Formula One eSports Bahrain Grand Prix: Guanyu Zhou wins virtual race for Renault - latest updates

With Formula One drivers currently off the track due to the coronavirus pandemic, virtual racing has taken over and we have arrived at eSports Bahrain Grand Prix.

The 2020 season is yet to get underway after the coronavirus pandemic caused the first six rounds to be postponed.

Indeed, the decision only came hours before the Australian Grand Prix with both McLaren and Mercedes pulling out of the race before organisers postponed the entire event.

That led drivers to hone their skills in the virtual world with Lando Norris joining a number of F1 eSports pros on the grid for 'not Bahrain Grand Prix'.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and golfer Ian Poulte rwere involved, while former driver Johnny Herbert returned the virtual track.

But a big drive from the F2 driver Guanyu Zhou, who is employed as Renault's test driver, saw him steal the show - and he'll be one to watch in future races.

Poulter certainly fared better than expected while Herbert can claim he's led an eSports race after a frantic first lap.

Despite a few technical glitches and more than a fair share of crashes which would result in disqualification, on that evidence the Virtual Grand Prix is a fine substitute for the real thing.

Relive the action in our LIVE text commentary...

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