The virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans had attracted a lot of participation from various race teams and brands, which is why it is not a surprise for Porsche to be taking this seriously by fielding a squad to participate.
“Le Mans is considered the most traditional long-distance race and the digital version can now attract a completely new target group to professional motor racing. I’m curious to see how the combination of works drivers and elite sim racers will work,” said Pascal Zurlinden, Director Factory Motorsport at Porsche.
Porsche’s own eSports team will be fielded in four 2017-spec 911 RSR, all entering under the GTE category. To make the competition interesting, real racing drivers will be paired with seasoned simulator racers.
Drivers for the Porsche Esports team (all Porsche 911 RSR)
No. 91:
André Lotterer (DE) / Neel Jani (CH) / Mitchell Dejong (USA) / Martti Pietilä (FIN)
No. 92:
Jaxon Evans (NZ) / Matt Campbell (AUS) / Mack Bakkum (NED) / Jeremy Bouteloup (FRA)
No. 93:
Nick Tandy (GB) / Ayhancan Güven (TR) / Josh Rogers (AUS) / Tommy Ostgaard (NOR)
No. 94:
Patrick Pilet (F) / Simona de Silvestro (CH) / Martin Krönke (DE) / David Williams (GB)
Drivers will have the chance to familiarize with the virtual circuit and racing on rFactor2 in the free practice sessions taking place on 10-12 June. Qualifying session will take place on Saturday, 13 June, 12:15am and the race will commence at 9pm on the same day.
