Although they – virtually – drive on the Circuit de la Sarthe all the time, some had never been to the actual circuit. Thanks to their consoles, fans of Xbox One’s Forza Motorsport game know all the intricacies of the circuit where the 24 Hours of Le Mans is run.

A gamer who goes by the name of TX3 Laige became France Forza Motorsport 6 by Logitech champion on Saturday 18 June. He was delighted to be able to watch the real race as well: “I came in 2009 and 2012 and it’s just as good. I was a spectator and I’d love to the 24 Hours of Le Mans for real, but that’s not possible for the moment!” [laughs] Several gamers have gone on to become fully-fledged racing drivers, namely Lucas Ordóñez, Jordan Tresson, Jann Mardenboroug and Gaëtan Paletou, who have raced at Le Mans.  “I’d like to follow in their footsteps. My goal is to be a racing driver” says the 21-year-old.

“It’s interesting to see the race for real. It’s different to the way you see it on television”, says Fabien, also known as BAM Seven, who came third. The game circuit is very similar to the real one, especially the gradients.  It's like being in a life-sized game. We saw where the public road joins up with the Bugatti circuit, the Dunlop chicane and Tertre Rouge. It was great to see,” he says, bright-eyed.  

Photo: The winners of the France Forza Motorsport 6. From left to right: ASIX13 (second), TX3 Laige (winner) and BAM Seven (third) Photo credit: forzamotorsport.fr