A virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans is slated to take place on date of the coronavirus-delayed real-life French classic in June.
Competed on the rFractor 2 platform, the unique virtual event will see a combination of professional racing drivers and esport racers battle it out around the hallowed Circuit de la Sarthe.
Managed by global esport company ‘Motorsport Games’, the virtual Le Mans continues to expand the existing partnership which sees the business operate and broadcast the annual Le Mans Esport Series which attracted an audience of over 200,000 last year.
“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 World Endurance Championship CEO Gérard Neveu.
“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.
“This 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual event is unique in very many ways, not least that it is not part of LMES, but a stand-alone event. As in real life, it will bring together the crème de la crème of automotive manufacturers, racing teams and drivers plus the world’s best sim racers competing alongside these global names. Truly something for everyone!”
All teams will be composed of four drivers which will consist of at least 2 professional drivers and a 2 esports racers.
The grid will consist of a maximum of 50 cars and involve a mix of LMP2 and GTE machinery.
Driver changes are compulsory. The minimum driving time over the entire event is 4 hours for each driver with a maximum time of seven hours over the course of the race.
The endurance race is scheduled to begin on June 14 from 1 am NZT and will be broadcast live on television networks and social media channels across the globe.