Aston Martin F1 sign Ben Stokes for F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix

Aston Martin F1 sign Ben Stokes: The English all-rounder has been selected to race against five F1 drivers in F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix.

The outbreak of the novel COVID-19 has brought business across the world to a halt including the sports industry. For an industry which thrives on live events, it was bound to get severely affected in times of “social distancing”.

Talking exclusively about cricket, from the scheduled and imminent international matches to the cash-rich Indian Premier League, all top-level tournaments have been postponed until the situation normalizes at a global level.

While many cricketers have taken refuge under social media platforms, England all-rounder Ben Stokes is all set to enter a new territory.

Stokes, who flew back to England from Sri Lanka where the English were scheduled to play a two-match Test series, will race alongside five current F1 drivers in this weekend’s F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix.

Commenced only two weeks ago as a replacement for the first eight races which were either postponed or canceled as an aftermath of a “pandemic” in coronavirus, Esports Virtual Grand Prix aims to become an apt substitute till the time races don’t start.

Stokes, 28, will race alongside Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Red Bull’s Alex Albon, Williams’ George Russell, McLaren’s Lando Norris and WIlliams’ Nicholas Latifi.

Aston Martin F1 sign Ben Stokes

Having started the Esports circuit over the Bahrain Grand Prix previously, this weekend’s virtual race will take place on the Albert Park Circuit.

“Following the massive success of the F1 Esports Virtual Bahrain Grand Prix, we are thrilled to be able to come back online again this weekend to provide fans with some racing action. A star-studded grid is shaping up with our F1 stars – past, present and future – as well as huge names in sports and entertainment,” ,” Julian Tan, F1’s head of Esports said.

The upcoming race featuring Stokes will take place on April 6 (Monday) at 12:30 AM (IST) and will have a live broadcast on YouTube, Facebook and Twitch.

At the highest level, Stokes was last seen in T20Is during the tour of South Africa where England came back from behind to win the three-match series 2-1.