The Porsche Coanda Esports Racing Team is setting the pace in the virtual motorsport world, ready to compete for titles in the upcoming ESL R1 season and the inaugural Esports World Cup. With the Esports landscape expanding, Porsche continues to merge real-world racing prowess with digital competitions, appealing to a tech-savvy, younger audience.

 

Porsche's Commitment to Esports

Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, emphasized the brand's deep-rooted connection to racing, whether on the track or in the digital realm. "Esports reach a young, digital audience and simulations are becoming increasingly important in race preparation and the development of our vehicles," he noted. This commitment is evident as Porsche aims to capitalize on the growing synergy between real-world automotive engineering and virtual racing technologies.

 

The ESL R1 and Esports World Cup

The ESL R1, debuting in 2023, quickly established itself as a significant event in sim racing. Porsche claimed the team title in the fall series, with standout performances from its drivers, including Australian Joshua Rogers, who clinched the final in Jönköping, Sweden. The upcoming season, starting on May 17 and concluding in August, promises even greater excitement as it aligns with the Esports World Cup scheduled in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

 

Porsche Coanda Esports Racing Team Lineup

The team has fortified its roster with new talents:

  • Mitchell deJong (USA)
  • Dayne Warren (Australia)
  • Joshua Rogers (Australia)
  • Charlie Collins (Great Britain) - new addition
  • Elvis Rankin (USA) - reserve driver

 

Upcoming Schedule and Format

The ESL R1 will blend online and on-site events, culminating in the Esports World Cup. Key dates include:

  • Team Championship (Online): Races at Daytona, Orchard Road, and Monza.
  • Driver Championship (Online): Competitions at Hockenheimring, Road Atlanta, and Spa-Francorchamps.
  • Esports World Cup (Live): The finale in Riyadh will feature both driver and team championships from August 22-25.

 

Live Streaming

Fans can watch all the ESL R1 races live on Porsche’s official Twitch channel, bringing the action directly to global audiences.

 

Expectations and Preparations

Nina Braack, Esports Manager at Porsche Motorsport, expressed optimism about the team’s prospects, noting minimal changes in the series' rules which favor consistency. Joshua Rogers shared his excitement and readiness to defend his title, especially at the prestigious Esports World Cup.

 

Series Highlights

  • Platform: Rennsport
  • Vehicles: GT3 regulation-based, including the Porsche 911 GT3 R.
  • Balance of Performance (BoP): Ensures fairness and competitive integrity.
  • Prize Pool: A combined $500,000 for ESL R1 and the Esports World Cup.

 

As the Porsche team prepares to defend their title and chase new ones, the integration of esports into their broader motorsport strategy highlights a forward-thinking approach to racing and automotive development. This synergy between traditional motorsport and esports not only enhances Porsche’s brand presence but also sets a benchmark in the evolving world of competitive gaming.