Cross Car competition kicked off on Friday, with the action taking place at Circuit de Veynes some 200 kilometres away from the main centre of FIA Motorsport Games activities at Circuit Paul Ricard.
Three free practice sessions, each lasting four laps, gave drivers a chance to get used to the track. These were followed by two qualifying sessions, which set the grid for the opening heat races.
In the first Junior session, Romauld Demelenne won for Team Belgium ahead of Team France and Team Latvia. The Senior contest saw Patrick Halberg triumph for Team Sweden, with Team France taking another runner-up finish and Team Norway placing third. The French had been quick all day, but the Swedes – newcomers to the discipline – ultimately took an impressive win.
There will be further heats tomorrow at Circuit de Veynes, building up to the knockout phase and culminating in the medal-deciding final at 15:00. Of note, WRC star Thierry Neuville – who launched the company that has provided the Cross Cars – was present at the event today; he will be back again on Saturday to speak with the Junior drivers, many of whom will be eyeing a possible future in rallying.