The 8 Hours of Nürburgring, the third round in the Le Mans Virtual Series, saw Team Redline and drivers Felix Rosenqvist, Bono Huis and Collin Spork  top the podium once again and continue its  surge up the championship rankings after technical issues saw the race brought to a premature conclusion. Floyd ByKolles-Burst and Team Fordzilla came second and third respectively.

Alex Smolyar, Timotej Andonovski and Martin Hemmingsen from TESLA R8G Esports took first place in the LMGTE category after an extremely close battle with Red Bull Racing Esports over the 25km/16-mile-long track.

The drama of the race was amped up even further with red flag periods and blistering restarts on the infamously challenging circuit.

Amid red flags spicing up the action, it was a gripping contest throughout on the notoriously gruelling layout, and the event featured:

  • A back and forth battle between Team Redline and Floyd ByKolles-Burst with the drama cranked up as the two teams exchanged blows on the red flag restarts, culminating in a Team Redline P1 finish.
  • As always, an incredibly close contest in LMGTE before GTE championship leaders Porsche Esports Team struck the barriers at the half distance, paving the way for a pulse-racing battle between TESLA R8G Esports and Red Bull Racing Esports. The third-placed Proton Competition also narrowly avoided disaster after the MAHLE RACING TEAM vehicle spun out.
  • Jeffrey Rietveld for Realteam Hydrogen Redline secured the fastest lap with a blistering time of 7:05.361

We’re sharing the highlights of the race for news interest–you can see the full post-race report below. You can also watch the official highlights video here.

Le Mans Virtual Series, 8 Hours of Nürburgring – Post Race Report

  • 8 Hours of Nürburgring, the third of five rounds of the Le Mans Virtual Series, kicked off Saturday 13th November with over 100 drivers across the LMP2 and GTE classes taking to the start line. Star drivers such as ex-F1 driver Felix Rosenqvist, Williams F1 reserve driver Jack Aitken and FIA F2 star Liam Lawson all competed in one of the most hotly anticipated sim racing events of the year.
  • Conditions were dry at Nordschleife, meaning drivers were able to push the pace on the soft tyre compounds and created lots of early drama with corners aplenty to take advantage of. The Norschleife saw plenty of action as the gruelling circuit’s 150-plus corners, blind crests and little run off took its toll. Packed traffic made for some hair-raising encounters, one of the most significant of which occurred with an hour completed, as Race Clutch Alpine’s Tom Lartilleux made contact with Team Project 1’s Pero Stoyanov Peev and careened into the barriers.
  • In the LMP2 Classification, the championship-leading #4 Floyd- ByKolles-Burst started on pole position with Jesper Pedersen at the helm, and though the #22 GPX Rebellion Williams quickly snatched a lead at the start, Pedersen regained his position at the beginning of the second lap with some dominant driving. After thirty minutes and every car having pitted, Pedersen remained ahead but a surging Bono Huis behind the wheel of Team Redline’s #123, who started fifth on the grid, eventually took first in an incredible duel with Pedersen. As more cars pitted again, Team Redline maintained its strong lead, and finished ahead over five seconds ahead of Floyd ByKolles-Burst in the 17th lap, and Team Fordzilla in third before the race was abandoned.
  • In the LMGTE Classification, an incredible qualifying lap by Porsche Esports Team’s Joshua Rogers saw him take pole position for the opening battles. The race was hair-raising from the start, with the pair of Porsche Esports Team cars managing to secure a one-two position early on at the start, while traffic further down in the pack fell foul of the notorious corners on turn one. The race continued its chaotic pace despite the red flags, where the leading Proton Competition Porsche narrowly avoided disaster after Muhammed Patel in the #10 MAHLE RACING TEAM LMP spun out. Near the half distance mark, championship-leading #91 Porsche Esports Team driven by Mack Bakkum hit the barriers and paved the way for TESLA R8G ESPORTS and Red Bull Racing Esports to capitalise and leapfrog into first and second place ahead of third-placed Proton Competition Porsche before the final red flag.
  • Jeffrey Rietveld for Realteam Hydrogen Redline recorded the fastest lap time in the LMP2 Classification, with a blistering 7:05.361 on the 12th lap, nearly two seconds better than the next best. Over in the LMGTE Classification, Dayne Warren for Proton Competition secured the fastest lap, recording an impressive 7:57.583 in the fourth lap.
  • This weekend’s race saw server issues cut the race short at just over half distance to prevent potential disruption to competitors and viewers. A full investigation into the cause of the server problems has already been launched to prevent it from reoccurring, while half points were awarded to all teams.
  • After the race Gerard Neveu,Motorsport Advisor to Motorsport Games commented, “Seeing the Le Mans Virtual Series cars take the start on the Nürburgring Nordschleife was a great reward for our competitors’ and partners’ trust and enthusiasm for endurance esports. It was therefore even more disappointing when technical server issues caused the 8-hour race to be cut short. We sincerely apologise to everyone involved that they didn’t have the race we expected, and want to reassure everyone that we are fully investigating why this happened in order to make sure it doesn’t reoccur.”

Just one more race remains in 2021, before the finale to the Le Mans Virtual Series season, the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual race on January 15/16, 2022 which will be held live at the Autosport International Show at the NEC in Birmingham, UK.

  • Round 4   500 Miles of Sebring, USA    December 18, 2021
  • Round 5 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual    January 15/16, 2022

For further media information contact Fiona Miller, Miller Media & Communications, on +44 7770 371332 or miller.media10@btinternet.com

MIAMI, FL – November 12, 2021 – The 8 Hours of Nürburgring takes place this weekend, which will be the longest race of the Le Mans Virtual Series to date. Le Mans Virtual Series is a joint venture between Motorsport Games and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. The third of five rounds for the 2021-22 season, which will come to an end with the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual in January of 2022, will be the biggest challenge yet for the 114 professional and sim racing drivers participating across the 38 prototype and GTE entries (entry list HERE) on the famously difficult 21 km/13 mile Nordschleife circuit in Germany. With over 100 corners, dramatic climbs and drops, blind crests and little run-off area, the circuit can easily catch out even the most experienced drivers, so viewers can expect plenty of action.

The live broadcast will feature lead commentary by the voice of the FIA World Endurance Championship, Martin Haven, together with Chris McCarthy and Lewis McGlade. Coverage will begin at 07:30 am ET on November 13. Full details of how to follow and tune in to the broadcast and all the action is detailed in the visual above and information below.

The first two rounds of the esports world’s top endurance racing championship were action-packed,     with close and unpredictable racing in both the LMP and GTE categories. The No.4 Floyd ByKolles Burst entry currently holds a narrow two-point lead at the top of the LMP standings. However, Spa winner No.123 Team Redline and its star driver line up, including Felix Rosenqvist (INDYCAR) and Bono Huis (2021 rFactor2 Formula Pro Series champion) will be pushing hard for a second consecutive victory. Chasing them close behind is the No.22 GPX Rebellion Williams, which this weekend sees Williams F1 reserve driver Jack Aitken in its line-up. In the GTE category, it is even closer, with the No.91 Porsche Esports Team and the No.71 BMW Team Redline both tied at the head of the standings following one win and one second place finish each. The Aston Martin, Corvette and Ferrari entries will all be battling for more points this weekend and this class is likely to be as fiercely contested as ever.

The Le Mans Virtual Series brings together top-level real-life drivers, such as Jenson Button, Alex Palou, Stoffel Vandoorne and Louis Deletraz and some of the world’s best sim racers to compete together in five endurance races. Each race lasts between four and 24 hours in duration,  concluding with the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual, which will take place live at the Autosport International show in Birmingham, UK in January 2022.

 

The races may be followed, live and uninterrupted, on the following schedule:

Friday, November 12:  (all times ET)

1:00PM   Qualifying show live (not available on WEC or 24 Heures du Mans channels)

1:10 – 1:30PM   Qualifying GTE

1:40 – 2:00PM   Qualifying LMP

Saturday, November 13:

4:00 – 6:00AM   Warm up

7:30AM   Le Mans Virtual Series show live

8:00AM   8 Hours of Nürburgring – RACE

 

About Le Mans Virtual Series

Le Mans Virtual Series is a global, elite esports series made up of five rounds which bring together endurance racing and sim racing’ top teams to compete on some of the world’s most famous racetracks. International FIA-licensed real-world drivers are teamed up with leading esports protagonists to take on endurance classics for a total prize fund of US$250,000, culminating in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual which will take place live and televised at the Autosport Show International at the Birmingham NEC (UK). The Le Mans Virtual Series is a joint venture between leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, Motorsport Games, and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) – the creator and organizer of the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and promoter of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). www.lemansvirtual.com

Round 1     4 Hours of Monza, Italy                         September 25, 2021                     Online only

Round 2     6 Hours of Spa, Belgium                       October 16, 2021                           Online only

Round 3     8 Hours of Nürburgring, Germany      November 13, 2021                      Online only

Round 4     6 Hours of Sebring, USA                        December 18, 2021                       Online only

Round 5     24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual               January 15/16, 2022              ASI, Birmingham, UK

 

About Motorsport Games  

Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”), across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others. For more information about Motorsport Games, visit www.motorsportgames.com

 

Forward-Looking Statements:    

Certain statements in this press release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are provided pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the expected future impact of new or planned products, features, offerings or events, including, without limitation the Le Mans Virtual Series events, and the timing of launching such products, features, offerings or events. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Games and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to difficulties, delays in or unanticipated events that may impact the timing and scope of new product launches, such as due to delays and higher than anticipated expenses related to the ongoing and prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. Factors other than those referred to above could also cause Motorsport Games’ results to differ materially from expected results. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in Motorsport Games’ filings with the SEC, which may be found at www.sec.gov and at ir.motorsportgames.com, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC during 2021, as well as in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Motorsport Games anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Motorsport Games assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Motorsport Games’ plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Additionally, the business and financial materials and any other statement or disclosure on, or made available through, Motorsport Games’ website or other websites referenced or linked to this press release shall not be incorporated by reference into this press release.

 

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Silverstone, UK, November 10, 2021.  Nestled in the Eifel mountains in western Germany, the Nürburgring Nordschleife is one of the most famous circuits in Europe and has long been one of the definitive tests of skill, speed and endurance for automotive manufacturers and racing drivers across the world. Now it’s going to host round 3 of the 2021-22 Le Mans Virtual Series on Saturday, November 13 which presents the drivers on the entry list – both professional and sim – with a whole new challenge.

The 8 Hours of Nürburgring will take place on the 21 km/13 mile Nordschleife (literally, northern loop) which features over 100 corners, sweeping curves, rapidly changing weather, dramatic climbs and drops, and a straight over 1.6 km/one mile long.  It is a notoriously difficult and challenging track and not as regularly used as some other European circuits either in the real or virtual worlds so maximum concentration and competitive spirit will be required as well as a steady touch on the wheel and pedals.  In addition, LMP2 cars have never raced on the Nordschleife in real life so there are no recorded laps to reference…it will truly be a race into the dark for many!

IndyCar star Felix Rosenqvist and Bono Huis, this time teamed with Collin Spork, in the No.123 Team Redline LMP2 will be looking to repeat their victory in the last round at Spa, while the No.2 Floyd ByKolles-Burst trio of Dillmann, Pedersen and Simončič will surely be hoping to go one step further than the 3rd and 2nd places achieved so far.

GPX Rebellion Williams No.22 will feature the considerable talents of Williams F1 reserve driver Jack Aitken alongside Jiri Toman and Marcell Csincsik, while FIA F2 star Liam Lawson is racing in the No.11 Red Bull Racing Esports entry with Alex Siebel and Dennis Jordan.

Young Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto has fast made a name for himself in endurance racing and now he’s bringing that same racing flair with him to the No.31 Team WRT SIMTAG Esports, the team hoping for a better run than in the last two rounds to complement the FIA WEC LMP2 world championship title just won by Team WRT.

In GTE the fight is going to be as close as ever and the No.71 BMW Team Redline plus the No.91 Porsche Esports entries are currently the teams to beat.  Two GTE pole positions from two races, a 2nd place at Monza and a win on the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit for Kevin Siggy, Enzo Bonito, and Rudy van Buren in the BMW tied them in the standings with the Porsche of Mitchell Dejong, Mack Bakkum and Martin Krönke.  This will definitely be a battle to keep a close eye on.  Endurance racer Alessio Picariello joins GR Wolves Racing in the No.87 Porsche 911 RSR GTE with Turkka Hakkinen and Philipp Puschke, the team looking for a better result in this longest race of the series before the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual in January.

Stay tuned for all the action on www.lemansvirtual.com and on all the social channels. The race begins at 1 pm on Saturday, with the broadcast show starting 30 minutes earlier.  Full details on how to watch will be released on Friday, November 12.

For further media information contact Fiona Miller, Miller Media & Communications, on +44 7770 371332 or miller.media10@btinternet.com

The full season entry list for the Le Mans Virtual Series is littered with big names from real world motorsport.  F1 World Champion Jenson Button, IndyCar Champion Alex Palou, World Rallycross Champion Timmy Hansen, and championship winners from many different disciplines such as Stoffel Vandoorne, Bruno Senna and Yifei Ye are just some of the internationally crowned and renowned title holders who are bringing their talents to the world of esports endurance racing.

Central to the success of this championship is the crossover between real and virtual and the real world drivers readily admit they lean heavily on the talents and experience of the sim drivers they are teamed with in order to achieve success.  So who are these sim stars up and down the grid?

They are young, ambitious, dedicated and come from all over the world. Between them have a roll call of esports honours that many gamers can only dream of.  We highlight just a few of the sim champions on our Le Mans Virtual Series entry list to demonstrate that this really is the champions’ championship.

In no particular order we have Josh Rogers, a German-based Australian who achieved victory in the GT class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual 2020, driving for Porsche alongside Nick Tandy, Ayhancan Guven and Tommy Østgaard. The 2021 Porsche Esports Supercup Champion remains with Porsche Esports Team this year,  Sage Karam in place of Nick Tandy in an otherwise unaltered line up, and they are challenging hard for their first LMVS 2021 victory.

The esports CV of 22-year-old Slovenian Kevin Siggy is undeniably stellar!  A championship winner in touring, GP Masters, ABB FE Race at Home Series among others, BMW Team Redline’s Siggy has also had a storming start to his LMVS campaign. Two GTE pole positions from two races, a 2nd place at Monza and a win on the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit, the line-up of Siggy, Enzo Bonito, Lorenzo Colombo and Rudy van Buren is proving hard to beat.

Nikodem Wisniewski has been a pivotal figure in the Rebellion GPX Williams line up, one of the few completely unaltered since last year.  The Pole claimed overall victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual 2020 with team-mates Louis Deletraz, Raffaele Marciello and Kuba Brzezinski, is an esports World Touring Car Champion, and a race winner in many different series on different platforms.

Crowned world champion in the prestigious Porsche Esports Supercup for the first time in 2020, 21-year-old British Red Bull Racing Esports competitor Sebastian Job fought off some of the world’s top drivers on the iRacing platform, his victory even more impressive because of the winning margin over 2019 champion Josh Rogers. Teamed with newly crowned British GT4 Champion Dennis Lind and Japanese hot shot Ryo Hirakawa as pro drivers, Job has yet to run in the LMVS due to other commitments.  We can’t wait to see what he can do.

Bono Huis is a five time Formula Sim Racing Champion and, after proving himself at the top level there, the Dutchman has gone to compete in the iRacing  GTE World Championship and F1 Esports. The 2021 rFactor2 Formula Pro Series champion and 2020 Formula Challenge Pro Champion took top LMVS honours at the 6 Hours of Spa recently with Atze Kerkhof and IndyCar star Felix Rosenqvist for Team Redline and his experience was a key part of that victory.

2021 GT Pro Series Champion and 2020 Formula SimRacing World Champion Jernej Simončič has proved himself to be extremely versatile, no matter what the type of car, and he’s determined to get to the top in endurance racing too.  With Jesper Pedersen and Sergio Sette Camara the Czech claimed 3rd place overall at Monza for Floyd ByKolles-Burst and moved up to second overall at Spa with Pedersen and Tom Dillmann.  You know which step he’s got his eye on next!

The next round of the 2021-22 Le Mans Virtual Series will be the 8 Hours of Nürburgring on the Nordschleife circuit on Saturday 13th November.  Stay tuned to www.lemansvirtual.com to find out more and to follow all the action.

For further media information contact Fiona Miller, Miller Media & Communications, on +44 7770 371332 or miller.media10@btinternet.com

Nestled in the Eifel mountains in western Germany, the Nürburgring Nordschleife is one of the most famous circuits in Europe and has long been one of the definitive tests of skill, speed and endurance for automotive manufacturers and racing drivers across the world.

Now it’s going to host round 3 of the 2021-22 Le Mans Virtual Series on Saturday, 13th November.

The 21 km/13 mile Nordschleife (northern loop) features over 100 corners, sweeping curves, rapidly changing weather, dramatic climbs and drops, and a straight over 1.6 km/one mile long…it is recognised as one of the most difficult and challenging tracks in the world. It is as unique as it is overwhelming. There may be other tracks, but there is only one true Nürburgring.

Built in the 1920s around the village and medieval castle of Nürburg, the track has more than 300 metres (1,000 feet) of elevation change from its lowest to highest points. Three times F1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart nicknamed the old track “The Green Hell”, a name which has stuck through the decades and for good reason.  It is fast and flowing, but drivers must proceed with caution as the blind crests and little run-off can easily catch out even the most experienced. And that’s before the rain, fog or even snow to contend with!

Intro to Nordschleife rF2

Between 1982 and 1983 the start/finish area of the original Nürburgring layout was demolished to create a new GP-Strecke, and this is now used for all major and international racing events including the FIA WEC which last visited in 2017. The shortened Nordschleife is, however, still in daily use for racing, testing and public access. “Touristenfahrten” (literally tourists’ laps) mean that anyone with a road-legal car or motorcycle, as well as tour buses, motor homes, or cars with trailers, can access the Nordschleife and see for themselves the famous Flugplatz, Fuchsröhre and Karussell.

So how will our Le Mans Virtual Series competitors fare on this legendary track, especially the LMP2 entrants as these cars have never raced here? It will be a leap into the unknown for many of them, but if you want to really see a master at work check out Timo Bernhard’s record-breaking lap of the Nordschleife in a Porsche 919 Hybrid here. Hold your breath for the lap of your life!.

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