Priaulxs' virtual Le Mans bid scuppered by broadband problems

Guernsey racing drivers Andy and Seb Priaulx were beset by internet issues as they battled some of the biggest names in world motorsport in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual.

Joining the race from their home simulator in Torteval, the father and son duo finished in 23rd after dropping off the server several times.

Seb, who was nestled behind former Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso on the grid, had been running in the top 15 having taken the opening stint for team Multimatic Zansho.

"It was a shame about our broadband connection, that actually lost us the race unfortunately", he told ITV News.

"We would have maybe been a top-10 finisher - I don't think we had the pace to win, just because these sim drivers are so quick."

One of the biggest virtual races ever, it featured 50 crews of four drivers dialling in from more than 30 countries worldwide.

The real 24 Hours of Le Mans had been due to take place over the weekend but was postponed to September because of the coronavirus pandemic.

This weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans virtual has been described as the biggest e-motorsport event ever. Credit: Zansho Simsport

Andy and Seb were joined by two other drivers for the virtual endurance event, which stood in for the one of the most legendary dates in motorsport's real-world calender.

"It was an honour to be able to do the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual - that's one of my dreams to race in real life", Seb Priaulx said.

"To be behind Formula One drivers Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen right there - it was a weird humbling feeling. All my hairs went up on the green flag lap going down the Mulsanne Straight".

"It was one of those feelings I've not really had before - actually in real life to be honest, it was so nerve-wracking, I've never had so much pressure before", he said.

The 19-year-old has been competing in virtual racing events since the pandemic disrupted his plans with team Multimatic.

His father Andy has also been making use of the simulator in recent months, winning in Monaco in the online Legends Trophy series.

The three-time World Touring Car champion has announced he is stepping back from full-time racing in the real world, however, to focus on supporting Seb's career and his off-track work.

  • WATCH: Highlights from the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual...