Heimgartner to join virtual F1 grid

02 Apr 2020

Kelly Racing driver to make F1 Eseries cameo for Renault

2 mins by James Pavey

2020

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Kelly Racing driver Andre Heimgartner is counting down the days until his dream opportunity to line up on a Formula 1 grid alongside global motorsport stars.

Even if it’s in a virtual capacity, Heimgartner has been handpicked to make a cameo appearance in the Formula 1 Eseries Grand Prix at Albert Park, Melbourne, this weekend.

The 24-year-old Kiwi, who has experience in online racing, will drive for the Renault DP World F1 Team.

His inclusion was proposed by Supercars' official fuel supplier and Kelly Racing partner, BP, who alongside Castrol are a partner of the Renault DP World F1 Team.

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Heimgartner will take on current F1 drivers including Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Red Bull's Alex Albon, McLaren protégé Lando Norris and Williams duo George Russell and Nicholas Latifi.

“I think it’s every young driver’s dream to race in Formula 1 and to get to do it online against some of the best in the world will be something I’ll never forget,” Heimgartner said.

A day in the life of Andre Heimgartner

“I’ve got a bit of Eracing experience which I think will help, but it will be interesting to see how different it is compared to Supercars.

“I’m grateful to BP-Castrol for putting my name forward and hopefully I do Supercars and everyone at Kelly Racing proud; I’m looking forward to it.”

A host of international celebrities took part in the opening race of the F1 Eseries last month, from One Direction band member Liam Payne to veteran German racer Nico Hulkenberg.

The virtual race replaces what would’ve been the inaugural Vietnam Grand Prix around the streets of Hanoi, which is now on hold due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

With the Vietnam circuit not yet in the F1 game, the race will take place on the Australian circuit, but will be officially named the Virtual Vietnam Grand Prix.

The race will begin at 6am AEST Monday (April 6) and will be broadcast live in Australia on Fox Sports and Kayo, as well as on Sky Sports in New Zealand.