Formula E rise shows ESports shouldn't be underestimated - Priaulx
Ford World Endurance Championship driver Andy Priaulx believes it is wrong to underestimate Esports, given the success of Formula E
Priaulx was present for the launch of the Le Mans Esports Series at Silverstone, going head-to-head with factory Aston Martin driver Darren Turner on the simulators for a friendly competition.
He cited FE as a new idea that, like Esports, was initially met with scepticism within the motorsport world but has thrived and now attracted a near full grid of manufacturers.
"We've all got to watch it [Esports], we all looked at Formula E and thought 'I don't think that's going to work' and look where it's gone," Priaulx told Autosport at the LMES launch event.
"I think it will be the same with Esports.
"It makes motorsport more accessible for the fans, the public and gives everyone the chance to perform and have their moment.
"Esports gets people to come and enjoy the sport, it's what we love.
"We've been fortunate to race the real thing, but actually you can get a real buzz on the simulator when you've got a high level of competition.
"It's all about performing under pressure."
Skills 'definitely transferable' to real life racing
The three-time World Touring Car champion uses simulators to practice concentration and handling pressure.
"I've embraced driving on simulators in the past five years," Priaulx added.
"It's great to get that additional experience and obviously the practice of concentration and the ability to perform under pressure is something you can practise on the simulator.
"Some of the skills you need on the simulator, from the concentration perspective, minimising mistakes, learning the circuit and working out the racing lines, are definitely transferable.
"Ultimately when it comes down to the feel, you need the experience in reality but I can definitely see the way that software is evolving and improving.
"You can get closer and closer to reality."
Gamers can find more information, register and begin qualifying for the LMES here.
Previous article
World Rally Championship ESports: Ex-WRC2 driver Armstrong wins
Next article
McLaren Shadow opens to mobile gaming entrants on Real Racing 3
About this article
| Series | Esports |
| Author | Josh Suttill |
Analysis: How an unlikely tie-up won sim racing's biggest race
An unlikely partnership between LMP1 privateer Rebellion Racing and Williams Formula 1's successful sim racing team yielded victory in the inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual. Here's how it triumphed in the biggest sim race ever staged
How poor driving standards ruined IndyCar's golden opportunity
The chaotic end to the virtual Indy 175 might be dismissed as "just a game," but the insulting actions of two IndyCar stars may have serious real-life consequences
Why Leclerc's Virtual GP annihilation deserves great credit
The introduction of Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon, George Russell and Antonio Giovinazzi to Formula 1's Virtual GP last weekend meant it was a step above the franchise's debut two weeks ago. But a dominant performance from Esports newcomer Leclerc stole the show
How the hidden side of being fast has been exposed
'Natural talent' is one of the biggest misnomers going in motorsport, and that is being proven by the way real life racers aren't immediately getting on the pace with the sim racing experts in virtual contests. To change that, they are having to apply the same tools required to be quick in real life
Why F1’s pantomime Virtual GP is fun but unsustainable
F1 Esports' inaugural Virtual Grand Prix last weekend provided brilliant entertainment to those tuning in to watch a mix of F1 drivers and celebrities battle on track, but was a missed opportunity for marketing its own Esports stars. A change of approach is needed if it is to successfully fill the void until the resumption of proper racing
The latest Red Bull exile to return in Esports
Since he was ejected from the programme at the end of 2006, the latest Red Bull junior driver brought back into the fold to race in Formula 1 - in a virtual sense for the inaugural Virtual GP - has had quite the career journey. From ADAC GT Masters and Porsche Supercup to Le Mans and the DTM, here's how a works pro got to relive a long-forgotten dream
Mercedes can be toppled in F1's other title race
Mercedes has not only set new standards in Formula 1, but it's also created a benchmark in Esports. Now its rivals have scrambled to catch up, there's a chance the Brendon Leigh-fronted Mercedes can be stopped
Why World's Fastest Gamer is returning to real-world racing
World's Fastest Gamer is a spiritual successor to the famous GT Academy. After a successful first year, it's returning to the Nissan programme's roots by targeting the real world of racing
