September 2024 sees the launch of the Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Virtual Championship - and not just on one simulation, but rather a trio of titles.
Being rooted deeply in racing, it makes sense that Mercedes-AMG hosts its own sim racing competition - which is what it is now doing with the Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Virtual Championship. The series lines up on the grid this September, both on PC for Assetto Corsa Competizione and iRacing, and on PlayStation 4/5 for Gran Turismo 7.
The single-car series - racers will drive the Mercedes-AMG GT3 - will feature two divisions on each of the three titles. Any division is eligible to score points for the Virtual Championship, which is supposed to make for a more level playing field. Qualification for the competition will be handled via a hotlap leaderboard.
To kick off the season, a traditional format of practice, qualifying and race will be used, but from the second race day onwards, elements like handicaps and challenges will come into play "to provide even more action as well as interaction", according to the Virtual Championship's announcement press release. "The aim is to develop the competition together with the community and to shape the future of the Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Virtual Championship together."
Come the end of the season, the top three in the overall standings can look forward to "'Money Can't Buy Prizes' from the world of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport". Additionally, the championship winner will get the opportunity to drive an actual Mercedes-AMG race car - although it has not been stated what vehicle that might be.
The calendar and sign-up info have not been announced yet, but should be available soon.
What do you think of the concept of the Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Virtual Challenge a try? Let us know on Twitter @OverTake_gg or in the comments below!
Being rooted deeply in racing, it makes sense that Mercedes-AMG hosts its own sim racing competition - which is what it is now doing with the Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Virtual Championship. The series lines up on the grid this September, both on PC for Assetto Corsa Competizione and iRacing, and on PlayStation 4/5 for Gran Turismo 7.
The single-car series - racers will drive the Mercedes-AMG GT3 - will feature two divisions on each of the three titles. Any division is eligible to score points for the Virtual Championship, which is supposed to make for a more level playing field. Qualification for the competition will be handled via a hotlap leaderboard.
Relegation & Promotion System
That does not mean that racers are stuck in their division once they qualified. Instead, the top three of the lower division gets promoted to the higher division, from where the bottom three get relegated at the halfway mark of the season. The so-called "Season Zero" will feature six race days from September to November, with two races being contested on each race day.To kick off the season, a traditional format of practice, qualifying and race will be used, but from the second race day onwards, elements like handicaps and challenges will come into play "to provide even more action as well as interaction", according to the Virtual Championship's announcement press release. "The aim is to develop the competition together with the community and to shape the future of the Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Virtual Championship together."
Come the end of the season, the top three in the overall standings can look forward to "'Money Can't Buy Prizes' from the world of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport". Additionally, the championship winner will get the opportunity to drive an actual Mercedes-AMG race car - although it has not been stated what vehicle that might be.
The calendar and sign-up info have not been announced yet, but should be available soon.
What do you think of the concept of the Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Virtual Challenge a try? Let us know on Twitter @OverTake_gg or in the comments below!
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