Aayush Pathak
As the world’s top sim racers set their sights on the 2024 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, the three BMW M Motorsport teams – BS+COMPETITION, MOUZ, and Redline – have been leaving no stone unturned in their preparation for the high-stakes event. The drivers, who qualified for the EWC during the six-race ESL R1 online season, will compete for a staggering $500,000 USD prize pool from August 22nd to 25th.
A crucial part of their preparation was a joint training week that took the drivers on a thrilling journey from the BMW M Driving Experience in Maisach, Germany, to the renowned Formula Medicine facility in Viareggio, Italy. Along the way, they honed their skills behind the wheel of five BMW M4 Competition Coupés, while also working on their mental and physical fitness under the guidance of renowned sports doctor Dr. Riccardo Ceccarelli.
Maisach to Viareggio: A Journey of Skill and Teambuilding
The joint training week kicked off at the BMW M Driving Experience in Maisach, where the drivers were treated to an exhilarating blend of real-world driving and the cutting-edge BMW M Mixed Reality Experience. Under the watchful eye of expert instructors, the sim racers pushed the limits of their abilities in the BMW M4 Competition Coupés, refining their skills and building confidence for the challenges ahead.
The real excitement began as the teams embarked on a road trip to Italy, traveling together in their fleet of high-performance BMW M4s. This journey not only strengthened team bonds but also created unforgettable memories that will undoubtedly fuel their competitive spirit on the virtual track.
Formula Medicine: Pushing the Limits of Mental and Physical Fitness
Upon arriving at Formula Medicine in Viareggio, the drivers were greeted by an intensive training program designed to push them to their limits. This facility, which regularly hosts BMW M works drivers from real motorsport, provided the perfect setting for the sim racers to hone their mental and physical fitness.
The training regimen included sessions in the Mental Economy Gym®, where the drivers worked on improving their neural efficiency and reducing energy expenditure – crucial factors for maintaining peak performance under pressure. Afternoons were spent rotating through various stations, including psychophysical training, nutritional advice, and sim sessions where brain and heart rate were closely monitored.
To simulate the stress of competing on a large stage at a live event, the experts at Formula Medicine put the drivers through a special session in a stress room. The results were on par with those of Formula 1 drivers, with some of the automotive gamers even demonstrating better focus. Yoga on the beach and team-building activities such as kayaking and indoor challenges rounded out the program, fostering camaraderie and resilience within each team.
Reigning Champion Maximilian Benecke Feels the Pressure
Reigning EWC champion Maximilian Benecke (GER) of BMW M Team MOUZ acknowledged the pressure and nerves he feels heading into the event, having not competed at a LAN event since the opener in Katowice 2023.
However, he expressed confidence in his team’s preparation, stating, “I feel as prepared as possible to tackle the event in top form. I’m also lucky to have a fantastic team behind me that is incredibly supportive. The preparation with BMW M Motorsport has definitely been amazing.”
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