England cricketer Ben Stokes says he would participate in another Virtual Grand Prix “in a heartbeat” despite classifying last in Sunday’s event.
Formula 1 has arranged virtual grands prix – using the official F1 2019 video game – to replace events that have been postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On Sunday participants used Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit for a half-distance race, with six of the current drivers joining the event, which was won by debutant Charles Leclerc.
Stokes, instrumental in England’s Cricket World Cup victory last July, is sponsored by Red Bull and linked up with its Esports team for Sunday’s event.
Stokes battled with former F1 race winner Johnny Herbert before ultimately finishing a lapped 18th.
“Well as much fun as that was I’m a bit gutted I came last,” he said. “It’s the sportsman in me I guess!
“I felt I started off pretty well but that spin out early on will haunt me forever.
“My plan for the tyres was to start with a Medium compound, then finish on Soft, but that didn’t happen.
“Instead I started on Softs had to change to Mediums, then went back to Softs – so basically the whole the plan went out the window.
“Alex [Albon] tried his hardest to give me the best chance possible by giving me tips but he’s not a miracle worker!
“That being said, rest of the drivers obviously have been doing this for a long time so I’m pretty proud of my effort from only a week’s worth of practice. I would do it again in a heartbeat, I absolutely loved it.”
Formula 1’s next virtual event is due to take place on April 19, in lieu of the Chinese Grand Prix.
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