The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world’s oldest and most prestigious endurance race which sees teams and drivers to compete who can drive the longest in a 24 hour period over the street circuit near the French town, with modern teams often exceeding 5,000 kilometres in a 24 hour period.
Each year more than 250,000 spectators flock to Le Mans in Northern France, many of whom camp out for days, not only to see the action but also to enjoy the numerous boutiques and shops which are set-up to sell merchandise, as well as the funfair, live shows and other attractions laid-on to amuse the crowds.
For every petrol head, a visit to Le Mans is high on their bucket list, as least once in their lives.
This year though, as with some many sporting events, things will be a little different, with organisers of the iconic race forced to move it from its traditional spot in the calendar of June to September because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
To make up for it though, a virtual race will be staged instead on the weekend of June 13th and 14th, featuring e-sports teams made-up of professional racing drivers and gamers competing for glory from behind their computer consoles.
Billed as the supreme sporting tests for e-sports enthusiasts, the starting grid will feature up to 50 teams, who like competitors in the real thing, will race for up to 24 hours in an accurate simulation of the race.
Drivers will face the same variable driving conditions and weather during the day and night whilst damaged cars can be repaired in the pits. Each driver must spend at least four hours behind the wheel in total, but none is allowed to drive for more than seven hours.
Teams will be competing on the rFactor 2 simulator platform, and the proceedings will be controlled by a race director.
The whole event will be broadcast live on television across the globe, although, like the real race itself, only the die-hard core fans will be able to stay awake to watch the 24 hours in their entirety.
