Nico Müller: "Better than nothing" 🎥
Instead of Formula E or DTM, the start of which is still uncertain, Nico Müller is currently only racing in simracing. But the father-to-be is not giving up hope that something will really happen in 2020. The highlights of the first virtual Formula E race. This is how wild the upcoming ABB Formula E Race at [...].
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The highlights of the first virtual Formula E race. It's hard to drive this wildly at upcoming ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge races without incurring penalties.
Seven weeks after the last Formula E race so far in Morocco, Nico Müller was once again allowed to battle with his electric colleagues. In a test race for a virtual championship, he finished a good fifth for Dragon Racing on Saturday at home on the simulator in Blumenstein.
The sim race on the digital Formula E track in Monaco was pretty turbulent, just like in real racing life. The demolition derby ended with Maximilian Günther (BMW) winning ahead of Stoffel Vandoorne (Mercedes) and André Lotterer (Porsche).
Professionals start for a good cause
Unlike in other simracing series, only race, test and reserve drivers from Formula E compete in the ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge. And all for a good cause: In its partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF, Formula E supports the global campaign against Covid-19.
Following the test, which went well from a technical point of view, the eight races for the virtual Formula E championship will take place on the next eight Saturdays. The events are based on the traditional Formula E points system with extra points for the Julius Baer pole position and the fastest race lap. Double points will be awarded at the last race.
Playful competition
The e-athletes have to qualify in a time trial before each round. They set their times using the well-known rFactor 2 simulation software, which includes the latest generation Formula E vehicle, the latest liveries of all the teams and famous street circuits such as Hong Kong and Monaco.
Nico Müller: "It's a cool thing, but you have to make an effort. At least it keeps the competitive spirit alive. If you practice more during the week, you'll certainly have better chances. I'm not the type who sits in the simulator all the time when the weather is so nice outside. My ambition would certainly be greater in real racing..."
Advantage for Formula E
Despite the adjusted schedule, it is uncertain when he will be allowed to play out his ambition. Formula E will certainly be taking a break until the end of June. He also doubts whether the 2019/20 racing season can be completed as planned in July in New York and London. It's quite possible that at least the postponed Asian races can be made up by the fall.
Nico Müller: "Formula E at least has geographical independence. We certainly won't be racing only on city circuits anymore. I'm confident that there will be a solution to finish our racing season."
DTM start in Nuremberg questionable
It's more difficult for the DTM, which only races in Europe. In some countries, where it was supposed to be a guest, major events are banned for the time being until the end of August.
After the DTM was scheduled to start in Zolder (B) on the last weekend in April, the opener was postponed to the Norisring in mid-July, which - like the following two races in August - is now also very much in doubt. The organizer of the traditional Nuremberg city race is currently reviewing when or how the planned DTM race weekend will be feasible.
Nico Müller: "The question is how major events or ghost races are interpreted. We do motorsport with and for the fans, so ghost races would only be half as nice. But for us as well as for the fans, they would be better than nothing."
Cold does not matter
The fact that, according to the current dates, the race will run until November therefore doesn't bother the man from Berne. On the contrary, the level of difficulty will increase with cold tires, and with it the tension.
Nico Müller: "If all the races only take place in late summer and fall, this is the lesser evil than nothing at all. Whether we don't race in Hockenheim in October, as usual, but in November, doesn't really matter. Either way, it can still be pleasantly warm or already very cold."
And no matter when, where and for how long - the ravenous motorsport fans will definitely be warmed up.
