In the wake of wide cancellations of live motorsport events as the world copes with the spread of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, online racing has brought professional drivers and esports players together to put on a show for thirsty fans.
Earlier today, The Race held a knockout style event with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and other pros. In a few hours, Veloce Esports will host its own all-star competition with McLaren driver Lando Norris and more (17:45 GMT, 10:45 PST), free for all to watch.
Is this an opportunity to launch online racing into a mainstream motorsport? Tell me what you think!
Welcome to Andrea Cairone, head of the well-known motorsports feed Axis of Oversteer! Andrea, as a huge racing fan the idea of virtual competition seems to fall short for you a bit. What were your thoughts on the events today? Did they help you fill the void?
Back with another motorsports insider, Formula E reporter Hazel Southwell (@HSouthwellFE on Twitter)! Hazel, the #NotTheAusGP from Veloce Esports has just concluded with pro drivers and gamers battling on F1 2019 at Melbourne. It wasn't the cleanest race -- or telecast -- but at the end there were some fierce battles that were fun to watch. What was your impression?
I think it will help increase its exposure within mainstream motorsport and having the professional drivers is only going to further increase its profile as the year goes on.
Welcome to Andrea Cairone, head of the well-known motorsports feed Axis of Oversteer! Andrea, as a huge racing fan the idea of virtual competition seems to fall short for you a bit. What were your thoughts on the events today? Did they help you fill the void?
Back with another motorsports insider, Formula E reporter Hazel Southwell (@HSouthwellFE on Twitter)! Hazel, the #NotTheAusGP from Veloce Esports has just concluded with pro drivers and gamers battling on F1 2019 at Melbourne. It wasn't the cleanest race -- or telecast -- but at the end there were some fierce battles that were fun to watch. What was your impression?
We're joined now by Jonno Nicholson (@MrJonno_95 on Twitter), a UK-based esports journalist.
Jonno, how will this wave of sim events with real professional drivers change the way online motorsports is viewed by race fans?
Here is the link to The Race event earlier today that drew more than 50,000 live spectators: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpq9oMLTc-k
I think it will help increase its exposure within mainstream motorsport and having the professional drivers is only going to further increase its profile as the year goes on.