F1 has launched an eSports grand prix series featuring current drivers to ensure fans can continue to follow the season virtually as the world continues to battle the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which has caused most Formula One races to be postponed until the end of May at the earliest.
The virtual races will run in place of every postponed grand prix, starting with a Bahrain Grand Prix this Sunday. No official World Championship points will be on offer, with the series strictly for entertainment.
As well as featuring a number of the current F1 drivers, the first race – which takes places at 20:00 GMT – will also include a number of stars from the world of entertainment.
“The first race of the series will see current F1 drivers line up on the grid alongside a host of stars to be announced in due course,” said F1.
“In order to guarantee the participants safety at this time, each driver will join the race remotely, with a host broadcast live from the Gfinity Esports Arena (or remotely if required).”
F1 introduces virtual grand prix series featuring current drivers to keep fans glued on the racing action
The first virtual GP on the Sakhir track will be a 50% length race with 28 laps and fans will be able to watch on the official Formula 1 YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels.
Julian Tan, head of esports at Formula 1, said:
“We are very pleased to be able to bring some light relief in the form of the F1 esports virtual GP, in these unpredictable times, as we hope to entertain fans missing the regular sporting action.
“With every major sports league in the world unable to compete, it is a great time to highlight the benefits of esports and the incredible skill that’s on show.”
Last Sunday, F1 drivers Max Verstappen and Lando Norris took part in two separate virtual F1 races following the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix.
The Virtual Formula One Grand Prix series will be based on the F1 2019 PC game, which has been considered one of the best racing games with realistic visuals and physics engine.
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Author: Allan Bangirana
Allan Bangirana has a taste for all kinds of topics and usually writes about tech, entertainment, sports and community projects that make a difference in society.
He writes for Newslibre and Spur Magazine. He is also the co-founder of the Innovware project and a freelance consultant passionate about technology and web.
