Bruno Senna and Nico Prost will swap the cockpit for controllers as Formula E have launched a brand new eSports initiative, which will begin on January 28.
The premier Electric racing series will head to the Gfinity Arena in London, the UK’s only purpose built eSports arena, and the event will be broadcast live online through YouTube and Twitch.
With Formula E’s fanboost already encouraging fan involvment in the series, the newly announced “Race Off” aims to bring fans even closer to the drivers, as anyone with an Xbox One and Forza Motorsport 6 can compete against drivers and the some of the best online racers on console.
In an official statement, Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag said, ” Since the original concept of Formula E we have always been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible both on and off the track. As a series we want to bring electric racing closer to the people focussing on revolutionising fan interaction. Along with initiatives like FanBoost, the new eSports gaming events will allow fans to engage with the sport and not only be in the presence of their favourite drivers, but competing against them too. I need to start practicing if I’m going to get high up the leaderboard!”
The initiative is being launched with two star Formula E drivers confirmed to be headlining the event, with the Senna versus Prost rivalry being placed in a virtual racing environment.
Mahindra’s Bruno Senna stated: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of driving the Formula E car in a game rather than on track. There is a proven record of drivers learning real-world racing skills in the virtual world before they ever take to the track. I hope it also works in reverse so Nico and I can have a proper battle!”
Nicolas Prost, from Renault e.dams added: “It’s a cool idea to get fans together to race in a large venue and it’s going to be a unique experience. I’m looking forward to meeting the fans we’ll be racing on track and taking on Bruno in a different kind of environment than we’re normally used to.”
Registration for the competition and details of the format will be released in the near future.
