Why entertainment isn't Esports' greatest virtue right now
MotoGP's virtual #StayAtHomeGP was a sad reminder of some of the storylines that could be unfolding had the real-life season not been delayed indefinitely by the coronavirus pandemic. While we can bemoan Esports as being a poor relation of the real thing, it has an even more important function to perform
Esports. Whether you understand it or not, it has become the primary source of sporting action now as the coronavirus pandemic has forced the world into a global lockdown. Formula 1, MotoGP, IndyCar, NASCAR, WEC, DTM, World Superbikes, all national racing in the UK to name but a very few have all had their 2020 campaigns delayed indefinitely.
Sport is humanity's great escape: something we all look forward to around the everyday grind of life. In times of crisis, it's needed more than ever, but is tragically - and sensibly - out of bounds for the time being.
Share Or Save This Story
Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.
While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.
More from Lewis Duncan
Marquez “comfortable” on Ducati MotoGP bike “but not ready for podium”
Brivio: Trackhouse offers 'great opportunity' for MotoGP and NASCAR worlds to collide
Marini urges patience at Honda as new MotoGP season approaches
Marquez now 'looking for final three tenths' on Ducati MotoGP bike
Isle of Man TT organisers introduce important competitor safety initiative
MotoGP Malaysian GP: Marquez outpaces Martin in FP2
MotoGP Malaysian GP: Martin edges Marquez in first practice
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
Latest news
Everything you need to know about the pitwall in F1 - who sits there and what does it do?
Alpine: "Shock" of having slowest F1 car triggered tech revamp
How Bruce McLaren's death shaped more than just his F1 team
Both DS Penske in the points in São Paulo
Autosport Plus
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.