When I started overcoming the SIM race, I had no idea how deep the rabbit hole. It has begun innocent enough: curiosity for the virtual race, the increasing appreciation of the rising world of electronic sports, and like many of you read this – the temptation of building my SIM device. Fanatec Gear soon entered the picture, and a long time ago, I found myself completely immersed in this digital car world. But to understand what this world makes a sign – and how it calls BMW M Motorsport – I decided to do something different. I fill a bag, picked up the new BMW M5 (G90), and directed its nose towards the Austrian Alps.
This was not an ordinary wild trip. BMW M Motorsport has invited a selection of internationally famous SIM contestants and distinguished guests in a three -day camp in EBBS, Austria. the goal? To prepare physically, mentally and emotionally to reach the next 2025 Electronic World Cup In Riyadh. But moreover, it was a way to separate the screens, and to reconnect to nature-and with each other-to the spirit of the real world team to the digital circuit.
Disk drive to separate the connection
The journey started in Munich naturally. The keys to the new G90 BMW M5 have been handed over-717 hp brutal hybrids in gray, frozen depth, which is ideal for sculpture through the Alpine Passes. The drive was the warm -up process that stems from the soul, as it climbed to the Terolian border, where the screens and air fade out different. Once in EBBS, the digital world stopped. From there, everything continued on foot: We led an hour to the mountains to our headquarters-Bergkov Kaiserter-Lodge the remote Alps and our base for the next three days.
It didn’t take a long time until things became serious. After stability, the group was mainly welcomed about mental strength, followed by the movement and expansion sessions to prepare for the upcoming adventure. The message was clear: This will not be a healthy haven. He would have challenged you – and made you better for that.
Collective work at a height of 1600 meters
The next day, he started an increase of 6 kilometers to Ritzau Alm, but that was just an introduction. Waiting for us was Naunspitze Ridge – rough climbing up to 1600 meters. Climbing equipment has been delivered. Safety instructions were given. After that, the real work began. For most of us, including professional drivers, this terrain was uncommon – rationally and mentally. But this was the point. With climbing, something was clicked. Drivers began helping each other in rating roads, giving a hand, or just words of encouragement. They are no longer competitors. They were teammates.
Climbing has been directed EberhartWinward and mountain expert manager, along with Matthias HonolderIt is a professional Austrian sports director and an extremist sports director. Although I faced some interesting experiences in my life, including the Arctic journey, this was really one of the most challenges I had ever faced. The summit, though, was unforgettable. I felt the BMW M Motorsport flag in The Peak Love symbolically – for the team, for the team, and perhaps this entire new trip.
Build shelter and myths Sim
But the mountain was not the only test. Later that day, the group retreated to participate in the shelter building workshop in the depths of the forest-another lesson in confidence, teamwork and improvisation. Despite the painful legs and tired minds, the team’s spirit was present and started cooperation in training. It was also the perfect preparation for connecting with drivers – many of them are among the best contestants in the world. This year, BMW supports three prominent teams in the R1 Sim Racing series:
- Team Redline, owned by Max Verstapen, who won the R1 2024 team with consistency, speed and enormous domination.
- BS+competition, bold electronic sports arm, based in Munich, known for its innovative spirit and its close relationship with BMW Motorsport. The team also races in the Enascar Iracing series.
- Mouz, one of the most e -sports brands in Germany, which now brings new momentum to the R1 network.
Although BMW does not inform the factory team in the World Cup, its support through activation such educational camps shows a deep investment in the scene.
From Brazil to Bavaria
One of the most wonderful aspects of the week was to learn how these drivers got here. Each story was different, but it is equally convincing. In fact, during the Covid era, many of these SIM professionals routinely outperform the Formula 1 drivers in virtual races.
Max PinkFrom Team Mouz, the SIM race started in 2015 and became the first to break 11,000 anger on the iRARACING. He once dreamed of DTM, but he is now directing his talent to electronic sports – and BMW realized his skills. It even works with the BMW engineering team to test simulation devices and provide setting notes.
Ferris StanleyNow with BS+, it came from modest beginnings in Indonesia. With Logitech wheel and larger dreams than his equipment, he went up to the highest level of SIM race – currently fell in the team in Munich.
Caique OliveiraBS+ another of Brazil, has no aspirations for the real world race. For him, Esports is the destination, not the navigation stone. Based on his skill and discipline, that destination appears bright.
Then there Mauritz LennerWhich started the Sem race in the seventh. His career in SIM led to the real world drives in DTM Trophy and LMP3. From the SPA-Rancorchaamps platform to a modern return to the SIM race with Mouz, Löhner proves that Gran Turismo is not a coincidence. He hopes to continue the race in both the virtual and realistic world.
Look forward: from the Alps to Riyadh
While my journey with the group ended a few days later – I insisted to cover 24 hours from Loman – the difference has just started. The 2025 Electronic World Cup in Riyadh is scheduled to be the largest event of its kind. It runs from July 7 to August 24, and it will appear:
- 2000 elite player
- 200 clubs
- More than 100 countries
- 25 championships through 24 games
- Amazing awards for $ 70 million
There are e -car addresses such as Rennsport at the heart of this growth, and the R1 series is racing with BMW M4 GT3 on famous paths like Nürburgring and DayTona. Total prizes for a SIM race alone? $ 500,000.
According to Timo Brückner from BMW M Motorsport, the brand believes that this space is an extension of the real world race. He said: “We want to support the teams that compete for our cars and provide some BMW Motorsport experience.” “It is a bridge between the SIM race and motorsport – and perhaps one day, one of these drivers will compete for BMW in the real world.”
What I learned in the Alps is that the SIM race is no longer confined to the screen. It is a global, physical, emotional and deep experience. It is the place where digital engineering meets, where talent meets the constant, and where the borders between real and apparent motorsport are unclear.
For BMW, it’s not just a brand exercise, but also a way to share their own motorsport experiences. For me, it was a modest, inspiring and sometimes exhausting overview in a world, I have just started understanding it.