Coronavirus: Supercars ace Scott McLaughlin's virtual simulator good to go for ESeries

Motorsport's turning to the virtual world to get their drivers back on the track.

Formula One, Indy Car and Supercars are all suspended indefinitely, due to coronavirus concerns, but their superstars can still get behind the wheel in the form of a video-game simulator. 

For petrolheads desperate to hear engines revving again, this is the answer.

The Supercars Eseries is planning 10 rounds, with drivers racing from the comfort of their own homes.

Kiwi Supercars star Scott McLaughlin has told Newshub his iRacing simulator is all ready to go. 

"I've always found it a good tool for me to keep sharp, but now in these times, I think we're one of the only sports in the world that can actually still provide some sort of entertainment to our fans," McLaughlin said.  

And even without the wheels, the equipment doesn't come cheap.

"It's about a NZ$20-25,000 machine behind me, with all the gear. It's pretty impressive."

Rival driver Shane Van Gisbergen is on the record saying he'll "get smoked", but McLaughlin's not buying it.

"He's [Van Gisbergen] lying," McLaughlin said. "He's an absolute alien on the sim, that bloke. 

"We are all pretty close." 

And while nothing beats the real thing, McLaughlin hopes the fans get something out of it.

"It's still a little bit different, but it's the best-case scenario in a time like this. 

"Hopefully, we can make it work and put on some fun entertainment for everyone out there."

Formula One is the first series to hit the grid, launching their Esports Virtual Grand Prix on Monday.