Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Australia
Breaking news

Rossi to join second MotoGP Esports event

Seven-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi will go up against 10 real-world rivals, including reigning champion Marc Marquez, in the second MotoGP #StayAtHomeGP Esports event on Sunday.

Valentino Rossi, Yamaha Factory Racing

Valentino Rossi, Yamaha Factory Racing

Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

The current MotoGP season is on indefinite hiatus right now due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the opening eight races either cancelled or postponed.

In lieu of real-world racing, MotoGP set up the #StayAtHomeGP event last weekend, which featured 10 current riders – including Marquez and Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales – in a six-lap race around a virtual Mugello on the MotoGP 19 game.

Having been well-received by fans, a second race will go ahead this Sunday.

The second round features 11 real-world MotoGP riders, with Yamaha duo Rossi and Vinales going up against works Honda duo Marc and Alex Marquez, Petronas SRT’s Fabio Quartararo and Pramac’s Francesco Bagnaia.

Works Ducati rider Danilo Petrucci and Ducati test rider Michele Pirro, LCR’s Takaaki Nakagami and Avintia’s Tito Rabat will also join the event.

The second round will be run at the virtual Austrian Grand Prix venue of the Red Bull Ring, and will be run over 10 laps, with a five-minute qualifying session taking place beforehand.

MotoGP rookie Alex Marquez won the inaugural event at a virtual Mugello, beating Bagnaia by seven seconds after an early battle with the Pramac rider.

Yamaha rider Rossi was originally due to contest the Mugello Esports event, but ultimately withdrew from the event.

No reason for his withdrawal was given.

Just as with the first event, the riders will race each other in a private ‘Race Direction’ lobby, where bike settings will be sent to them upon invitation to the lobby.

None of MotoGP’s official Esports series players will be present.

The second #StayAtHomeGP will be shown on a number of broadcasters worldwide, and will get underway at 2pm UK time.

For more Esports, head to Motorsport Games to check out the Motorsport Network's exciting virtual racing products.

Be part of Motorsport community

Join the conversation
Previous article McLaughlin, Le Brocq split Phillip Island Eseries wins
Next article McLaughlin takes Monza Eseries win despite fuel drama

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Australia