F1 Enlists Current Drivers For Virtual Grand Prix Series
Formula 1 has announced the launch of a new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series in response to cancellations caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The single seater motorsport series says it has launched the initiative to enable fans to continue watching races virtually, despite disruption to the race calendar of the 2020 F1 season.
The virtual races will run in place of every postponed Grand Prix, starting with the Virtual Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday 22nd March. Using the official F1 2019 PC video game, developed by Codemasters, the events will be broadcast on the official Formula 1 YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels and are expected to run for 90 minutes, with a qualifying period where grid positions will be determined based on the drivers’ fastest lap time.
The first virtual GP on the Sakhir track will be a 50% length race with 28 laps, while every subsequent race weekend will see the postponed real-world Formula 1 race replaced with a Virtual Grand Prix – where the relevent track is not included the official F1 2019 game, it will be substituted for another track.
“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,” said Julian Tan, Head of Digital Business Initiatives and Esports, Formula 1. “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.”
The first race of the series will see current F1 drivers line up on the grid alongside a host of stars to be announced on F1’s social media channels. In order to guarantee the safety of the participants, each driver will join the race remotely, with a host broadcast live from the Gfinity Esports Arena (or remotely if required) from 8:00pm GMT on Sunday March 22.
Frank Sagnier, CEO, Codemasters said: “We’re excited to be a part of the new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series. With sporting events currently on hold around the world, it’s great that the official F1 video game can help fill the void by bringing together an exciting line-up of talent to race online during the postponed race weekends. It’s going to be competitive, action-packed, and a lot of fun for everyone involved.”
John Clarke, Gfinity Chief Executive Officer said: “Gfinity is proud to be playing its part in the design and delivery of the F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series, which will bring exciting virtual racing to a legion of Formula 1 and Esports fans around the globe. The virtual Bahrain GP will feature all the thrills and spills of racing with F1 drivers and special guest celebrities going head-to-head, which promises to put a smile back on the faces of millions of sports fans.”
The series is currently scheduled to run until May 2020, but F1 has hinted that it could be extended if disruption caused by the pandemic continues any longer.
