Motorsport UK’s Team UK will contest ten disciplines at the second edition of the FIA Motorsport Games in Marseille, France from 26 – 30 October. 

The FIA Motorsport Games is an inclusive, global celebration of the sport in all its forms, bringing together drivers from every corner of the world, with around 80 National Sporting Authorities (ASNs), such as Motorsport UK, expected to take part.

After the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the event in 2021, seven competitors – Laura Christmas, Mark King (both Auto Slalom), Corey Padgett (Cross Car Junior), Dan Rooke (Cross Car Senior), Chris Froggatt (GT Relay), Tim Jones (Historic Rally) and Oliver Mellors (Rally2) – have had their entries rolled over to the re-arranged 2022 dates.

Chris Smiley has been chosen to represent Team UK in the Touring Car discipline. The 30-year-old from Northern Ireland is a race winner in the British Touring Car Championship, and has plenty of relevant experience in the TCR machinery that will be used in the Games.

Smiley heads into the final round of the 2022 TCR UK series tied level on points at the top of the standings, and with every hope of taking the coveted crown at Snetterton.

In addition, Froggatt will be joined in his bid for GT success by Ian Loggie, the current leader of the British GT Championship, with support from renowned outfit RAM Racing.

Team UK will be among the favourites for Gold in the Esports category after confirming James Baldwin as its entry.

Baldwin is one of the nation’s brightest talents in sim racing. He approaches the competition as a known quantity thanks to his performances at the Race of Champions, on World’s Fastest Gamer, and his race-winning performances in the British GT Championship, both in real life and on the sim rig.

In a change to those previously confirmed, Martin Richards has been chosen to represent Team UK in Drifting. Richards, a household name on the British Drifting scene, also counts the ‘King of Riga’ – Europe’s most prestigious win – amongst his accolades in the discipline.

And, lastly, Titan Motorsport will represent Team UK in Karting Endurance, with the experienced quartet of Jack O’Neill, Rhianna Purcocks, Owen Jenman and Mike Philippou making the trip to the south of France under the guidance of Team Manager, Martin O’Neill.

The team will head to the south of France under the captaincy of GT entry, Froggatt with the team to be fully represented at the opening ceremony on Wednesday 26 October.

Hugh Chambers, Chief Executive Officer of Motorsport UK said: “The FIA Motorsport Games brings the international motorsport community together for a celebration of the sport across a wide range of disciplines.

“We’re proud to announce Chris Froggatt as the Team UK captain. He is a very talented and respected driver who embodies the qualities required to lead the team. We have a good team heading out to the south of France who are excited to perform on the world stage and we’re excited to see how they perform.”

“I’m honoured to be selected as Team UK’s captain for the 2022 FIA Motorsport Games in Marseille,” adds Froggatt.

“It’s an event I’m incredibly passionate about, bringing together nations from across the world in a celebration of the sport in all its forms. As a team, I think we have a very strong line-up, and there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that we get on the plane with the mentality to win.

“Thanks to Motorsport UK for selecting me to lead the team, and I can’t wait for touchdown in France in a fortnight.”