Ferrari has today announced the return of the Ferrari Esports Series, this time extending an invite for those in Australia and New Zealand to participate for the first time in the Asia Pacific heats, with the potential of facing off against competitors in North America and Europe. The six-month tournament invites participants from Europe, North America, and the Asia Pacific regions to compete for a chance to be crowned the 2023 Ferrari Esports Series Champion. The grand finale will take place on October 12, 2023, and the winner will secure a place on the Scuderia Ferrari Esports Team.
Registration for the series is now open, and will make use of Assetto Corsa and Assetto Corsa Competizione racing simulators. The first race will commence on the SPA circuit set from 1 May 2023. The racing schedule includes three qualifier events, followed by regional competitions in Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe. The Grand Final Pre-Show will be held on October 11th, leading up to the main event on October 12th. A full breakdown of events can be found below:
| Round | Date |
|---|---|
| Qualifier 1 | Thursday 20 July 2023 |
| Qualifier 2 | Thursday 24 August 2023 |
| Qualifier 3 | Tuesday 12 September 2023 |
| APAC Regional | Saturday 23 September 2023 |
| NA Regional | Sunday 24 September 2023 |
| EU Regional | Saturday 30 September 2023 |
| Grand Final Pre-Show | Wednesday 11 October 2023 |
| Grand Final | Thursday 12 October 2023 |
Annabel Rochfort, Ferrari’s Director of Location Based Entertainment and Esports, expressed excitement about welcoming the Asia-Pacific region to the series, anticipating exceptional sim racing talent from countries like Australia and Japan.
We are thrilled to welcome the Asia-Pacific region to the 2023 Ferrari Esports Series. With countries like Australia and Japan known for producing exceptional sim racing talent, we are excited to see the level of competition that this region will bring to the table. Our commitment to providing a competitive and entertaining platform for sim-racing remains unwavering as we grow our esports footprint.
Annabel Rochfort – Director of Location Based Entertainment and Esports for Ferrari
2022 Ferrari Esports Champion, Jonathan Riley, described the competition as “six intense months of high-speed racing against the world’s best amateur sim racers”.
The Ferrari Esports Series is not like any other sim racing competition. It’s six intense months of high-speed racing against the world’s best amateur sim racers, all with one common goal in mind. It’s a chance to sit among the best sim drivers and compete for the greatest motorsport brand in the world.
Jonathan Riley – 2022 Ferrari Esports Champion
The 2023 Ferrari Esports Series will also feature a new season of video content, hosted by Julia Hardy and Mike Channell. Content includes “Ferrari 101,” a five-episode series offering advice and tips for aspiring sim racers, and “Off The Grid,” a three-part documentary series following last year’s winner, Jonathan Riley, to showcase the emotional and personal experiences of a leading sim racer.
For those interested in participating, registrations are now open HERE, with more information available via the event’s official website.
