The final round of the Le Mans Virtual Series and its blue riband event, the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual, takes place this weekend (15-16 January 2021). Held for only the second time, 200 elite drivers will take to the grid with a mix of motorsport stars and sim racing professionals making up the biggest esports event of its kind, combining a blend of LMP2 and GTE machinery.

Fifty cars will take to the grid at Circuit de la Sarthe, with 29 in the LMP2 category and 21 in the GTE. Each team has four drivers per car, with two from the world of motorsport and two from sim racing. Not only will teams be gunning for the 24 Hours race win, but the Series championship.

The very best drivers from sim racing will be represented, including the World’s Fastest Gamer and Motorsport UK’s 2019 FIA Motorsport Games Digital Cup competitor, 2020 British GT race winner, 2021 GT World Challenge Europe Esports Sprint Series victor James Baldwin. Motorsport UK Academy Team UK driver Johnathan Hoggard will race the #25 Absolute Inspeed Racing Porsche 911 RSR GTE. And fellow Team UK drivers Sandy Mitchell and Will Tregurtha will be teammates in the #49 Yas Heat Oreca 07 LMP2.

Motorsport UK Board Member and W Series CEO Catherine Bond Muir has also entered a GTE team, venturing outside of single-seaters for the first time. She said: “Our entry into the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans virtual race reflects our long-term commitment to the world of esports and creating opportunities for the world’s best female talent in motorsport, both on and off track.”

Good luck to all the British based teams and drivers taking part in this weekend’s virtual race. You can watch the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual unfold live on Traxion.GG YouTube, Facebook and Twitter channels from 1 pm GMT on Saturday 15 January.

Image credits: Le Mans Virtual