Formula E launches a virtual racing season, joining NASCAR, F1, IndyCar

Formula E in Mexico City

All-electric racing series Formula E is launching a nine-week sim racing competition after having to put its sixth season on pause due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The series joins the likes of NASCAR, Formula One, and IndyCar, all of which are already leaning on the robust software and community of online sim racing to keep fans and drivers entertained and occupied in the absence of real-world racing.

The virtual Formula E series will be run in rFactor 2 which, alongside iRacing, is one of the leading sim racing platforms. Races will be run every Saturday, and they will be broadcast on YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, and Facebook, as well as by Formula E’s “broadcast partners" (though further details on what that will entail were not shared on Wednesday). The races will be called by Formula E’s (excellent) standard broadcast crew, and the series will also use the virtual events to fundraise for UNICEF’s pandemic efforts.

But instead of mimicking Formula E’s fairly standard real-world race format, the virtual series will be built on the idea of a “race royale," where the last-place driver will be eliminated after each completed lap until just 10 competitors are left. After that happens, the remaining 10 competitors will complete one final lap fight for the race win and will be awarded points for where they finish.