Formula One has launched the Virtual Grand Prix Series in a bid to replace the postponed races and provide both professional F1 drivers and F1 esports stars with a chance to compete amid the coronavirus outbreak.<\/p>\n
The series is to be played on the official F1 2019 video game and will feature substitute events for every postponed race of the Formula One season, starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, March 22.<\/p>\n
The initiative is scheduled to run until May, meaning Vietnam, China and Netherlands Virtual Grand Prix races are on the cards. The organisers noted that the competition could be extended beyond the set dates, depending on the coronavirus situation.<\/p>\n
This unusual approach will give F1 racing fans to chance to see whether the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel can translate their dominance on the track into the virtual world.<\/p>\n
The broadcast of the Bahrain Grand Prix will start on Sunday at 20:00 GMT on F1\u2019s Facebook, Twitch and YouTube channels. The first virtual F1 Grand Prix on the Sakhir track will be 28 laps long instead of the regular 56, with the event expected to run for about 1.5 hours. In a bid to provide a level playing field, the drivers will all use cars with the exact same setup, reduced vehicle damage and other optional controls to help those unfamiliar with the game.<\/p>\n
\nWe race on ?<\/p>\n
The Bahrain Virtual Grand Prix is here. Coming Sunday, 20:00GMT \u23f0<\/p>\n
Featuring #F1<\/a> drivers, #F1Esports<\/a> stars, and more! pic.twitter.com\/NYXzUAbVfz<\/a><\/p>\n
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 20, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n