SMP Racing driver Robert Shwartzman to drive for Ferrari at the Virtual Bahrain Grand Prix

20.03.2020 17:47:00

F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix is a virtual series of esport races, which was launched by the organizers of Formula 1 as an alternative to the real-world Grand Prix, while racing competitions were postponed due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The project is strictly for entertainment purposes and will not affect the results of the World Championship.



Some of the current Formula 1 drivers as well as guest drivers will compete in the esports competition. Virtual races will take place on the days when the real-world Grand Prix were initially planned, but were postponed for a later undefined date.

F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix will use the official F1 2019 PC video game. The first round will be held on the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain with only a 28-lap distance, which is only half as long as the real-world Grand Prix. The race will be broadcast on the official Formula 1 channels on YouTube, Twitch and Facebook and is expected to last for 90 minutes including qualifying which will determine the grid positions for the race.

“I received an invitation to participate in the virtual Formula 1 race from Ferrari,” SMP Racing driver Robert Shwartzman said. “I have a simulator at home, so I agreed to try it. I admit, my experience in esports racing is not as big as other drivers’. I love real racing and tend to drive real cars, and on the simulator I learn tracks and train myself. Therefore, for sure it will be hard enough, but still it will be an interesting experience for me. Let's see what happens on Sunday.”

The virtual Grand Prix of Bahrain starts on Sunday, March 22, at 23:00 Moscow time.