Stephen and Brenton Grove returned from the global stage of the FIA Motorsport Games with some solid results. Circuit Paul Ricard saw the Porsche pair take part in the GT Category along with Matt Campbell in GT Sprint behind the wheel of their 911 GT3 R.
The first day saw Brenton and Steve end their campaign in 7th place in the main race after their Porsche was damaged in the second and final qualifying session.
Stephen and Brenton obtained some damage which resulted in them starting the race from the back of the field.
The pair fought through an ultra competitive field of global competitors in what was an exceptional drive from both Brenton and Steve, to come home with 7th for Australia.
“It’s always tough starting at the back after the issue we had in race two with Brenton getting taken out,” Stephen Grove said.
“We just had to let everyone settle – it’s pretty crazy back there. So once it had all settled, we were able to push on, get our tyre pressures right and start making some places back. So overall the result was very good.”
Brenton reflected on the weekend and said it was a special moment to be on the grid representing Australia.
"We were taken out in the last qualifying race so to charge back through the field like we did leaves us proud but also with a bit of what if.”
In the GT Sprint, Matt Campbell stormed to victory bringing home gold for Australia. The result contributed to a 6th place finish for Team Australia on the overall Games medal tally and the Asia Pacific Trophy for the best performing country in the region.
Campbell made headway early on in the race over his Belgian opposition (closest to him from the lead) and in a masterly drive, secured the lead for an hour before crossing the line in 1st. Campbell won by 1.6 seconds ahead of Italy and Belgium.
Matt Campbell reflected on his win: "Super happy and proud to be able to bring home a gold medal home for Australia in the FIA games.
"Can’t thank Grove Racing enough for the opportunity to compete in the GT sprint discipline of the event! Fantastic way to finish off the year and in my last possible GT race for some time," he said.
Team Australia Captain, Steven Grove spoke about Matt's win describing how proud he was of Campbell's achievements.
“It’s unbelievable,” Grove said.
“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," he said.
You can watch all the event highlights via 7plus: https://7plus.com.au/fia-motorsport-games
Comments