Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans scheduled on days actual race originally set for
Famous endurance race, held since 1923, will still go on June, only digitally
by ALEX REID | 11 HOURS AGO
With the world put on hold – and by extension, all racing – by the COVID-19 pandemic, motorsports organizers have been forced to think of creative ways to keep fans engaged.
For the world’s most famous endurance race, that means a virtual running of the event on the date the real thing was supposed to happen.
The renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans has been postponed to September, but the perennial summer race – held annually since 1923 – will still be run via video game on June 13 and 14.
Using the rFactor 2 race simulator, drivers will run for 24 hours straight, through the night, with all the usual excitement of the real thing. This means weather changes, driver swaps, pit stops, and strategy.
The organizers, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, say rFactor 2 offers the best simulation of the real events Circuit de la Sarthe track in France, with every relevant aspect represented.
Teams will consist of four drivers, two of which will need to be professional FIA-licensed or equivalent. Custom liveries and sponsorships are available, as well as pre-made liveries. Each driver will race for a minimum of four hours and a maximum of seven. Only 50 GTE or LMP2 cars will enter.
“Since the Le Mans Esports Series was launched two years ago, it’s been very satisfying to see it double in size and visibility year on year,” said organizer Gérard Neveu, chief executive of FIA WEC.
“That highlighted to us the huge appetite among the esports community for endurance racing and access to the jewel in the crown of the discipline, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
The race will start at 9 a.m. Eastern time on June 13.
Here's a look at the real vs virtual Porsche RSR GT......the virtual is really good, too good in my view.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...ature=emb_logo