The striking Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations located in the Old Port district played host to nearly half a thousand athletes who are poised to participate across 16 disciplines, with some of the machinery also on display.

The full contingent of FIA National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) took to the stage, starting with Italy as the host nation of the inaugural FIA Motorsport Games held in 2019 and was followed by nations in alphabetical order, starting with Albania, Argentina and Australia and all the way to Uzbekistan, Venezuela and Vietnam.

The opening ceremony also featured a number of speakers, including Robert Reid, FIA Deputy President for Sport; and Felipe Massa, FIA Drivers' Commission President.

Robert Reid, FIA Deputy President for Sport, said: “[At the FIA] we’re first and foremost a federation of member clubs. We stood on a manifesto of regional empowerment and [national] sports clubs are very important to us. To see so many of them here, not just European clubs represented but clubs from all over the world, is great. We also stood on a commitment to double motor sport participation, so the grassroots are very important to us. Motor sport is expensive at the top and it doesn’t have to be at the bottom end, so it’s important to celebrate that at events like this one. The fact that nations have come even with one competitor is brilliant. Well done to everybody who’s come along, to all the countries for putting the teams in, and to the competitors for being here. You couldn’t have a better display of equality, diversity and inclusivity than we’ve seen tonight.”

Felipe Massa, FIA Drivers’ Commission President, said: “First of all, I am so glad to see such a rich and diverse entry list for the second edition of the FIA Motorsport Games. As drivers, we don't get many opportunities to race on behalf of our country. I was lucky enough to do so in my career and I have some very fond, lasting memories of that time! I wish you all to enjoy this incredible opportunity. Of course, my heart beats for Brazil and I will be cheering for their success, but I support you all and I will follow closely the action.”

The introduction of 10 new disciplines for the 2022 edition has greatly enriched the event's sense of regional diversity, with 29 first-time nations forming part of this year's event. The new additions – including Rally, Historics, Auto Slalom and Cross Car – join the bill alongside the returning but expanded categories such as GTs, Touring Car, Formula 4, Esports, Drifting and Karting. Live coverage of the event will begin on Friday afternoon, with the GT Cup qualifying race scheduled for 18:00 CEST.

Viewers will be able to tune into the official FIA Motorsport Games YouTube channel and Facebook page to enjoy free to watch coverage from Friday afternoon, with the GT Cup qualifying race scheduled for 18:00 CEST.

• 2022 FIA Motorsport Games opening ceremony photo gallery