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Far from the troubles of war affecting Lebanon, 21-year-old Lebanese driver Stephanie Hobeika is gearing up to make waves on the Valencia circuit in Spain at the "Motorsport Games" organized by the International Automobile Federation (FIA). This event, which will take place from October 23 to 27, marks the third edition of the competition. For five days, Valencia will become the world capital of motorsport, attracting enthusiasts and competitors from around the globe.

In total, 463 drivers, men and women, representing around 100 countries, will compete in 26 different disciplines, ranging from karting to drifting and rally events. Among them is young Lebanese Stephanie Hobeika, who has already made her mark on the national scene.

A Promising Journey

Stephanie is not exactly a newcomer to competition. In 2019, she participated in the Lebanese Karting Championship, where she stood out by regularly making it onto the podium. Her experience has allowed her to build a solid technical foundation and self-confidence, which will be essential in facing seasoned drivers at this international competition. Currently residing in England, Hobeika continues to hone her skills through rigorous daily training. She will compete in the senior category alongside 36 other drivers. "My goal is to represent Lebanon at this major global event," she says with determination. "I will do my best to compete against experienced drivers from different parts of the world."

Background

The FIA Motorsport Games is a multi-discipline motorsport competition by nation, under the aegis of the International Automobile Federation. The first edition was launched in 2019, following an initiative by SRO Motorsports Group, which had organized a GT Nations Cup. The concept of the Motorsport Games is inspired by the Olympic Games. For the first edition held in Rome, six disciplines were represented. The second edition took place in Marseille in 2022, with a significantly increased number of events compared to 2019.

The FIA Motorsport Games in Valencia will feature 26 competition formats. They cover the entire spectrum of motorsport, from circuit racing to Electric Street, Auto Slalom, Karting Slalom, Karting, Esports, Off-road, and Rally. Each of these disciplines will take place at strategic locations around Valencia, such as the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Cheste and the City of Arts and Sciences, all within a maximum radius of 50 km from the city.

The participating drivers will represent their country and strive to achieve the best possible position, with a podium and medals awarded to the top three in each event. Additionally, a ranking will be based on the number of medals won by each country, similar to the Olympic Games. The country with the most medals at the end of the events will be declared the winner of the edition. More and more countries are joining this motorsport event, with nearly 100 nationalities expected in Valencia, compared to 72 in 2022.

Meticulous Preparation

To prepare for this prestigious competition, Stephanie trains with the "Dan Holland Racing" team. Her commitment and discipline are exemplary, reflecting her passion for karting. "I continue my daily training in England for the Valencia event," she explains. "This year, I am focusing on karting races, but I also plan to compete in Aston Martin GT4 races in England next year."

The unwavering support of her family plays a crucial role in her journey. "I don’t know what I would have done without the unconditional support of my family," she adds. This support helps her face both sporting challenges and balance her personal and professional life.

An Ambition Without Limits

As Stephanie Hobeika prepares to make her international debut in Valencia, all eyes are on this promising young driver. With undeniable talent and unwavering determination, she represents the future of Lebanese karting. Motorsport enthusiasts eagerly await to see how she will measure up against her international peers. This competition will not only be a test for Hobeika but also a unique opportunity to showcase Lebanon's potential on the global motorsport stage. No matter what happens on the circuit, one thing is certain: Stephanie Hobeika is ready to write her own story in the world of karting.