![](https://automart.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/M24_3464_fine.jpg)
Charlie Collins, another Coanda driver from Australia, also made it to the top twelve, competing with Faze Clan drivers Enzo Bonito and Michal Smidl in the virtual Porsche 911 GT3 R.
The initial three rounds of the ESL R1 series focused on the team championship on the “Rennsport” sim racing platform, where Porsche Coanda Esports Racing claimed third place. The drivers’ championship began on the Grand Prix circuit in Hockenheim, with Rogers securing the second position after the first race day.
During the quarter-final races, three out of four Porsche Coanda Esports Racing drivers advanced, with Dayne Warren being the only one unable to progress due to an internet connection issue. Despite the setback, four 911 GT3 R cars competed in the semi-finals.
- Advertisement -
Leading from the start, Rogers secured pole position and emerged victorious in the final race, marking his 32nd win in the ESL R1 series. Collins finished ninth, while Bonito and Smidl from Faze Clan achieved fourth and eleventh place respectively, the best result for their team.
![Porsche 911 GT3 R, Esports ESL R1, Hockenheim, Porsche Coanda Esports Racing Team, 2024, Porsche AG](https://automart.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/M24_3464_fine.jpg)
Insights Post-Race
Nina Braack (D, Esports Manager Porsche Motorsport): “The first race day of the ESL R1 drivers’ championship ended with a big smile and one with a frown. Joshua put in a mega performance and scored a heap of points with his victory in the final. Charlie also made it into the final. We’re upset for Dayne. He was leading his heat by almost a second when he was forced to retire due to his internet connection dropping out – I suppose that’s the equivalent of engine failure in sim racing.”
Jörn Jens (D, Performance Coach Porsche Coanda Esports Racing): “We could’ve made it into the final with all four drivers today, Dayne Warren was actually the fastest of the lot. He was very unlucky with his retirement.”
Joshua Rogers (AUS, Porsche Coanda Esports Racing): “Of course, I’m thrilled with the victory in the final. I hadn’t expected it at all, but I managed to put together a good qualifying lap today and clinch pole position. After the race started, things got tricky because I had to defend the lead fiercely at times. Things are looking pretty good in the championship now, but we still have two more events to come.”
Charlie Collins (GB, Porsche Coanda Esports Racing): “If someone had told me the result before the race, I would’ve been delighted. But now that I’ve seen what was within reach, I’m less happy. In the qualifying sessions, I consistently lost time in the first sector. Things went better in the races. More could’ve been possible in the final.”
- Advertisement -
Hockenheim (D), Result of the final
1. Joshua Rogers, Porsche 911 GT3 R (AUS, Porsche Coanda Esports Racing)
2. Kevin Ellis jr. Mercedes-AMG GT3 (UK, Apex Racing)
3. Sebastian Job, BMW M4 GT3 (UK, Team Redline)
9. Charlie Collins, Porsche 911 GT3 R (GB, Porsche Coanda Esports Racing)
Drivers’ standings after one of three races
1. Kevin Siggy (SLO, Team Redline), 60 points
2. Joshua Rogers (AUS, Porsche Coanda Esports Racing), 56 points
3. Enzo Bonito (I, Faze Clan), 56 points
9. Charlie Collins (UK, Porsche Coanda Esports Racing), 38 points
17. Mitchell deJong (USA, Porsche Coanda Esports Racing), 19 points
Complete results and standings.
- Advertisement -
ESL R1 – Brief overview
• The unofficial sim racing premier class is contended on the “Rennsport” platform.
• The cars fielded are based on GT3 regulations, including the 911 GT3 R.
• Like in real racing, the Balance of Performance (BoP) ensures a level playing field.
• 12 teams consisting of 4 drivers each compete in a team and driver championship.
• The drivers qualify for the final live event through the online events.
• 500,000 US dollars in prize money up for grabs in ESL R1 and Esports World Cup.
• The Porsche Motorsport Hub offers more information about the series.