Proceeding through PC game 'iRacing'
[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Hyundai Motor Company announced on the 24th that it will hold the 'Global League' following the junior league of the digital motorsports competition 'Hyundai N e-Festival.'
The Global League will feature participants from 13 major countries worldwide where digital motorsports are active, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Korea. From today until the 14th of next month, the preliminary rounds will be held through the PC-based racing simulation game 'iRacing.'
Players wishing to participate can upload their records by accessing the Hyundai N e-Festival homepage. Through the preliminary rounds, a total of 30 participants, including the top two players from each country, the junior cup winner, and four wildcards, will advance to the finals.
The finalists will compete in a total of 10 rounds from March 6 to May 1, and the ultimate winner will be awarded prize money and invited to the WRC Hyundai World Rally Team VIP hospitality program. They will be able to watch the Hyundai World Rally Team's performance up close, ride along with the drivers, enjoy a heli-tour during transit, and receive special services such as accommodation at luxury hotels.
The official vehicle for the competition is the 'Avante N TCR,' which has achieved outstanding results in the world's top touring car competitions. Hyundai collaborated with iRacing to replicate the driving performance and sound of the Avante N TCR in the virtual space.
Meanwhile, this league will be broadcast and operated online and on cable TV in partnership with AfreecaTV, which has extensive experience in eSports broadcasting. To manage participant records and ensure fair competition, the event is officially sanctioned by the Korea Automobile Racing Association (KARA). To encourage participation in the Global League, Hyundai Motor's global professional drivers Gabriel Taquini and Mark Wilkins will also challenge digital motorsports. Although they will not compete in the tournament, they plan to record their best laps in 'iRacing' on video to provide fresh enjoyment to N brand global fans.
Til Batenberg, Head of Hyundai Motor N Brand Management Motorsport Division, said, "We are pleased to deliver the fun and excitement of motorsports using the theme of eSports through the Hyundai N e-Festival, which started in 2020," adding, "We hope the Hyundai N e-Festival will serve as a good foundation to build an ecosystem that bridges simulation and real racing."
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