The ultimate guide to 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual: Part 2

New to esports and keen to understand more about how it works? Then look no further as we have the answers to all your questions! 

Below is the second part of our special guide.  If you missed part 1 yesterday then click HERE to get fully up to speed.

THE RACE 

How long can each driver be behind the wheel / their sim set up during the 24 hours?
The race will run for 24 hours non-stop, but the rules on time are strict to prevent fatigue and drop off in performance.  It’s up to each entry’s Team Manager to make sure they comply with the rules and that the driver taking the next stint is awake and ready to enter the game!
Minimum race time per driver in the race will be 4 hours (240 minutes); maximum race time per driver in the race will be 7 hours (420 minutes). Drivers may not drive more than 3 hours within a 5-hour period.  Not respecting the minimum and maximum driving time may result in a penalty from the race officials.

Will there be any changes to daylight during the race?
As in the real life 24H, drivers race through daylight, dusk, night, dawn and back into daylight. This will be replicated.  

How do driver changes work?
There is a system within the game that facilitates the driver changes and, just as in real life, the drivers must come into the pits and bring the car to a stop to instigate the change-over. This will then hand control of the car over to the next driver.

How do pitstops work?
Drivers will be required to pit for fuel, new Michelin tyres and carry out driver changes.  If the car sustains damage it will affect a car’s performance, but damage can be repaired in a pitstop.  The car will be driveable but may not perform as well as at the start.

Will there be a Safety Car?
There is one safety car which will be controlled by a driver(s) nominated by the organisers. A safety car can be deployed at any time at the discretion of the Race Director. Competitors will be informed using voice chat. 

Will there be warning flags?
As in the real thing, there will be blue flags signalling a slower car and yellow flags for incidents in a specified area of the track. Race Control may also call a “Full Course Yellow” which slows cars over a section of the track, usually to allow an incident to be cleared or for track repairs to be made. At this time the drivers will be required to reduce their speed to 60kph (pitlane speed limiter) until advised they can resume racing by Race Control.

What level of damage will be simulated during the race?
Cars can suffer significant damage during the race which will affect the performance of the car. If the car is able to make it back to the pitlane then this can be repaired.

Will there be a race director?
Yes, the official FIA WEC Race Director Eduardo Freitas will be monitoring the race just as he would do for the real-life 24 Hours of Le Mans.  He will be working with a team of assistants to keep an eye on drivers’ behaviour on track.

How will driving behaviour be monitored?
All drivers must be familiar with the sporting regulations, including the Code of Conduct, and the written race briefing from the race officials.  There will also be a mandatory video briefing that will take place the day before the race. The important thing to remember is that this is a TEAM GAME…if one driver makes a mistake and incurs a penalty, it potentially damages not only his chances of victory but also those of his team-mates.

What penalties can be applied?
Penalties range from a reprimand, a drive-through, a stop-and-go, a time penalty (post-race) through to disqualification.  Penalties applied by the officials cannot be appealed.

What happens if you get a technical fault during the race?
We are looking at a number of solutions to minimise the influence of any technical faults. For example, we are able to use the safety car should something happen. We are also working closely with all of our partners to have a toolbox of solutions.

Should a team disconnect from the server, the car will be returned to the pitlane with a 5-minute penalty to be served upon. If there is a driver change, there will be a 6-minute penalty. Fuel and tyres cannot be changed upon re-joining the server. 

COMMUNICATION AND VISIBILITY

How will drivers communicate with the organisers?
There will be a variety of ways in which we will communicate. We will have a dedicated Team Speak server which allows the organisers and Race Control to communicate directly with all of the teams and drivers. We will also be in contact via Skype for interviews and reaction during the race itself.  

Can drivers talk to each other during the race?
The drivers will be able to communicate with their team via a private Team Speak channel, just as they would be for the regular race. They will not be in contact with rival teams.

How can we be sure who is actually driving during the race?
All drivers must be connected to the organiser’s Zoom video streaming conference call with a clear line of sight to their face with no obstructions when they are racing. 

Will drivers be filmed during the race?
This will vary from team to team. There will be two teams racing from the studio in a socially distanced environment. These will be filmed. Other teams may well choose to film their drivers and stream their individual POV.

Must their audio be switched on?
Drivers are permitted to mute their mics while racing.

Will fans be able to watch on-board footage during the race or will there be only one main feed?
The main feed will incorporate on-boards, as well as broadcast cameras. However, a number of the teams and drivers will also be streaming their individual races for fans to enjoy.

How and where can I watch the race?
The race and the TV programme being made around the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual will be broadcast widely on terrestrial/linear TV as well as through online digital channels.  More details will follow today.

More information about 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual can also be found via https://24virtual.lemansesports.com/