F1 series in pole position as gamers get behind the wheel

Clutching the steering wheel of a Formula One car is a fantasy for virtually all motor sports enthusiasts, but only a tiny minority have been lucky enough to fulfill that dream.

For those that haven't, the Formula One E-sports Series is about as close to the real racing experience as they can get, with gamers competing in a driving simulator, complete with steering wheel and pedals. Players in the series are sometimes real-life auto racers, such as Italian Enzo Bonito.

This year's launch of the F1 E-sports Series China Championship has allowed Chinese gamers to join the grid.