Marquez, Rins and Viñales set for virtual battle on Sunday
DPPI
Most of this year’s MotoGP title contenders will compete online this weekend, as the motorcycle series becomes the latest to offer an esports option to fans.
Marc Márquez and new Honda team-mate, brother Alex, have signed up for the first MotoGP Virtual Race on Sunday, with no sign yet that real-life racing will resume soon.
They will be joined by Maverick Viñales, Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, ensuring that the grid contains four of last year’s top five championship finishers.
The six lap race around Mugello, using the official MotoGP game, will come after a five-minute qualifying time attack to decide the start positions.
Aleix Espargaro, Joan Mir, Iker Lecuona, Miguel Oliveira and Francesco Bagnaia will also take part but Valentino Rossi, who was expected to race, has withdrawn.
Live coverage of the race starts at 2pm GMT at motogp.com; the series’ social media channels and some TV broadcasters.
Gamers at MotoGP’s esport championships earlier this year
MotoGP
Max Verstappen quit the 2023 Virtual Le Mans 24 Hours and labelled it a "clown show" after connection issues, but many say that technical issues are simply part of sim racing
A new era of F1 cars, complete challenges in supercars and VR compatible are key features for this year's game and more
Esports has long been viewed as insignificant but 'old views' need to change according to some drivers
Formula 1 has announced a female-only qualification route for its official esports championship. It comes as part of F1's concerted efforts to improve inclusion and achieve greater diversity within the…