The FIA Motorsport Games will return for its second edition later this year (23-25 October) with Marseille acting as host city and Circuit Paul Ricard providing the racing venue, subject to World Motor Sport Council approval.
Official confirmation of the multi-disciplinary event’s 2020 location follows a successful inaugural contest, which was hosted by Rome and staged at the nearby Vallelunga Circuit on 1-3 November 2019.
The torch has now been passed to France, with the bustling port city of Marseille and the FIA Grade 1 Circuit Paul Ricard hosting this year’s action. Following a successful collaboration for the inaugural event, the 2020 edition will again be organised by the FIA in conjunction with SRO Motorsports Group.
In a global first, the 2019 FIA Motorsport Games saw competitors in six racing disciplines travel to Rome to compete for gold in the colours of their national flag. A wealth of on-track action was preceded by a spectacular opening ceremony in the Italian capital, in which cars paraded by the Colosseum before all 192 drivers representing 49 countries and territories were presented to the world at the historic Circo Massimo.
Over the following three days participants tackled the GT Cup, Touring Car Cup, F4 Cup, Drifting Cup, Karting Slalom Cup and Digital Cup, ensuring a highly competitive atmosphere at Vallelunga. Team Russia topped the medal table, earning one gold and two bronze medals to be crowned 2019 FIA Motorsport Games champions. The second edition promises to attract an even greater number of competitors, with all six disciplines returning in 2020 and further categories set to be added ahead of this year’s event at Circuit Paul Ricard.
The French venue offers an ideal location at which to stage such a globally significant event. The track was created in 1970 and has welcomed a vast array of prestigious international categories, including the FIA Formula 1 French Grand Prix since 2018, following a 28-year absence from the calendar. Multiple track configurations are possible, while considerable investment has been made to ensure the very highest standards in circuit safety. Celebrating its 50th birthday this year, the Circuit Paul Ricard demonstrated its future-forward approach by becoming the very first French motor racing circuit and second F1 track to achieve the FIA 3-star environmental accreditation.
Circuit Paul Ricard is situated within easy reach of Marseille by road. The French city is much admired for its setting on the scenic Mediterranean coast, with its thriving Old Port district and the Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde among the area’s most famous landmarks. Marseille Provence Airport provides a global transport hub, while the Le Castellet International Airport located near to Circuit Paul Ricard ensures that the event, its competitors and spectators are well-served.
Further news regarding the 2020 FIA Motorsport Games, including the new categories that will join the programme this year, will be officially confirmed over the coming months. For more information visit fiamotorsportgames.com.
Info & Photo FIA