After the remarkable success of the 24 Hours Virtual in June 2020, the newly renamed and expanded Le Mans Virtual Series is to be a world esports series consisting of five rounds.

Motorsport Advisor to Motorsport Games Gérard Neveu: "Last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual was a huge success, and we have an opportunity to do it even better this time! This year, the event will further benefit the teams, partners and, of course, massive gaming and spectator audiences worldwide. We are extremely pleased to have secured the support of such an impressive portfolio of partners, and we can’t wait to get started this season with the reveal next week of some top-class names on the entry list."

The first four rounds between September and December will take place online. The 24 Hours Virtual will serve as the grand finale of the first endurance esports championship – a live televised event during Autosport International 2022 in Birmingham, U.K. on 15-16 January – with 50% of the $250,000 prize money available for the 24 Hours Virtual.

The calendar features some of the world's most famous circuits sure to challenge any driver and delight the 215 million esports fans around the world.

2021 Le Mans Virtual Series Calendar:

• Round 1 | 4 Hours of Monza, Italy | 25 September
• Round 2 | 6 Hours of Spa, Belgium | 16 October
• Round 3 | 8 Hours of the Nürburgring, Germany | 13 November
• Round 4 | 6 Hours of Sebring, USA | 18 December
• Round 5 | 24 Hours Virtual, Autosport International, Birmingham, UK | 15-16 January 2022

Some of the world's best-known and most renowned marques are giving their full backing to the Le Mans Virtual Series: Thrustmaster (official hardware partner), Rolex (official watch partner), Goodyear (official tire partner), Total Energies (official energy partner), Lego Technic (official engineering partner) and Algorand (official blockchain partner).

ACO President Pierre Fillon: "Following the real 24 Hours of Le Mans in August 2021, we are delighted to now launch the Le Mans Virtual Series which will include as its highlight the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual. The link between real-life motorsport and esports is now an essential element for our manufacturers and teams, and we all look forward to an excellent season of esports competition."

The Le Mans Virtual Series will continue to use the platform rFactor 2 which focuses more on public simulation racing and offers a more authentic experience. Emphasis will also be placed on enhanced analysis of the race and strategy during broadcasts for fans.

Elite auto racing competitors and top sim racers will hit the virtual track together. The 38 LMP and GTE full-season entrants can include up to five drivers. More details about the entry list will be revealed on 7 September.