Selected for the second time by the Real Federación Española de Automovilismo to represent Spain, Belén García returns to competition this week at the FIA Motorsport Games. The 25-year-old driver will aim for gold in Karting Endurance with José Manuel Pérez-Aicart and Germán Sánchez at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia.
After an impressive display at the inaugural edition, Belén García returns to the prestigious event in her homeland this week at the third instalment of the FIA Motorsport Games in Valencia from 23 to 27 October.
“It was amazing to be selected amongst so many talented drivers to represent my country in the 2019 FIA Motorsport Games, and it is even more for a second time this year in Valencia”, says Belén García. “It gives me a lot of confidence to have my Federation’s trust coming into this weekend. The FIA Motorsport Games is a different event from what we are used to in traditional motorsport. When you race, you only see the races on the same track, which are usually similar disciplines. Here, you can experience the entire range of motorsport disciplines on the same weekend and in the same location. It also has an Olympic vibe, which is special to me, coming from track and field. There is nothing compared to this right now in motorsports!”
Belén missed out on a F4 Cup medal by just two seconds back in 2019. This time, she has been selected by the Real Federación Española de Automovilismo to represent Spain in Karting Endurance with José Manuel Pérez-Aicart and Germán Sánchez.
Karting Endurance is one of the most exciting team events in the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games. Countries will compete in a 4-hour race in teams of three drivers per nation of mixed gender, racing identical FIA-supplied 4-stroke Sodi RT10-Honda karts. For Belén, this move into the discipline also represents a link between her experience with endurance crews and a return to her roots.
"Returning to karting is exciting as I have strong ties to this category", she says. “Creating my own team, Just Drive, and working with new talents every day, being able to help them and share my experience has been very fulfilling. It is something new for me, and I feel like I am also learning by observing, explaining and understanding what's happening outside the track.”
After a shortened season in the European Le Mans Series, the driver supported by the Centre d'Alt Rendiment de Sant Cugat del Vallès and the RACC Mobility Club has focused on perfecting her preparation since the Aspar Circuit will only offer a relative home advantage to the Spanish trio.
"Even though we are racing at home, Aspar Circuit is a new track that has been linked more to motorbikes so that will be kind of new for everyone, even for us”, explains Belén. “I did my routine preparation, which involves training both mind and body while also testing at Circuit d’Osona, my home track. We even raced with our Just Drive drivers to prepare race conditions and battles. It was enjoyable, but luckily, they still need to keep trying to beat me!”
Spain will be a fascinating entry with José Manuel Pérez-Aicart returning from the 2022 edition, looking to turn bronze into gold, and 2008 Spanish F3 Champion Germán Sánchez joining Belén García. Argentina, Armenia, Chile, Chinese Taipei, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Uzbekistan are among the entries, with a blend of established and emerging talents throughout the field.
“With two excellent teammates in José Manuel and Germán, I believe we have a solid team to fight on home soil”, concludes Belén. “Team Belgium are the defending champions, so they will be the drivers to beat together with the Czech Republic, but I think every nation has been working hard. We will have to wait and see until we are on track. The key will be consistency during all stints. In Karting Endurance, you cannot afford to make mistakes; every millisecond counts, but we will be aiming gold for Spain!”
A trio of Free Practice sessions kick off proceedings throughout Friday before Qualifying on Saturday at 9:40. The 4-hour endurance race determining the medals will follow at 14:45 later the same day.