Formula E Launches New Esports Competition, Formula E Accelerate

Formula E has launched a new esports competition, Formula E Accelerate, to try and build on the success of its Formula E Race at Home Challenge in support of UNICEF last year.

Formula E Accelerate will feature 24 rising stars from the world of motorsports and esports competing in six events. It will use a simulated racing experience using rFactor2 software, that includes new energy management and attack mode features.

The 25-minute races will be broadcast in 90-minute programmes featuring Formula E drivers, Team Principals and other special guests. They will be live on Formula E social and streaming platforms.

Qualifying is open'here'to anyone, with the three quickest times on the Berlin Tempelhof E-Prix circuit earning places on the grid. The eventual virtual racers will earn points for one of the current Formula E teams and receive expert tips, mentoring and other talent development opportunities from the team they are attached to.

In addition to the six event calendar, there will be two races featuring 12 real-life Formula E drivers, one per racing team, during Round 4 and the Grand Final of Formula E Accelerate. These points will also be added to the team standings.

Hannah Brown, chief strategy and business development officer of Formula E, said: 'Following the success of the ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge in support of UNICEF, we have evolved our esports product for both gamers and fans.

'The added element of energy management and Attack Mode translates the real-life Formula E racing experience into the virtual world more accurately than ever before and tests the sim racers' ability to master electric racing.'

Stoffel Vandoorne, ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge Driver Grid winner, added: 'Having won the ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge, I learnt how competitive and demanding it is to race at such a high standard on a regular basis.

'This time there will be an extra challenge, having to contend with the introduction of energy management and Attack Mode ' something even I haven't tried yet ' so it will be interesting to see how drivers manage.'

Allianz is premier partner of the competition, while ABB and DHL are also official partners.

Check out the schedule below:

Round''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Date
1'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' 28/01/2021
2'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' 04/02/2021
3'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' 11/02/2021
4'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' 11/03/2021
5'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' 18/03/2021
Grand Final'''''''''''''' 25/03/2021