Two familiar faces on the racing scene are thrilled to join the country’s first homegrown eSports program, the Phoenix Pulse Formula V1 Virtual Cup 2020.
Celebrity drivers Phoemela Baranda and Rhian Ramos are looking forward to the thrill and the excitement of racing in the virtual arena.
Joining the Phoenix Pulse team, Phoemela Baranda, and Rhian Ramos are among the team members who will be racing at the Phoenix Pulse Formula V1 Virtual Cup 2020.
The online racing event set on October 10 will be a PC-based game run by Assetto Corsa software.
Team Phoenix Pulse’s goal in joining the Formula 1 Virtual Cup is to promote Philippine motorsports in a virtual setting, encouraging everyone to make virtual racing as source of leisure and easing every racing fan’s desire to watch car racing.
“I find it very interesting. I actually have had experience driving a simulator. Seeing the roads emptier now, it makes me miss driving on the racetracks even more. It’s good to have this virtual race to somehow ease my longing for the actual race, in a very controlled, safe way,” said Rhian Ramos.
“It (virtual racing) was a totally different experience for me, because it was my first time to sit on a racing simulator. It is actually really close to the real thing, but of course, we missed the sound, the smell of the burnt rubber, the energy, but we were able to recreate it that feeling,” said Phoemela Baranda.
Both celebrity racers used to race at the Toyota Vios Cup and Formula V1 Endurance Race. With the experiences and lessons gained from the races, Rhian and Phoemela are now ready for the upcoming Phoenix Pulse Formula V1 Virtual Cup 2020. They will be among the drivers in a grid with 20 cars in Amateur Class, and will be joined with other two multi-awarded young drivers Russel Gabriel Cabrera and Joaquin Garrido who will be driving in the PRO Class.
“I’m looking forward to driving and be on the racetrack once again after so long. Virtual racing looks fun and interesting to do during quarantine, and I’m looking forward to meeting other teammates. It’s a nice way to let out your competitive nature and at the same time, it is also very safe,” added Rhian Ramos.
“During this pandemic, we all want to have fun and connect with our friends, with other people. I am looking forward to race with other people. Check it out and register. Yes, there’s no reason not to join. It’ll gonna be super fun, we’re all excited. Hope to see you guys!” Phoemela Baranda concluded.
The Phoenix Pulse Formula V1 Virtual Cup 2020 Series is presented by Tuason Racing, and backed by LG Philippines, Family Mart, PC Express, Top Lift, Seven Garage, Ribbon Arc, Sim Racing PH, and Automobile Association of the Philippines. With media partners C! Magazine, Inquirer Mobility, Autocar Philippines, Wheels Philippines, Time Attack Manila, and AutoDeal.