F1 Esports China Championship returns for 2021

The F1 Esports China Championship is back! The first and only region-specific chapter of the F1 Esports Series has returned for an enthralling third season, blooming into life with an extravagant event at the Shanghai Automobile Exhibition Center, Jiading District, Shanghai.

The event brought together all 10 teams in competition in the 2021 Pro League, getting the competitors up to speed for the 2021 season. With signings, live performances, presentations and more, the two-day event showcased the very best digital racing talent, and led straight into the first two rounds of competition on May 2: Shanghai and Bahrain.

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Round 1

Familiar faces were in fine form on Sunday, with 2019 champion Tang Tianyu once again coming out on top, winning not only the opening round of the season, but a highly-coveted MVP award too. Reigning champion Yuan Yifan took second, showing that the two existing champions have lost none of their speed, and continue to set the standard in the championship.

Tang’s team, Boosters’ Triumph, also scooped the top team trophy in the first round, leading the championship after the first two races. However, there are still plenty of opportunities for the other nine teams to catch up.

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In addition to the 24-race calendar (reflecting the 2021 F1 calendar plus China, and with the original Canadian Grand Prix race included) a six-week transfer window will be available to teams halfway through the season.

Beginning on July 12 and ending on August 21, the window will allow teams to update their rosters as they focus on attacking the second half of the season, building towards the live final in November.

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Pro-Am format

The 2021 season is split into both Amateur and Pro classifications. The Amateur events will consist of four regional events in the North, East, South and West of China, with qualifying and regional finals for each geolocation. After that, the very best of the best will battle it out at the Amateur Grand Final, which will run alongside the Pro League Grand Final.

The route to the Pro Final is slightly different, with 10 teams fighting over the above 12 rounds, consisting of two races each. All 12 rounds will be broadcast on TV, with the Pro League Grand Final providing the final and most lucrative platform to showcase driving talent.

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Pro exhibition

It’s not only the pride of China on the line. The very best racers in the Pro League Championship will progress to the F1 Esports Series Pro Exhibition in 2022, where they will be available for selection by the 10 official F1 Esports teams.

In both 2020 and 2021, this was the fate of both Tang Tianyu and Yuan Yifan, who were the top two drivers in both previous year’s competitions. Both will feature in this year’s F1 Esports Series Pro Exhibition, where once again they’ll be available for selection by the 10 official teams. Tune in on May 27 to see how they fare.

Visit the official F1 Esports site for more information.