The Global Series exploded into life during Round 1 of the 2024 MotoGP™ eSport Championship with three pulsating outings throwing up a host of drama and exciting racing.
No one could lay a glove on Ducati Lenovo eSport Team’s danielealoè26, who dominated the first Tissot Sprint of the year, before taking hard-earned victories in both Race 1 and 2 to establish early control of the championship.
But there was plenty to pick apart in the aftermath as reigning MotoGP™ eSport Champion Jack Hammer4658 (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and former Champ Trast73 (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) enjoyed strong performances, and showed they’ll very much be in the mix this year.
The highly-anticipated season opener will be one of two virtual events this year, before the finale will be live and in person at Milan Games Week from November 22nd to 24th, where the the stunning Italian city will be the scene of the crowning of this year’s MotoGP™ eSport Champion!
Just like 2023, gamers will compete in a Sprint race, as well as two longer-length races in each round.
And Round 1’s three circuits are sure to offer up some spicy racing! The Pertamina Mandalika Circuit in Indonesia hosts the Sprint before Japan’s Mobility Resort Motegi is the scene of Race 1 and Australia’s legendary venue Phillip Island the scene of Race 2. Presenters Connor Doherty and Liam Hodgins hosted the first hour-long show of the year
In the opening encounter of the year, danielealoè26 led the Tissot Sprint from the exit of the first corner with the Repsol Honda Team’s adriaan_26 doing a fine job to give chase behind.
The big duel was for third, however, with Jack Hammer4658 just edging Trast73 for the final podium spot, while davideturrisi06 (Aprilia Racing eSport Team) was just behind in fifth.
Race 1 followed a similar pattern, as danielealoè26 led from the front with Jack Hammer4658 stalking his every move, while adriaan_26 suffered an early crash. Despite the lead never growing beyond 1.1s, danielealoè26 took a deserved win ahead of the KTM star. Trast73 was a fine third, with newcomer Flavio Baldacci (Pramac Racing) made a scintillating debut in fourth.
Race 2 at Phillip Island was another encounter laced with drama. For the third time in succession danielealoè26 made the break. His job at the front was made easier when Jack Hammer4658 crashed out early on trying to take second place from PieroRicciuti55 (LCR Honda CASTROL eSports Team). From there, adriaan_26 gave chase in second, but Jack Hammer4658 was on inspired form, cutting through the pack to climb from eighth to second by the final lap.
As a result of this early action danielealoè26 (62 points) takes an early advantage into Round 2, with Jack Hammer4658 (47 points) close behind. It’s not just between them, however; Trast73 (33 points) and adriaan_26 (32 points) are still in the mix.
Check the full standings here.
And there isn’t long to wait until the next bow! We’ll be back for Round 2 on 7th November!
