Frédéric Bertrand and FIA Motorsport Games : "We are past the point of explaining"

The FIA Motorsport Games allowed the public to attend different motorsport disciplines ranging from GT to Cross Car and Rally. Sixteen disciplines were in place for this second edition. After Italy, it was France and the Paul Ricard circuit that hosted the event last weekend.

For this concept, the FIA and SRO Motorsports Group are working hand in hand. Frédéric Bertrand, in charge of innovative activities at the FIA, was on deck in the Var to welcome the many nations that made the trip to France. 

Maintaining the desire for this event over time was complicated?

We had to prove that the concept could work. After two years of Covid-19, we had to motivate the FIA and the countries. This is the biggest satisfaction and in this respect, we can clearly say that it was a success. What we had in mind, everyone sees it. There is no longer the question of whether it can work. We have what we wanted, namely a competition between the countries. The nations had to canvass to find partners, so we had to show something.

This second edition of the FIA Motorsport Games is the one that really launches the concept?

It was so clear in our heads. Now, We're past the point of explaining. Those who have seen have understood. This is the first positive point, because it is not easy to attract the public without having big names. The second satisfaction is the public which answered present and the third is that all the sports are equivalent. This also allows us to open up to new categories. We have a small base that we stretch. 

The fear that the event would not see the day was there? 

We had the doubt of losing the enthusiasm because we have a lot of volunteers and for many, it is a personal life effort. We were just afraid of discouragement. 

Are there any lessons to be learned from this 2022 edition? 

We need to improve the balance so that the public can see everything over two days. We will also think about how to increase the notoriety of the event. We also need to reach out to the new generation, expand to as many people as possible and make it a truly popular event. 

We can expect to go beyond motorsport? 

We have chosen to call it the FIA Motorsport Games and not Autosport..."