Formula E to pit racers against gamers next year

Formula E, the world's first fully electric car racing series, is to host a virtual race next January at CES 2017 in Las Vegas.

Series chief executive Alejandro Agag told Reuters that this special event will see professional racers take on fans. "We think e-sports (electronic sports) is a huge opportunity and we want to be the first ones fully immersed in that," he said.

He also revealed that the prize pool will be "significantly plus of six figures. It will be a good jackpot for Vegas," he said, hinting that "people want to win a million in Vegas."

Fans who hope to take part in this race against the professionals will be able to take part in 'Race to Vegas' competitions that will be launched three months ahead of CES. It's expected that five competition winners will feature on the grid against the professionals.

The main event will mirror Formula E's regular rounds in a way. "We are only going to disclose and show the virtual track to all the players that morning. It’s going to be like the real Formula E. You come for the first time to a city and race in a city, you never practice before," Agag said.

"Gamers...are normally better at games than drivers. On the other hand, drivers are better than gamers at quickly getting the feel of a racetrack. It’s going to be an interesting competition."

Expect to hear more about this featured event in the run up to CES 2017.