Bsimracing Sim Racing Resources and News for the racing enthousiast.
Formula 1 launches Virtual Grand Prix Series To Replace Postponed Races
While it is safe to say that the current Covid19 crisis has no positive sides to it, there is maybe one exception. Because the current global situation has resulted in a postponed racing season, many governing bodies have opted to substitute our favorite real-world racing series with a virtual version, in which famous drivers will go head to head to battle it out on the virtual race track.
After having to suspend the NASCAR series to May 3, due to coronavirus cancellations, the NASCAR motorsports body announced a partnership with iRacing to hold a series of simulated races that will include several NASCAR Cup drivers. This decision seems to trigger a trend, as many racing series out there are now considering doing the same.
Today Formula 1 officially announced its version of this temporary solution in the form of an F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series, featuring a number of current F1 drivers. The weapon of choice will be Codemasters 2019 official F1 video game which features most of the 2020 calendar circuits. Tracks that are not available in the 2019 official F1 video game will be replaced with an alternative Grand Prix.
The F1 Esports Virtual GP initiative will be extended beyond May if the coronavirus pandemic results in further Grand Prix cancellations/postponements.
Press Release:
Formula 1 has today announced the launch of a new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series, featuring a number of current F1 drivers. The series has been created to enable fans to continue watching Formula 1 races virtually, despite the ongoing COVID-19 situation that has affected this season’s opening race calendar.
The virtual races will run in place of every postponed Grand Prix, starting this weekend with the Virtual Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, March 22. Every subsequent race weekend will see the postponed real-world Formula 1 race replaced with a Virtual Grand Prix*, with the initiative currently scheduled to run until May**.
READ MORE: FIA announce new F1 regulations to be delayed until 2022
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. 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) from 8:00 pm (GMT) on Sunday, March 22.
During non-race weekends, Formula 1 will also be hosting online exhibition races, where fans from around the world will be given the chance to go head-to-head with F1 drivers. More details of these events will be available across the official Formula 1 social media channels in the coming weeks.
Julian Tan, Head of Digital Business Initiatives and Esports 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.”
Frank Sagnier, Chief Executive Officer, Codemasters added:
“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.”
Official Webpages – www.formula1-game.com |
