2020 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual

Lore & Background

The race was conceived after the physical 24 Hours of Le Mans was postponed from June to September 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACO, WEC, and Motorsport Games organized the virtual event on the original June dates, operating from Studio Gabriel in Paris. Was capped at 50 cars to ensure server stability, with teams comprising professional racing drivers and sim racers. Each team had four drivers, with at least two holding international FIA licenses, and each driver was limited to a minimum of four and maximum of seven hours of driving.

Reader's Guide

The 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual demonstrated the viability of esports as a substitute for major motorsport events during the pandemic. It attracted a global audience of 14.2 million television viewers and 8.6 million online views, showcasing the crossover between real-world racing and simulation. The event featured notable drivers from Formula One, IndyCar, and other series, highlighting the growing legitimacy of sim racing. The race's organization, including mandatory driver rotation and penalty systems, mirrored real-world endurance racing protocols, setting a precedent for future virtual events. Its success underscored the potential for hybrid racing formats and expanded the reach of the 24 Hours of Le Mans brand to new audiences.

Did You Know?

• The race was hosted on the rFactor 2 gaming platform.
• The winning LMP car, Rebellion Williams Esports No. 1, conserved enough fuel to win by 17.781 seconds.
• The Porsche Esports Team led the GTE class for 261 consecutive laps to win.