Veloce Esports teams up with top racing drivers to raise money for UNICEF

Veloce Esports continues to keep motorsport fans around the world on the edge of their seats, with the announcement of another fascinating line-up of competitors for its next #NotTheGP Versus event tomorrow (Saturday, 18 April). This F1-sanctioned contest will incorporate an innovative and compelling single-lap, head-to-head knockout format, while encouraging viewers to donate to children’s charity UNICEF in the ongoing fight against COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Veloce has been a leading light in the esports explosion during the current ‘lockdown’ period, being the first organisation to put on a virtual event when it became clear that Formula 1 and other international motorsport series would be postponed.

The London-based company launched the #NotTheGP series to coincide with the original date of the Australian Grand Prix last month, and the engagement from fans and the motorsport community as a whole has been extraordinary. Similarly, top drivers frustrated by the lull in live action and keen to keep their skills sharp have flocked to take part.

Tomorrow’s event is great testament to that success, having attracted no fewer than five current F1 drivers – Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Alexander Albon and Nicholas Latifi – two-time FIA Formula E Champion Jean-Éric Vergne and Jamie Chadwick, winner of the inaugural W Series last year. They will join other high-profile racers and professional gamers in an exciting, 16-driver elimination event.

All of the action can be followed live via the Veloce Esports YouTube channel, with the racing set to start at 21:00 GMT. Keep up-to-date with all key timings via Veloce Esports’ various social media platforms.

Rupert Svendsen-Cook, Co-Founder and CEO, Veloce Esports, said:

“We are delighted to have attracted such a strong line-up of drivers and to be raising money for such a great cause. We are proud to be supporting UNICEF UK’s work for children affected by Coronavirus in an exciting and engaging way, pitting top racing stars head-to-head in a really unique event and bringing exciting motorsport into the homes of the world during this ‘lockdown’ period.”

Jean-Éric Vergne, Co-Founder and Ambassador, Veloce Esports, said:

“The discipline of esports has really come into its own in recent weeks. We have witnessed a general growth in its popularity over the last few years, and a lot of us drivers enjoy taking part in-between our real racing. This unprecedented ‘lockdown’ and the event postponements have really brought esports to the forefront and kept motor racing alive for fans. We are all delighted to be able to continue competing while raising funds for such a deserving charity as UNICEF.”