Formula E To Host Esports Series In Aid Of Unicef

15 Apr 2020 | tshego

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Formula E has launched a new nine-week esports competition in the first major fundraising initiative of its partnership with UNICEF.

THE ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge, will feature a nine-week ‘race royale’ style esports competition featuring all the teams and drivers from the Formula E Championship, as well as a selection of top gamers. The competition will raise funds for UNICEF and increase awareness of the global coronavirus appeal.

“We are excited to reveal the first major fundraising initiative of our partnership with UNICEF to support the global coronavirus appeal,” said Jamie Reigle, CEO, Formula E.

“Formula E is a platform with a purpose to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and combat climate change, therefore we are proud to race for a meaningful cause in the gaming realm with the current health crisis in mind.

“The ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge is a powerful sporting manifestation of the UNICEF partnership, supporting our fundraising efforts across the entire Formula E community, offering our fans engaging new content and viewing experiences and getting our teams, drivers and partners back to racing.”

Donations from the competition will be directed by UNICEF to comprehensive emergency projects around the world, such as those contributing to the supply of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers and setting up home learning schemes for children currently out of school. Drivers and gamers will compete using rFactor 2 simulator software in a number of online events taking place over a nine-week period from their own homes.

Races will be staged every Saturday, beginning with a pre-season test event on April 18, before point scoring races begin the following weekend. Points are then accumulated over consecutive race weekends contributing to the overall standings in the build-up to the Grand Final on June 13.

Formula E will stream all the races live across its own digital channels as well as on the social media platforms of teams, drivers and championship partners. Coverage will also be made available on digital platforms such as YouTube and Twitch.