Forza 6 to host virtual Porsche Cup at LeMans

We love a good racing simulator, and Forza is up there on the list, but Microsoft has taken it a step further.

Instead of racing from their own homes, Forza Racing Championship (RC) competitors are vying for a place in the finals which will take place at the 24 Hours of LeMans in June.

To celebrate the largest esports event hosted at leMans, historic race organiser the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), has created the Official Endurance Esports Category for the virtual event to be held within.

With a $100,000 prize pool, this competition is a reminder that esports are taken seriously worldwide, with some people even competing professionally.

Further to the monetary prize will be the public recognition the winners receive, with accolades drawing parallels between the virtual race and the real one.

“After the esports race, the winner of the ForzaRC finals will accept a trophy on the same 24 Hours of Le Mans podium as the winning Le Mans drivers,” says Forza Community manager Brian Ekberg.

With Porsche joining Microsoft, and the ACO as a supporter, the in-game vehicles that will be used are primarily Porsches such as the 2012 GT3 RS 4.0, the 718 RS 60 from 1960, and the 2015 Porsche Team 919 Hybrid.

“Finalists will be driving these cars on some of the best and most challenging tracks in Forza Motorsport 6, including the Nürburgring GP, Circuit of the Americas, Monza, Catalunya, Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone and of, course, both the Bugatti Circuit and the full LeMans track,” Ekberg adds.

Qualifying for the event is ongoing until May 28.