LONDON (Reuters) – Formula One drivers will join video gamers and others in a series of virtual grands prix to replace a swathe of races postponed by the coronavirus outbreak, the sport announced on Friday.
The first, run on the official F1 2019 PC video game, will be held from 2000GMT this Sunday — a day when fans should have been tuning in to watch the real life Bahrain Grand Prix.
The virtual race will be over 28 laps, half the real distance.
“Every subsequent race weekend will see the postponed real-world Formula One race replaced with a Virtual Grand Prix,” Formula One said in a statement.
The Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series will run until May. Other cancelled or postponed races still to come include Vietnam, China, the Netherlands, Spain and Monaco.
“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,” said Formula One, whose existing esports world championship starts later in the year.
Participants will compete remotely with a broadcast available on Formula One’s YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels. It is expected to run for 90 minutes, including qualifying.
“Due to the wide variety of gaming skill levels amongst the drivers, game settings will be configured in such a way to encourage competitive and entertaining racing,” Formula One added.
“This includes running equal car performance with fixed setups, reduced vehicle damage, and optional anti-lock brakes and traction control for those less familiar with the game.”
