Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc will be one of the main attractions when the second instalment of F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix kicks off on Sunday night. Arthur Leclerc, Charles’ younger brother, will also take part in the race. Arthur Leclerc has recently joined Ferrari’s Junior programme.
This weekend should have seen a historic moment for Formula One as the grid raced around the streets of Hanoi for the very first time. However, the coronavirus outbreak saw the inaugural race in Vietnam postponed along with the rest of the first half of the season, with race postponements or cancellations now a regular feature of the F1 news agenda.
But there is still some esports action being provided for fans starved of racing, with a Virtual Grand Prix series being run on each weekend when there would have been a race.
Due to the wide variety of gaming skill levels amongst the drivers, game settings will be configured in such a way to encourage competitive and entertaining racing. This includes running equal car performance with fixed setups, reduced vehicle damage, and optional anti-lock brakes and traction control for those less familiar with the game.
When is the F1 Esports Virtual Vietnam Grand Prix?
The coverage of the event is due to start at 8pm UK time on Sunday 5 April. There will be a short qualifying period to determine the grid, followed by a 28-lap race around the Albert Park circuit, which is usually used for the Australian Grand Prix. (The new Hanoi street circuit is not available of F1 2019, the game being used for the series.)
How can I watch the race?
The whole broadcast, including pre-race punditry, is expected to last 90 minutes and can be streamed in a number of different ways. The show will be live on f1.com as well as Formula One’s official YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels.
The grid
Ferrari – Charles Leclerc, Arthur Leclerc
Mercedes – TBA
Red Bull – Ben Stokes, Alex Albon
Williams – George Russell, Nicolas Latifi
Haas – Pietro Fittipaldi, Louis Deletraz
Alfa Romeo – Antonio Giovinazzi, Johnny Herbert
Renault – TBA
Racing Point – TBA
McLaren – Lando Norris, TBA
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