For the first time in its history, the Ferrari Esports Series is opening up to the Asia-Pacific region. So if you are an aspiring sim racer, it’s your time to shine – just open up Assetto Corsa and start by setting a few flying laps.
Organised by Scuderia Ferrari, the six-month virtual tournament will uncover new talents from Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. The winner of the Grand Finals on 12 October 2023 will secure a seat on the Italian constructor’s official esports team for 2024.
Regional qualifiers and finals will take place first before the top three from each territory face off in the Grand Finals. Here is the schedule:
| Stage | Date |
| First Four Hot-Lap stages | 1 May 2023 – 4 June 2023 |
| First Four Qualification Races | 11 June 2023 – 20 July 2023 |
| Second four Hot-Lap stages | 17 July 2023 – 13 August 2023 |
| Second four Qualification Races | 24 August 2023 – 12 September 2023 |
| Regional Finals | 24 September 2023 – 30 September 2023 |
| Grand Finals | 12 October 2023 |
Registration closes on 6 August, before the second round of Hot-Lap stages, so you still have time to improve your speed. Be sure to have a look through the regulations before you give it a go though.
With the release of Netflix’s Drive to Survive – a docuseries following Formula One – the sport has grown exponentially in popularity in recent years.
It is, however, still seen as a “white-man’s sport”. But will this be an opportunity for an Asian to make a name for themselves in the motorsport world? With three of the 20 drivers on the F1 grid being Asian, and also Bianca Bustamante recently earning her maiden win in F1 Academy representing the Philippines, it is clear that talent is not lacking in the region.
Who knows? You might be next to represent the championship-winning team in their esports endeavours.
