F1 Virtual Grand Prix: England cricketers Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad complete driver line-up at Interlagos

Greg Coleman/Red Bull
Joe Krishnan30 April 2020

The Formula 1 Virtual Grand Prix returns for its next instalment on Sunday with an array of sport stars set to take their place on the grid.

Charles Leclerc will be hoping to make it a hat-trick of race victories after triumphing on his esports debut in the Albert Park race and the Virtual Chinese Grand Prix a week ago.

The Monegasque driver, 22, will be joined by his fellow F1 colleagues Alexander Albon, Antonio Giovinazzi, George Russell and Nicholas Latifi, who line up for their respective teams.

After seeing Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois make his first appearance for Red Bull last weekend, the team have turned to cricket to fill the vacant driver's seat for the fourth race of the campaign.

England cricketers Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes have been recruited by AlphaTauri and Red Bull respectively for the race, which will take place at the virtual representation of the Autódromo José Carlos Pace circuit at Interlagos in Sao Paulo, Brazil after a fan vote.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has won both races he has entered  Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

AC Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli and Norwegian rally champion Petter Solberg will also be included among the virtual paddock for the Interlagos race.

“The last race was a great experience to understand what F1 racing is really about and I really enjoyed it," Stokes said.

“This time around I have been doing a few more Grand Prix around the track, sticking to the regulations to get used to what it’s going to be like come race day. I’m not saying I’m going to be any closer to the other drivers but I have practised a lot better and hopefully given myself a better chance.”

England cricketer Stuart Broad will make his debut for the AlphaTauri team  Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

For those unfamiliar with the Virtual Grand Prix structure, there will be an exhibition race that precedes the main event, which includes an 18-minute qualifying period before the 28-lap race.

The event has proved to be hugely popular so far, with more than 16 million people tuning in for the three races, according to F1's combined television figures.

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