Michelin to offer 'virtual' Le Mans 24 experience

ERJ staff report (TB)

Le Mans, France -- Gearheads who follow international sports car racing will be able to participate in this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race via an online strategy game being launched by Michelin Motorsports and the race's organiser.

Michelin and Automobile Club de l'Ouest have created the game, which will take place online during the running of the actual 24-race 12-13 June. The winner of virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans will be invited to attend the real event in 2011 alongside Michelin teams.

The multi-player game invites fans to take part as team managers, who will choose their drivers, configure their car (open or closed prototype, color, number) and develop their strategy (aerodynamic features, choice of tires, number of stints and pit stops, etc.), Michelin said.

Players will use data--such as tyre performance, race strategy and lap times--recorded at last year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, but the game will introduce race parameters from the 2010 race, such as drivers, tyres, interventions of the safety car, etc., and weather conditions at the Circuit de la Sarthe, provided in real time by France's National Weather Service.

Several classifications will be compiled, Michelin said, including the overall ranking and the Michelin Green X Challenge, which rewards the car with the greatest fuel-efficiency compared with its average speed.

Michelin and Club de l'Ouest contracted with ManyPlayers--creator of VirtualRegatta and VirtualRally--to develop the game based on real data.

The game is available in French and English, free of charge and doesn't require any downloads, Michelin said. It will go online 5 June so players can become familiar with the interface and take part in the qualifying rounds.

The start of the virtual race will take place at the same time and under the same weather conditions as the real race. It will also be possible to experience the race for the six days following the event.

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Tire Business a Crain publication