The FIA Formula E championship has announced that it will showcase virtual reality (VR) technology over the Long Beach ePrix weekend following a successful series of trials.
In partnership with San Francisco-based Virtually Live, Formula E is pushing to enhance the experience for viewers of the series and offer unique features to fans.
“Virtually Live is a revolutionary, immersive virtual reality technology for experiencing live events in real time, providing fans who can’t attend in person with a new way to experience events as if they were physically present,” a statement from Formula E read.
“During the course of the Long Beach ePrix [April 2], Formula E and Virtually Live will be showcasing their virtual reality experience through a series of events including a fans’ forum.
“Following the trial at Long Beach, fans will be able to download the experience in the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive App stores.”
Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag was pleased to announce the partnership, believing that it will give fans unable to make it to a race the feeling of being part of the weekend.
“As an innovative championship, we’re excited to partner with Virtually Live,” Agag said.
“Virtual reality is one of the most exciting new ways to broadcast live sports and improve fans’ viewing experiences.
‘Now, we can give fans that cannot attend a race in person the opportunity of feeling like they are actually immersed in the Formula E experience from any perspective.”
Formula E will announce further information about harnessing VR later in the season.