UPDATE: The race is over, with the Rebellion Williams Esport team taking the LMP crown and the Porsche Esports Team clinching the GTE title when the virtual checkered flag was waved. Watch the highlights above.
The 2020 Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans
The 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans was originally scheduled for the weekend of June 13-14. However, due to the global pandemic, the world’s most famous sports-car race has been postponed, making way for virtual alternatives. While the traditional race won’t occur until September 19-20, virtual fans can still experience thrilling races with some of the world’s top professional drivers battling it out in the Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans on the 8.469-mile Circuit de la Sarthe.
Livestream Details
The Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans livestream commenced at 8:30 a.m. Eastern on Saturday, June 13, with the racing action starting at 9 a.m. Coverage continued until 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, June 14, featuring pre-race analysis, every lap of the race, and full post-race coverage following the checkered flag.
The Rise of Esports Racing
Unlike many other sports, racing has delivered exhilarating live competitions during recent months. Various motorsport categories such as NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula 1 have engaged their fans with virtual races, showcasing the talents of actual drivers, engineers, and team members. This surge in interest has resulted in millions of views globally, and the Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans is poised to deliver some of the most exciting battles to date.
Driver Lineup
Consider the impressive roster of drivers participating in this event, which spans 50 entries between the true-to-life LMP and GTE classes. These include:
- Fernando Alonso
- Max Verstappen
- Juan Pablo Montoya
- Jenson Button
- Jordan Taylor
- Ricky Taylor
- Tony Kanaan
- Katherine Legge
- Tommy Milner
- Nick Tandy
- Simon Pagenaud
- Rubens Barrichello
- Robert Wickens
Teamed with elite esports sim racers, these drivers competed using the advanced rFactor 2 simulation platform, which includes dynamic weather, day/night lighting effects, and realistic damage models.
Virtual vs. Real Racing
The Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans features a fully immersive broadcast production, complete with commentators, special guests, pit reporters, and real race officials, providing a captivating experience that might blur the lines between virtual and actual racing.
Looking Ahead
The real 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans is set to take place in September, promising yet another thrilling chapter in motorsport history.
