The V10 R League is rapidly approaching the business end of the season, but this week sees a titanic battle between the top teams in Group B.
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BMW have arguably been the team of the season so far, but they come up against new boys McLaren who are heating up quickly!
Baldwin vs Siggy
While the V10 R-League is all about team-first racing, it's hard not to look at these two teams and salivate over the battle between two of the biggest names in sim racing.
Kevin Siggy has been the rock for BMW since they joined V10 R-League, and is one of the most consistent performers we've seen. James Baldwin is perhaps the fastest driver in the whole league this season, but has been prone to one or two errors. Their meeting could produce sparks!
With equal cars it is likely to come down to strategy in the relay races and qualifying for the team races as to which star man betters the other. Will both take the first leg of the relay? Will they both want to take the joker lap?
We've seen the trailing car dive into the pits regularly when the car in front takes the joker, so who gets into the first corner first will be vital in this one.
Teamwork makes the dream work
Both teams have had some silky smooth teamwork this season. The McLaren trio has quickly got up to speed with the strategising required to succeed, and while Baldwin is the star, both Isaac Gillissen and Elvin Smith have the pace and tenacity to compete too.
At BMW, Michael Romanidis has proven to be a strong foil for Siggy, with the two working well in team races to secure points and not worrying about who is out in front.
The team that can work together best will likely have an edge in this battle.
Prediction
This is the hardest match to pick so far this season. Both teams are in form, with McLaren coming off a statement win against Williams. BMW has been ruthless in its collection of points so far though, leading both groups with 10 points from a possible 12.
BMW has already booked its ticket for the playoffs, but won't want to leave the door open for the top spot, so we don't expect them to go easy here.
Both teams will also fancy their chances at Mugello, a favourite location for teams that back their out-and-out pace, so pick/ban strategy isn't really an issue here. It will just be about which drivers can withstand the pressure of a match where one wheel wide could decide the points.
Prediction: BMW 2-2 McLaren Shadow
How to watch
Those in the UK & Ireland can catch all the action for FREE on the BT Sport website from 4pm BST on Tuesday, 4 May.
Fans in the USA will be able to watch the full match on ESPN3 at 6pm BST the same day. Thanks to ESPN's expanded coverage of the V10 R-League, subscribers in the Netherlands, the Caribbean, Canada, Latin America, and Oceania will be able to watch the following day. Check local listings for exact times!
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