Season 2 of the V10 R-League gets underway on Monday and we can't wait to see how the action unfolds!
New drivers,teams, tracks and a revamped format are set to spice up what was already an incredibly exciting Esports series!
Eight of the series' ten teams face off next week to kick-off Season 2. We've got everything you need to know ahead of the opening matches right here!
New season, new format
The V10 R-League returns, and while the amazing car is the same a few things have changed for Season 2.
You can see all you need to know in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjr0m59TG_A
With the new format in mind, let's take a look at the matchups coming up this week.
Aston Martin v R8G Esports (Group A)
Romain Grosjean's Esports outfit R8G Esports make their V10 R-League debut against an Aston Martin team that will be looking for a better result in Season 2. R8G has made their intentions clear, as their driver Erhan Jajovski stated that they're looking to beat group favourites Redline and Red Bull.
That's a bold goal, but it's one that could be achieved thanks to the V10 R-League's unique format. To come top of the group though, R8G will have to beat Aston Martin.
Aston Martin finished fifth last season but will be hoping that consistency in their driver line-up will give them the edge in experience. Daniele Haddad, Lucas Blakeley and Shanaka Clay all return for Season 2 with a campaign's experience under each of their belts.
R8G meanwhile, is a brand-new team and has three drivers that have never raced in the V10 R-League before. That said though, Jajovski, Samuel Libeert, and Thomas Petitjean are all very successful and fast drivers in other series.
WATCH BELOW - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ROMAIN GROSJEAN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClsWibw2z7M
The favourites are definitely Aston Martin, but R8G definitely have a good chance of coming out on top. This could be a huge match for Group A, as both of these teams are aiming for that final quarterfinal spot.
Watch on BT Sport 2, Monday 12 April at 8pm BST
Williams v JAESA Suzuki (Group B)
Williams were runners-up in Season 1 and are strong favourites to finish top of Group B. There are some formidable teams also in this group though, and Jean Alesi Suzuki has shown themselves to be real giant-killers in the V10 R-League.
Williams is the only team other than Aston Martin to field the same three main drivers as Season 1. The British team will be hoping that Martin Stefanko, Kuba Brzezinski, and Nikodem Wisniewski will bring them more success in Season 2.
JAESA Suzuki re-signed Danilo Santoro and Kamil Pawlowski for Season 2. They are joined by Amos Laurito, who has been successful in other Esports series.
Williams is a strong favourite to win this tie, but any points that JAESA Suzuki pick up could be vital in Group B. JAESA Suzuki will be competing against BMW and McLaren for the final qualifying spot in Group B.
Last season, Williams won the tie between these teams 2-0. A tie in the team race prevented Williams from completing a clean sweep.
Watch on BTSport.com, Tuesday 13 April
Redline v YAS Heat (Group A)
YAS Heat is on the up after their technical partnership with Microsoft was announced in the off-season. They'll need the performance of a lifetime to beat Redline though.
Redline was the team to beat in Season 1, only dropping four points throughout the campaign. Redline retain Jeffrey Rietveld and Michal Smidl from their title-winning roster. Enzo Bonito has been added for season 2, bringing even more pace and experience to the team.
YAS Heat has opted for all-change in their driver line-up, as Simon Weigang, Cedric Thome and Manuel Biancolilla join the team.
That being said, Redline is a heavy favourite for a clean sweep over YAS Heat. Redline beat Heat 3-0 last season, and we could well see a 4-0 drubbing here. However, like JAESA Suzuki, Heat produced a few upsets in Season 1, so you never know!
Watch on BTSport.com, Wednesday 14 April
Fordzilla v BMW (Group B)
Fordzilla were the whipping boys of Season 1, finishing bottom of the championship. It was no surprise, either, as their team seemed in disarray at times. They'll be hoping for much better in Season 2 but will find it very difficult to beat BMW.
BMW finished a solid fourth in last year's championship but will also be hoping for better in Season 2. BMW retains Michael Romanidis and Kevin Siggy for Season 2. Alen Terzic joins the German outfit and is hoping to hit the ground running.
Fordzilla keeps both Shaun Arnold and Pablo Lopez, as Emre Cihan joins the team for Season 2. BMW is a big favourite for this bout and will need a good result, as it'll be tight between them, McLaren Shadow and JAESA Suzuki for a spot in the top three.
Last season, BMW completed a clean sweep in this tie. Fordzilla though is revamped and remotivated for Season 2. The last thing they want is a repeat of last season's form.
If you're wondering where McLaren Shadow and Red Bull are, they will both be in action next week.
Watch on BTSport.com, Thursday 15 April
How to watch
V10 R-League Season 2 kicks off on Monday, 12 April.
Viewers in the UK can watch all the action from the best matchup of the week on BT Sport every Monday, with the remaining matches shown throughout the week!
Fans in the Middle East and North Africa can get all the action through StarzPlay. ESPN will be showing the races to all those in the USA, Canada, the Netherlands, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Oceania.
Make sure to check local listings and video-on-demand services for exact times!
Love racing? Looking to share your passion? JOIN US ON DISCORD