new additions include GT Single Make, Esports F4, Karting Mini and Cross Car Mini.
The opening ceremony also featured a number of notable speakers, led by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who welcomed attendees via a video message. Carlos Mazón Guixot, the President of Generalitat Valenciana, spoke on behalf of the region, while Carmelo Sanz de Barros (FIA President of the Senate) declared the Games to be officially underway.