Le Mans Virtual Series, a joint venture with Motorsport Games Inc. — a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world — and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) — the creators and organizers of the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and promoter of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), are returning to competition this September with a new name, revised format, portfolio of prestige partners and an exciting live grand finale televised for all fans. Following the notable success of last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual in June 2020, the newly re-named and expanded Le Mans Virtual Series will be a global, elite series made up of five rounds.
Le Mans Virtual Returns
Over the next five months, there will be one race every month: 4 Hours of Monza, 6 Hours of Spa, 8 Hours of Nürburgring, 6 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual. The 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual will notably be a live, televised event within the 2022 Autosport International motorsport show in Birmingham, U.K. on January 15 and 16, 2022. It will have 50% of the entire U.S.$250,000 prize fund up for grabs.
When asked about the decision to launch the Le Mans Virtual Series, Motorsport Advisor to Motorsport Games Gérard Neveu cited the vision for the series:
“Last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual was a huge success, and we have an opportunity to do it even better this time! This year, the event will further benefit the teams, partners and, of course, massive gaming and spectator audiences worldwide. We are extremely pleased to have secured the support of such an impressive portfolio of partners, and we can’t wait to get started this season with the reveal next week of some top-class names on the entry list.”- Gérard Neveu
ACO President Pierre Fillon shared a similar sentiment when asked.
“Following the real 24 Hours of Le Mans in August 2021, we are delighted to now launch the Le Mans Virtual Series which will include as its highlight the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual. The link between real-life motorsport and esports is now an essential element for our manufacturers and teams, and we all look forward to an excellent season of esports competition”
Fans should expect many familar faces from the WEC scene when the participant list is announced. Sébastien Buemi, Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nick Tandy are just a few name to watch. They competed in the virtual event last year and their odds of returning feel good.
The series’ partners include Thrustmaster, Rolex, Total Energies, Goodyear, LEGO® Technic and Algorand. Many of these are carryovers from the actual Le Mans series.
Are you excited? Tell Christian on Twitter at @TheWiz_SPM.
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