---
title: "New Tech Allows Race Fans to Compete Against Formula E Drivers in Real-Time"
description: "Welcome to the world of virtual-reality, high-stakes, electric Mario Kart, courtesy of Formula E and Virtually Live."
date: "2018-06-08"
modified: "2018-06-08"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/21401/new-tech-allows-race-fans-to-compete-against-formula-e-drivers-in-real-time"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "App"
  - "FIA"
  - "gaming"
  - "PC Gaming"
  - "racing"
  - "Racing News"
  - "Virtual Reality"
---

# New Tech Allows Race Fans to Compete Against Formula E Drivers in Real-Time

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/06/a_screenshot_of_the_live_ghost_racing_app_showing_formula_e_cars_in_action_-_work_in_progress.png>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Formula E will soon allow fans to compete against their favorite drivers in real-time via their mobile phones, tablets, and computers, thanks to a new online gaming platform that will be the first in all of [motor racing](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/21341/the-mercedes-formula-e-trajectory>).

The FIA and [Formula E](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/21372/formula-e-split-power-modes-and-new-racing-format-for-season-five>) have joined forces with Virtually Live, a leading company in the world of E-Sports and virtual reality gaming platforms, which has developed a groundbreaking ghost racing app format that's similar to what Forza Motorsports and Gran Turismo have been doing for years. However, this app will teletransport (not literally) gamers to wherever a Formula E race is taking place that particular weekend, whether it be the streets of New York City or Monaco.

As this [video](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mACbWZoxlY>) shows, fans will have the ability to watch the action on the track, join in on the action, and even compete during the qualifying and race sessions of the weekend. Gamers will also be able to race after the race is over and relive every twist and turn that already took place.

https://youtube.com/embed/1mACbWZoxlY

The statement released by the racing series didn't mention a [specific debut date](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/21393/formula-e-announces-2018-19-calendar-for-season-five>), but it says that a full virtual-reality variant of the app will be available after the initial rollout. We reached out to Formula E to find out more about the app's timeline, but we didn't get very far.

"There isn’t a specific date set—we’re expecting some time next year e.g. in 2019," said a Formula E spokesperson.

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)