The ABB FIA Formula E Championship has partnered with Virtually Live to create a world’s first in esports. It will provide the opportunity for fans to race against the Formula E drivers in real-time. This will be possible by using a ground-breaking live ghost racing app across multiple platforms. The project starts with mobile and PC – with full virtual reality becoming an addition in the future.
The innovative ghost racing game utilises cutting-edge telemetry and Virtually Live’s proprietary technology platform. Thus it allows a replica of the race using computer-generated imagery in real-time. The action precisely mirrors the positioning and order out on track, while also allowing fans the chance to clip and share their experiences, achievements and near-misses on social media.
Fans and gamers can also post their best qualifying time and compete after the race has finished. That means reproducing scenarios and challenges that occurred during previous events. The interactive new game will put fans in the driving seat. It will enable them as well to take part in real moments of each race and pit their skills against friends and rivals.
Users are also able to follow the race live in CGI. This way they will become the director of their own viewing experience. The experience will offer a selection from multiple trackside and onboard cameras.
Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E, said:
“I remember before we launched the first-ever season of Formula E, we said fans no longer just want to watch or follow a sport. They want to participate in it too. The cutting-edge technology used to create the live ghost racing game is extraordinary. Thanks to the expertise of Virtually Live, the ABB FIA Formula E Championship has yet again shown it’s at the forefront of developing accessible and inclusive content at the fans fingertips. This is another milestone in the arena of esports with Formula E leading the charge.”
Ali Russell, Media and Business Development Director, said:
“The ABB FIA Formula E Championship is known for its close, intense wheel-to-wheel racing. For the very first time, this action and emotion is being transferred to a revolutionary live ghost racing app. It will give fans the chance to become a driver and test their abilities in real-time against the professionals. As a brand, Formula E has always prioritised participation and accessibility. Pioneering innovations such as this continue to show that we’re building a racing series around our fans.”
Markus Tellenbach, CEO of Virtually Live, said:
“Having partnered with the ABB FIA Formula E Championship since season two, providing CGI content of races to the world feed and to fans on the VR App Stores – we’re delighted to have signed a strategic long-term partnership with Formula E to provide the world’s first live ghost racing app.”
“Combining the worlds of exciting street racing and gaming, with our innovative immersive technology, Virtually Live and Formula E are defining a new era in esports and engaging and building the fan base. The ghost racing app will allow fans to consume Formula E throughout the year on multiple platforms. [They will also be able to] share their experiences on social media. We, therefore, look forward to seeing fans of all abilities. Whether a casual gamer on their mobile to an ambitious driver in VR – pitting their skills against the Formula E drivers and their friends. We would like to thank the FIA and Magneti Marelli for their assistance and vision in supporting the partnership.”
