Formula E follows F1 with eSports Virtual GP Series
Formula E follows in F1’s footsteps and announces eSports Virtual Grand Prix Series
With the Formula E season postponed in March, the organisation has announced that a succession of virtual races will take place. Following the lead of the Formula 1 version, one Esports series will feature the FE drivers going head-to-head on the virtual track. The other will run concurrently and see gamers and influencers race for the chance to win a real-life Formula E test. The Race at Home Challenge will allow fans to be able to watch the action across various platforms and raise funds for UNICEF at the same time.
Esports on The Rise
With the sporting world experiencing a significant slowdown, organisations have turned to Esports as a way to help fill the void. Formula 1 recently announced a series of online races featuring F1 drivers from past and present competing with celebrities in place of any Grand Prix that has had to be postponed or cancelled in the 2020 season so far. Last month’s Bahrain GP saw the likes of Nico Hulkenburg and Nicholas Latifi race against signer Liam Payne and golfer Ian Poulter in the F1 2019 PC game.
With the future of many motorsport events unknown at this point, online races allow the likes of F1 and Formula E to engage with their fanbases, maintaining the relationship that would normally be given throughout a regular calendar of events. This holds true for watching races, just as it is for betting on F1. High profile bookies like betway and 888Sports offer fans the chance to place bets on different Esports events and this could potentially be the case for Formula E. 888Sports is the best bookie for F1 bets in terms of odds coverage and overall player experience. But they also offer odds for major ESports titles like CS:GO, Call of Duty, Dota 2 and League of Legends. That’s why it’s safe to presume that Formula E is already looking like a great candidate for their comprehensive Esports collection.
How the Race at Home Challenge Works
The Formula E series will run on Saturdays for nine straight weeks, starting on April 18 with a Grand Final planned on June 13. Competitors will utilise the rFactor 2 simulation software to allow them to compete from their own homes. In the competition reserved exclusively for the current crop of FE drivers, competitors will have access to a simulator complete with wheel and pedals for an authentic racing experience.
The first event will be a test edition where no points will be scored. From then on, races will employ the usual Formula E scoring with the driver recording the fastest lap – assuming they finish in the top 10 places - or securing pole position earning extra points. The pros will have a one-lap shootout to determine the order of qualifying whereas gamers from around the world can set their times during a four-day window at the start of the week. A field of 18 qualifiers will progress to the main event.
Race Royale Format Ramps Up the Stakes
One the races get underway; a Race Royale format will be employed. Essentially, whoever is in last place at the end of every lap will be eliminated. This allows the field to be narrowed down to 10 drivers very quickly. From there, it’s a winner take all one-lap shootout.
The final placings will then determine how the points are awarded for each race. In the open event, “sim racers” who finish on the virtual podium will automatically secure a place in the next contest, the other 15 spots are then up for grabs in the qualifying window the following week.
Get Updates on Social Media
Want to stay up to date with what’s happening on the virtual tarmac? Formula E fans will be able to see the two Race at Home Challenges live every week. The two races will separately, but in the same broadcast window which is reported to last 90 minutes in total. Live coverage is available on FE’s official YouTube channel and Facebook page. There’s also the option to watch the action on Twitch as well as Twitter @FIAFormulaE.
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