These days, drivers spend session after session on the simulator to contribute to the development of a new car, for example, or to familiarise themselves with circuits they have yet to visit. As the world went into lockdown during the 2020 pandemic, many drivers used their home simulator to keep in form or to compete in virtual races. Simulation environments are increasingly realistic and thus a valuable resource, and not only for gaming.

Did you know? At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, rookies and drivers who have not competed in the race for over five years must spend a day on the AOTech simulator which uses software developed specifically for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The goal is help drivers get accustomed to slow zone and safety car procedures applied during the race, learn how to manage traffic, find out where the marshal posts are located and so on, in daytime and night-time conditions.
They also go through some “surprise” tests, such as a sudden change in adherence on one section of the track. These test exercises become increasingly difficult as the day goes on. At the end of the day, AOTech sends a report (for information purposes) to race organiser the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, on the various exercises completed by each driver on the simulator. The times achieved during these sessions do not count towards qualifying.

Over the past few years, some well-known drivers, who were nonetheless 24 Hours of Le Mans rookies, have taken to the AOTech simulator. For example, Fernando Alonso, winner of the French endurance classic in 2018 and 2019 with Toyota Gazoo Racing, Stoffel Vandoorne, Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, as well as the all-female line-up for Kessel Racing, Michelle Gatting, Manuela Gostner and Rahel Frey.

The Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans will be played on the rFactor 2 platform. Drivers have been able to compete in three test races to get up to speed with the software and check that their hardware is in full working order. They can also count on some sound advice from experienced simracers because all teams must comprise at least one driver from the realm of esports. “The two disciplines are different, but there are obviously similarities,” says Paul-Loup Chatin, Idec Sport Racing driver who will be competing in the Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans with his team, alongside Richard Bradley, Franco Colapinto and simracer Michi Hoyer.

The serious stuff begins for Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans competitors today. There will be a first free practice session from 10:00 to 22:00, and a second tomorrow at the same time. Qualifying will take place on Friday from 18:15 to 18:30 for the GTE class, then from 18:40 to 18:55 for LMP cars.

Don’t forget: the Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place on 13-14 June 2020, the date originally scheduled for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, now postponed to 19-20 September 2020 due to the international health crisis.

See the full entry list for the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual.

More on this topic: #LEMANS24VIRTUAL - Maxime Brient, simracer with Toyota Gazoo Racing