Kjell Fransson has proved that age is no barrier to taking part in the FIA Motorsport Games, which reaches its climax in Valencia later today (Sunday).
Fransson, 70, is part of Svenska Bilsportförbundet’s contingent in Spain and was in action in the Historic Rally event behind the wheel of an Alpine-Renault A310 V6 alongside his co-driving son Peter, 45.
“It’s a once in a lifetime chance,” said Fransson, the oldest athlete competing in the FIA Motorsport Games. “Our federation in Sweden asked me if I was interested and of course I said ‘yes’. I’ve never done it before and I probably will never do it again in the future. It’s also with my son who is my co-driver and four amazing people who are helping us.”
Fransson, who was 70 years and 23 days old when Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences hosted the Ceremonial Start on Wednesday evening, travelled from the east coast of Sweden to compete in Spain.
“It’s an amazing adventure for us,” said Fransson, who began competing in 1996. “We had a Volkswagen Beetle from 1975 and raced in historic rallies. People said why don’t you drive a Porsche because you drive so fast in this Beetle. I said, ‘okay but you pay’. But then we understand another friend had this Alpine in Sweden, it looks a bit like a Porsche with the engine at the back but for less money.”
While a technical failure hit Fransson’s challenge in Spain, the Svenska Bilsportförbundet was chasing medals in 18 disciplines at the third FIA Motorsport Games, a significant increase compared to its involvement in 2019.
“The FIA Motorsport Games have become increasingly important for us,” said Pier Steffansson, Svenska Bilsportförbundet’s national team head coach. “In 2019 we participated in three disciplines, expanding to eight in 2022. The fact that our drivers and teams are now investing in this event, supported by partners, reflects the growing value of the FIA Motorsport Games. It also offers invaluable experience for the international development of our participants.”
In addition to its athletes, the Svenska Bilsportförbundet has brought its entire staff and board members to Spain, emphasising the strategic importance of the event to the organisation.
“Having our full team onsite is not only a valuable internal initiative but also an opportunity to engage with other federations, international teams, and stakeholders,” said Anna Nordkvist, CEO of Sweden’s FIA Member Club and FIA Vice President for Sport Europe (pictured below). “Our presence at the Motorsport Games enables us to strengthen relationships and create new partnerships within the global motorsport community.”
In support of this initiative, SBF applied for European Union funding to ensure full participation and to maximise the benefits of this investment.
“The FIA Motorsport Games have been a priority for us since 2022, and we’ve been dedicated to securing the necessary resources to facilitate this year’s expanded involvement,” Nordkvist added.
Source : Fia
