With the Le Mans 2020 race postponed until later this year, the organization behind the event promised racing fans a 24-hour race. This one, however, will be a little bit different.
Le Mans 2020 Virtual Race
Le Mans, the famous 24-hour race that takes place in France, has been postponed until September 19. But before then, 24 Le Mans announced late last week that a 24-hour virtual race will be held in its place.
The virtual race will be held on June 13-14, the original date for the Le Mans race. For the first time ever, teams made up of pro drivers and eSports champions will go up against each other in a virtual Le Mans race using rFactor 2.
Here are the rules for the race:
- Team composition: Teams will be composed of 4 drivers: each line up must consist of at least two professional drivers and a maximum of 2 sim racers
- The gaming platform to be used is rFactor 2
- The grid will consist of a maximum of 50 cars
- The cars to be used: LMP2 and GTE. The teams involved are free to create their own car livery.
- Racing conditions: variable weather conditions; dynamic day and night racing; damaged cars can be repaired in the pits; teams will work to create their own set ups to optimize performance. Re-fueling and tire changes are essential criteria. Strategy will be at the heart of the race. A Race Director will ensure sporting behavior throughout the event.
- Driver changes are compulsory. The minimum driving time over the entire event is 4 hours for each driver. The maximum driving time over the entire race is 7 hours for each driver.
- The graphics, production and imagery will be very high quality. Race commentators and pit reporters will be live from a TV studio in Paris and VIP guests will visit them during the race. This unique race, which will bring together the best drivers in the world and sim racing’s elite gamers will be broadcast widely on multiple audio-visual platforms around the world.
Dmitry Kozko, CEO of Motorsport Games, said regarding the virtual race, “Motorsport Games is delighted to be extending its relationship with the ACO and WEC to deliver the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual.” He added, ” It is further proof of the trust that motorsports rights holders have in Motorsport Games to deliver world class, genre defining esports. It promises to be a spectacular event bringing together the worlds of real and virtual racing like never before.”