The very first official race of the 2022 Gran Turismo World Series, Round 1 of the Manufacturers Cup, will broadcast today at 1300 UTC.
It’s the first chance to see Gran Turismo 7 in action as a base for top level esports, with the best drivers from the 2021 World Final fighting it out over a race at the new Watkins Glen circuit.
With one exception, the grid is made up of the 12 brands which raced in December 2021’s World Final, and the highest-rated driver representing them at the event returning. That exception is new brand and series sponsor Genesis, replacing sibling marque Hyundai which finished 12th last year.
Despite the field being relatively familiar with one another, there’s a whole load of new variables at play which makes the event far from a foregone conclusion.
Players have only had a few months to get used to the new physics of Gran Turismo 7, and even less time to learn the new Watkins Glen circuit. Some have had less presence in the game, while others topped the rankings for online Series 1.
Nonetheless, it’s a pretty stacked field that includes two double-champions, with Igor Fraga returning from the victorious 2021 Toyota team, and Takuma Miyazono looking to return to his all-conquering 2020 form.
Of course viewers will have an extra incentive to cheer on the drivers this year courtesy of the Bonus Campaign. If you correctly select the winning driver, via an in-game menu, you will win 500,000cr for your GT7 wallet.
The race itself will be a 14-lap run around Watkins Glen using each brand’s respective Gr.3 car. Racing Hard tires are the only option, but there’s a mandatory pit stop — and the 4x fuel consumption may well be a factor.
Whoever wins the race will score three World Series points for their manufacturer, with two points to second place and one to third. These points will accumulate across the season and through to the World Final in November. Whichever brand scores the most points throughout the season will be crowned Manufacturers Cup champions.
Today’s stream will start at 1300 UTC and you’ll be able to watch it in full below:
Alternate Language Streams
Competitors
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