“Whether it be digital or real-life motorsport, racing is in our DNA,” says Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “The world’s best sim racers are still competing in the ESL R1, so we’re going back this season, too. As always, we’re not pursuing motorsport as an end in itself: Esports reach a young, digital audience. Simulations are also becoming increasingly important in the real world, be that in race preparation or the development of both our racing and road vehicles.”
The ESL R1 brand debuted in 2023 as the new big stage in sim racing. Alongside other manufacturers and professional esports teams, Porsche was part of the line-up. The Porsche Coanda Esports Racing Team, based in Gronau, Germany, took the team title and victory in the fall series. At the end of November, Australian Joshua Rogers won the final in front of spectators in Jönköping, Sweden. The new ESL R1 season begins on 17 May and ends in August as part of the new Esports World Cup.
The drivers
The Porsche Coanda Esports Team is reinforced by two new additions: Charlie Collins succeeds Mack Bakkum, while Elvis Rankin joins as a reserve driver.
Mitchell deJong (USA)
Dayne Warren (Australia)
Joshua Rogers (Australia)
Charlie Collins (Great Britain)
Elvis Rankin (USA; reserve driver)
The schedule
ESL R1 also combines online events with an on-site finale. The season culminates in the first-ever Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Team Championship (online)
17 May (Daytona International Speedway)
24 May (Orchard Road)
7 June (Autodromo Nazionale Monza)
Driver Championship (online)
21 June (Hockenheimring)
28 June (Road Atlanta)
5 July (Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps)
Finale as a part of the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia
22 August (Driver Championship)
23 to 25 August (Team Championship)
Live broadcast
Fans and other interested parties can follow the ESL R1 races live on Porsche’s official Twitch channel.
Impressions ahead of the season opener
Nina Braack (Esports Manager Porsche Motorsport): “We’re hoping that our second year in the ESL R1 will be at least as successful as the first – and not just in sporting terms. The organiser has only made a few changes over the winter – which is a good prerequisite for the series to establish itself as a premier class. We’ll also be competing in the first Esports World Cup at the finale in August, which will further enhance the competition. We recently welcomed our two new drivers, Charlie and Elvis, to the team. That’s brought a breath of fresh air to our operations headquarters in Gronau.”
Joshua Rogers (Porsche works driver): “I’m glad that things are finally getting underway again after the long off-season. We’re all highly motivated and of course, I want to follow up my drivers’ championship in the autumn with another title win, especially at the Esports World Cup. As a team and for the Porsche brand, however, our sights are set on the team title. I’m ready to tackle the spring season – we’re more than well prepared.”
ESL R1 – das Wichtigste in Kürze
ESL R1 – Brief overview
• The unofficial sim racing premier class is contested on the “Rennsport” platform.
• The cars fielded are based on GT3 regulations, including the 911 GT3 R.
• Like in real-life racing, the Balance of Performance (BoP) ensures a level playing field.
• 12 teams consisting of 4 drivers each compete in a team and driver championship.
• The drivers qualify for the final live event through the online events.
• 500,000 US dollars in prize money up for grabs in ESL R1 and Esports World Cup.
• The Porsche Motorsport Hub offers more information about the series.
