After months of practice and Online Challenges, the time has arrived for the definitive stage of the MotoGP™ eSport Championship: The Global Series.
Competing on-site at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello during the Italian Grand Prix, the 12 finalists will take on two races sure to test the finalists’ full range of skills. Race two will be held on the Mugello circuit in dry conditions, putting speed and cornering ability to the ultimate test!
If a rider can be quick around Mugello, they can be quick just about anywhere. The layout is technical and challenging. And its fast, flowing nature leads it to routinely serve up some memorable racing.
As well as boasting one of the longest start-finish straights on the entire calendar, the track is a series of high-speed chicanes. When the undulations are taken into account, it provides a truly unique challenge that tests gamers skills and bravery in equal measure.
It all starts with that enthralling uphill plunge. As gamers cross the line they are already in sixth gear. Approaching the end of the 1.14k m straight they are posting the fastest speeds of any circuit in the world (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Brad Binder was recorded at 362kph here during 2021's Italian Grand Prix, equalling MotoGP™’s all-time top speed record).
When approaching from such high speed, braking for San Donato (turn one) gains added importance. Gamers should ensure their machines are pointing straight when going over the left kink after the exit of pit lane. Moving to the left of the track before turn one is crucial to ensure you scrub off enough speed to make the apex.
It’s a short way to Luco (Turn 2). Riding uphill, only a minimum amount of braking is required but finding the right line through Poggio Secco (Turn 3) – usually a late apex – can set up an overtaking opportunity for Materassi (Turn 4). The turn four-five left-right requires precise braking and a smooth turning transition to make sure the gamer approaches Casanova Savelli (Turns 6 and 7) with sufficient speed.
Valentino Rossi rates this stretch of tarmac as his very favourite in the world. One reason for that is the challenge it throws up. Approach it in fourth gear, drop down two and then gradually accelerate on the exit of Savelli. The Arrabbiata corners (Turns 8 and 9) are next up, which don’t require much heavy braking. Rather maintaining speed and gentle acceleration is critical.
Gamers approach Scarperia (Turn 10) in fifth gear but its downhill nature requires a change back to second gear. After accelerating out of Palagio (Turn 11), the long Correntaio (Turn 12) hairpin requires smooth braking and patience before getting back on the gas. The players should still be accelerating as they enter the Biondetti chicane (Turns 13 and 14).
A quick gear change to fourth before switching from left to right should ensure the bike is well placed before the run to Bucine (Turn 15), the final corner that should be taken in second gear. Again, a smooth exit is crucial to build speed onto the start-finish straight.
Fans can watch on selected TV broadcasters, motogp.com, esport.motogp.com, and across a wide range of social media platforms including YouTube (via the MotoGP™ and MotoGP™ eSport channels), Twitter, Instagram, Facebook (via MotoGP™ and MotoGP™ eSport pages) and Twitch via MotoGP™ and MotoGP™ eSport.
Who will make their early mark at the first round of five? Be sure to tune in on Friday the 27th of May at 19:00 (GMT +2) as the definitive stage of the 2022 MotoGP™ eSport Championship gets underway!