Of the four simulators used in the 2026 edition of the Esports Racing League, Gran Turismo 7 is extremely different to the others. It’s where specialists come to the fore, and Ninety Two Esports showed that right from Heat 1, with a front row lockout after Qualifying.
Samuel Moreno and Mateo Estevez reversed their positions in the race, but took a surprise victory, while Live For Speed winners Visceral Esports survived a scare to advance with them. Heat 2 would see some shocks, though.
TC Esports’ two drivers managed to make contact and spin simultaneously at turn one, putting them in the last chance qualifier, as well as Team Nitro, one of last season’s final four. Team Vitality stormed home with a one-two as well, giving them favourite status going into the semi-finals, while in Heat 3, BS+ Competition became the first team to win the race and not make it through.
Jack Balding took a lights-to-flag victory, but teammate Thomas Labouteley never got off the line at the start, putting them in the LCQ as well. Balding would secure another pole position there, and this time Labouteley gave him the necessary support to see them through.
TC Esports also made it, while Team Nitro were only seventh, and out before the Semi-Finals for the second round in succession. Ninety Two Esports continued their dominance with another one-two in Qualifying, and they were quickly able to escape at the front as a battle for fifth early in the race allowed them and TC Esports to cruise into the Final.
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