Formula E drivers are no stranger to the pressure of delivering a fast lap and have grown accustomed to the tight confines of a cockpit. That’s all about to change when Bruno Senna and Nico Prost revive a classic rivalry to launch the first in a series of Forza 6 fan gaming events.
Instead of the more familiar noises of buffeting wind and screeching tyres, the drivers will have to get used to the buzz of the Gfinity Arena in London, the UK’s only dedicated eSports venue, to put their skills to the test on Forza 6 on the Xbox One.Â
Fans will get the chance to compare their best lap times with other Forza fanatics and go wheel-to-wheel with their favourite drivers streamed live across Formula E’s official Twitch and YouTube channels.
Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E, said: “Since the original concept of Formula E we have always been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible both on and off the track. As a series we want to bring electric racing closer to the people focussing on revolutionising fan interaction. Along with initiatives like FanBoost, the new eSports gaming events will allow fans to engage with the sport and not only be in the presence of their favourite drivers, but competing against them too. I need to start practising if I’m going to get high up the leaderboard!”
“We are very proud to be hosting Formula E at our arena and helping to promote their typically exciting and ground-breaking tournament,” said Neville Upton, CEO of Gfinity Arena. “This is testament to the growth of eSports across all sectors and our growing reputation of hosting fantastic and innovative events around the games.“
Mahindra Racing’s Bruno Senna said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of driving the Formula E car in a game rather than on track. There is a proven record of drivers learning real-world racing skills in the virtual world before they ever take to the track. I hope it also works in reverse so Nico and I can have a proper battle!”
Nico Prost, driver for Renault e.dams, said: “It’s a cool idea to get fans together to race in a large venue and it’s going to be a unique experience. I’m looking forward to meeting the fans we’ll be racing on track and taking on Bruno in a different kind of environment than we’re normally used to.”
Further details to register for the event and the competition format will be revealed later next week on the official website.
