Ferrari has announced that its eponymous esports series will return in 2022, and will use Kunos Simulazioni’s Assetto Corsa Competizione simulator in the competition for the first time.
2021 saw Kamil Pawlowski take overall honours in the Ferrari Esports Series, fending off competition from the likes of Isaac Price, Leonardo D’Alcamo and Danilo Santoro, to become a full-fledged member of Ferrari’s esports team.
Not only did Pawlowski travel to Maranello to receive his 2021 Ferrari Esports Series trophy, but it was also presented to him by current Scuderia Ferrari F1 drivers Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc.
The ceremony came as part of the Ferrari esports team’s 2022 rebranding as Scuderia Ferrari Velas Esports Team, thanks to sponsorship from cryptocurrency firm Velas.
The esports series, renamed Ferrari Velas Esports Series 2022, is holding a launch event on 22nd March on Ferrari Esports’ Twitch channel (2100 CET/2000 GMT) where more details on the format and prizes are likely to be announced.
What we do know however, is that the competition will use Kunos’ Assetto Corsa (AC) and Assetto Corsa Competizione, (ACC) simulations. Car choices are expected to mimic last season’s Ferrari race and roadcar options, showcasing Italian circuits and select Grand Prix layouts.
A spokesperson from Ferrari Esports stated: “Once again, the new season will contain many new and exciting features, not least of which is confirmation the Ferrari Velas Esports Series will utilize the incredible Assetto Corsa Competizione platform for the very first time, alongside the highly respected Assetto Corsa simulation that has featured throughout the history of the competition.”
The ‘special content’ hinted at will almost certainly be the Ferrari 488 Challenge car teased by Kunos late last year, set to replace the Assetto Corsa version used in last season’s competition.
Previous seasons have seen a hotlap qualifying system open to anyone with a copy of AC, and we expect this format to continue in 2022. We may well also see an announcement about ACC’s Ferrari Challenge content at the championship launch event on the 22nd March.
Are you looking forward to the 2022 Ferrari Velas Esports Series? Let us know in the comments below.
