The Le Mans Esports Series attracted a crowd in Hall 1 looking to follow the race on a big screen. Twelve full Playseat simulators equipped with Thrustmaster were set up for competitors on stage. Certain motorsport personalities came out to try their hand at "e-endurance," namely 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Johnny Herbert, Lando Norris and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc!

Williams Esports qualifieS FOR Le Mans

The Williams Esports team represented by Nikodem Wisniewski, Kuba Brzezinski and Isaac Price started from pole position at the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit. However, the 32-lap race kicked off with some problems early on when the blue and gray Ford GT40 slipped to sixth place after leaving the track.

Meanwhile, Jean Alesi Esports Academy attempted to carve some distance with Lazarus Racing and Veloce Esports hot on its heels. JOTA Esports' first lap was less than stellar with Shaun Arnold falling from the fourth spot to the last, forcing him to push hard to climb back.

About mid-race, Veloce Esports took the lead. James Baldwin (2019 World’s Fastest Gamer winner) was at the wheel but his team was facing a major challenge. One of its drivers failed to appear due to a lost passport, so Haydon Gullis, typically more comfortable making videos and helping the team communicate, found himself taking the wheel…

Two hours into the race, Williams Esports took control, benefitting namely from the Veloce Esports team's last pit stop which lasted longer than expected given the circumstances. But the defending champion put up a fantastic fight. JOTA Esports climbed from the very last place and finished second, just a few seconds from the win. The team had attempted an overtaking in the last turn but without success. Jean Alesi's team rounded out the podium. So, Williams Esports has secured its invitation to the Le Mans Esports Series Super Finale in Le Mans in June.

JAPSPEED RACING REIGNS SUPREME IN PRO-AM

Visitors to the show could try their luck on the track too. The competition is open to amateurs, with slots in the final reserved for participants at the show. The public were invited to have a go on one of the four simulators. 

All three spaces were clinched by the drivers of Japspeed Racing. Aiden Browe (JSR aidtheace), Luke Fletecher (JSR Luke) and John O'Grady (JSR John) each clocked a lap of Silverstone in under 01.44 with the 1991 Le Mans Mazda 787B. Their performance placed them at the top of the time sheets, and earned them their tickets to the final. 

The next race is for professional teams. In the meantime, it’s over to you! Between now and 19 January, you too can take on Silverstone in the legendary Mazda and its rotor engine. The fastest candidate from each continent: America, Asia and Europe will be invited to dispute the final at Le Mans in June. Head for the “Rivals” area on Forza Motorsport 7! 

PHOTO (Copyright - Williams Esports)