The FIA Motorsport Games will begin in Valencia this week comprising a variety of disciplines including GT racing where Australia enjoyed success in 2022 courtesy of Matt Campbell.
Current Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS competitor Stephen Grove was Captain of the Australian team and competed in the GT relay alongside son Brenton.
Although the dream for the father-son duo of a medal failed to come true, it did in the form of Campbell’s stunning performance.
One of Porsche’s leading guns among its driving talent, Campbell is a twice winner of the Bathurst 12 Hour and races in leading GT3-based endurance races outside of his World Endurance Championship commitments.
Campbell qualified his Earl Bamber Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R on the front row and took a 1.6s victory from Team Italy.
“This is really cool, it’s nice to get the first gold and the first medal for Australia at the Motorsport Games,” Campbell said.
“It definitely wasn’t easy, the pressure was on the entire way and we also had to manage a few issues towards the end. We made it last, but the gap was closing at the end, luckily I didn’t make any mistakes and got the job done.
“It was a fantastic event, a fantastic day – we basically improved in every single session and then the race, we had the lead from turn one and was able to maintain, so a fantastic result.”
Team Australia was sixth overall in 2022 and secured the Asia Pacific Trophy, with Captain Grove commending Campbell’s performance.
“It’s unbelievable,” Grove said post-race.
“I was so nervous, I was more nervous than if I had been in car. It’s just been a fantastic afternoon, he (Campbell) did well and led from the start to the finish and it was an absolute flawless drive.”
Seven Team Australia representatives will take on the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games on October 23-27 in events including Formula 4, Esports, Karting and Auto Slalom.
Don’t miss the action on https://www.youtube.com/@fiamotorsportgames.
