Eleven Sports Portugal turns to esports

Sports channel Eleven Sports Portugal has launched a new esports racing Series format as the impact of the coronavirus continues to make itself felt on the world of traditional sports.

The competition, which is delivered in partnership with the GTC Race Centre and the Autódromo Virtual de Lisboa, will consist of six heats and culminate in a grand final on Sunday June 7. The pre-qualifying rounds are open to all, with registration free for motorsports fans and gamers.

Eleven Sports said that the winner of each heat will receive a complimentary pass to its service for six months. The overall race winner will be awarded a “Paddock Legends” jacket and an annual pass to Eleven Sports.

Eleven Sports Portugal will broadcast the six heats and final live on the Eleven Sports 3 channel.

The race follows on from Eleven Sports Portugal’s Virtual Race of Portugal event last month, which put professional drivers up against motorsports fans.

Across the Eleven group, its esports package also includes the Digital Swiss 5 elite cycling series this week and a number of NBA2K and FIFA events.

Eleven Sports Portugal’s offering has been made free-to-all until the end of May, giving users access to its archive of content and esports events while they are at home and the lockdown continues.