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Tribune News Network
DOHA
The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) acquired the distinction of being the first association in the GCC region to issue the digital motorsports licences to local residents.
Already, 17 such moto licences have been issued by the QMMF but the number in auto section is likely to be around 60 after the entries are finalised in the upcoming WRC8 competition.
This is a move by the QMMF aimed at not only developing the SIM racing but also taking it to new level after the coronavirus pandemic devastated the world.
The COVID-19 outbreak imposed a global lockdown earlier this year, forcing people to stay indoors as much as possible. It also led to sporting events and activities to be either postponed or cancelled. In such situation, the eSports gained a big boost, which led to virtual competitions in almost every major sport. The auto and moto online events began to find more space in the daily life or schedule of people.
Using the fresh boost to digital racing, the QMMF has also planned to structure it by including its events in the calendar permanently. Already two events have been organised - the Qatar Online Racing Championship Auto (Gran Turismo) and the Qatar Online Racing Championship Moto (MotoGP 19). Now the third event - the WRC 8 for rally enthusiasts - is lined up and will start on Sunday.
The QMMF has issued the digital motorsports licences free this year but in the 2021, it will renew them or give a new licence only after a one-day orientation course. These licences will also immensely help those who wish to build a career in SIM racing as they need to be registered with the local association.
QMMF Executive Director Amro Al Hamad, also a former car racer, said about the association’s move: “The QMMF wants to build and develop the online racing sport properly and putting serious efforts into hosting events this year. Next year, we hope to carry on the momentum and take it to new levels. We’re pleased by the response from the residents of Qatar so far and we expect that more digital racing enthusiasts will join us in future.
“We’ve now issued digital motorsports licences in both auto and moto sections. This is a way forward to develop and organise this sport further. These licences are just like the ones we issue to realtime auto and moto event competitors. The license will make the holder feel to be a part of an elite group. This year, the QMMF is providing them free of charges but there will be a one-day course next year at the time of renewal or getting a new one,” Al Hamad informed.
He also clarified that there was no need for this license to take part in any of the QMMF online competition. “This is not mandatory for those who wish to contest in our digital sports competition. But if they have it, they will like to be part of the online racing community and keep competing, leading to the growth of the SIM racing.”
DOHA
The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) acquired the distinction of being the first association in the GCC region to issue the digital motorsports licences to local residents.
Already, 17 such moto licences have been issued by the QMMF but the number in auto section is likely to be around 60 after the entries are finalised in the upcoming WRC8 competition.
This is a move by the QMMF aimed at not only developing the SIM racing but also taking it to new level after the coronavirus pandemic devastated the world.
The COVID-19 outbreak imposed a global lockdown earlier this year, forcing people to stay indoors as much as possible. It also led to sporting events and activities to be either postponed or cancelled. In such situation, the eSports gained a big boost, which led to virtual competitions in almost every major sport. The auto and moto online events began to find more space in the daily life or schedule of people.
Using the fresh boost to digital racing, the QMMF has also planned to structure it by including its events in the calendar permanently. Already two events have been organised - the Qatar Online Racing Championship Auto (Gran Turismo) and the Qatar Online Racing Championship Moto (MotoGP 19). Now the third event - the WRC 8 for rally enthusiasts - is lined up and will start on Sunday.
The QMMF has issued the digital motorsports licences free this year but in the 2021, it will renew them or give a new licence only after a one-day orientation course. These licences will also immensely help those who wish to build a career in SIM racing as they need to be registered with the local association.
QMMF Executive Director Amro Al Hamad, also a former car racer, said about the association’s move: “The QMMF wants to build and develop the online racing sport properly and putting serious efforts into hosting events this year. Next year, we hope to carry on the momentum and take it to new levels. We’re pleased by the response from the residents of Qatar so far and we expect that more digital racing enthusiasts will join us in future.
“We’ve now issued digital motorsports licences in both auto and moto sections. This is a way forward to develop and organise this sport further. These licences are just like the ones we issue to realtime auto and moto event competitors. The license will make the holder feel to be a part of an elite group. This year, the QMMF is providing them free of charges but there will be a one-day course next year at the time of renewal or getting a new one,” Al Hamad informed.
He also clarified that there was no need for this license to take part in any of the QMMF online competition. “This is not mandatory for those who wish to contest in our digital sports competition. But if they have it, they will like to be part of the online racing community and keep competing, leading to the growth of the SIM racing.”
