The structure is simple but competitive: six race days in a three-month period from September to November 2024. On each race day, the participants take part in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 on uniform racetracks and score points based on performance. Divided into two divisions for each title, the competition is held. The 28 drivers from both Division 1 and Division 2 will be racing on iRacing and Assetto Corsa Competizione. When it comes to Gran Turismo 7, it will work a bit differently because there will be two first Divisions and two second Divisions, with 14 drivers each. The points gathered during the season will accumulate in the overall Virtual Championship, with exclusive prizes for the top three drivers across all titles. The prizes offer the winners a stay close to the three pillars of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport: Customer Racing, Formula 1, and Virtual Motorsport, granting an idea of what makes Mercedes-AMG so powerful in racing.
Format
The structure is easily understandable, competitive: six Race Days in three months from September to November 2024. On these identical Circuits, the participants will fight for points in the Mercedes-AMG GT3. The Competition is split into two Divisions for each Title. iRacing and Assetto Corsa Competizione will have 28 drivers in Division 1, which is the top division, and 28 drivers in Division 2. Gran Turismo 7 will have a slightly different twist: it has two first Divisions and two second Divisions, each with 14 drivers. Collected points throughout the season will amount to an overall Virtual Championship, and prizes for the top three drivers will await their winners in all titles. These prizes give access to experiencing the three pillars of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport: Customer Racing, Formula 1, and Virtual Motorsport, making it possible to experience why and how Mercedes-AMG is such a force in motorsports.
How to Secure Your Slot
The first season, which is season zero, is strictly limited to 168 drivers. This is going to make the slots very much in demand. To apply, you must be registered within the AMG Private Lounge and have already joined the Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Virtual Championship group. From there, you'll need to lay down at least one valid hot lap on the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in any of your qualifying attempts between August 14th and August 30th, 2024. The event is open to drivers ages 16 and up; then, of course, how fast your times are will decide your final placing in Division 1. But speed isn't the only way to make it. After the hot lap phase, anyone remaining will go into a raffle to complete Division 2. This way, it would give a chance for all levels of drivers to take part in the championship. If all else fails, the waitlist in each title is their last hope to get into the season.
The first race will be a traditional sim race, while the second introduces gamified challenges such as drive-through penalties or adverse weather conditions, offering extra points and an additional layer of strategy. After three race days, the competition will intensify as the top three drivers in each Division are promoted, while the bottom three face relegation.
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Exclusive Coaching Opportunity
For Mercedes-AMG owners, the championship offers an exclusive perk: a coaching session with professional AMG Esports driver Elias Seppänen. Known for his expertise in virtual racing, Seppänen will provide invaluable tips to help participants maximize their performance. Dates and times for these coaching sessions will be announced in the AMG Private Lounge Virtual Championship Group, so be sure to stay tuned for this exciting opportunity.
Key Points
Inaugural Season ("Season Zero"):
First-ever Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Virtual Championship.
Limited to only 168 drivers across three platforms: iRacing, Assetto Corsa Competizione, and Gran Turismo 7.
Six race days between September and November 2024.
Game Titles: Participants can compete on iRacing, Assetto Corsa Competizione, or Gran Turismo 7.
All participants race in the Mercedes-AMG GT3.
Divisions: iRacing and Assetto Corsa Competizione: 28 drivers in Division 1, 28 drivers in Division 2.
Gran Turismo 7: Two first Divisions and two second Divisions, each with 14 drivers.
Race Day Structure:
Two races per day on the same track: one traditional sim race, one with gamified challenges.
Points awarded for performance, with mid-season promotions and relegations.
Exclusive Prizes:
Top three drivers across all titles win exclusive experiences with Mercedes-AMG in Customer Racing, Formula 1, and Virtual Motorsport.
Coaching for AMG Owners: Mercedes-AMG owners can benefit from a coaching session with professional AMG Esports driver Elias Seppänen.
Hot Lap Qualification:
Set at least one valid hot lap on WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Hot lap window: August 14th to August 30th, 2024.
Division Placement:
Fastest 28 lap times on each title qualify for Division 1.
Remaining participants enter a raffle for Division 2 placement.
Register now, set your hot lap, and get ready for the inaugural Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Virtual Championship.
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