Formula 1 has announced the launch of a Virtual Grand Prix Series on the F1 2019 video game as the wait to start the 2020 season continues.
Last week, after the Australian GP was cancelled on Friday, two Esports events, ‘We Are The Race’ and ‘Not the AusGP’, were put together on short notice featuring racing drivers from the real and virtual world… and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Follow up events have also been arranged from this weekend, including ‘Not the BahGP’, but now F1 has joined the bandwagon with their own event, the Virtual Bahrain Grand Prix, on Sunday at 8pm GMT.
Races will see a number of current F1 drivers line-up with stars to be announced in due course, for a 50 per cent race including qualifying with equal cars, fixed setups, limited damage and the option for assists.
F1 was keen to note these events are purely for entertainment purposes and therefore have no bearing on the 2020 world championship.
The races will continue until the season itself begins, with the Azerbaijan GP currently the first real-life race set to take place on June 7.
In the meantime, the Vietnam GP and Dutch GP’s, which of course aren’t on the 2019 video game, will be replaced, although it’s not known by where at this time.
“We are very pleased to be able to bring some light relief in the form of the F1 Esports Virtual GP,” Julian Tan, Head of Digital Business Initiatives and Esports said.
“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.”
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“We’re excited to be a part of the new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series,” Codemasters CEO Frank Sagnier added.
“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.”
This move follows similar series set up by Australia’s Supercars and NASCAR in recent days to fill the gap in their 2020 calendars.