Formula E Audi driver Daniel Abt caught using ringer in virtual race, fined US$10,900
- German also loses season’s points after using professional e-sports player Lorenz Hoerzing to stand in for Berlin race
- Audi racer, who refused to answer phone calls from doubting driver, was stripped of 2017 Hong Kong Formula E win
Audi Formula E driver Daniel Abt was disqualified and ordered to pay 10,000 euros (US$10,900) to charity on Sunday for getting a professional gamer to compete under his name in an official e-sports race.
The German, who apologised for “having called in outside help”, was also stripped of all points won to date in the all-electric series’ Race at Home Challenge which features drivers using simulators remotely.
“I did not take it as seriously as I should have,” said the 27-year-old, accepting the punishment for sporting misconduct.
“I am especially sorry about this because I know how much work has gone into this project on the part of the Formula E organisation. I am aware that my offence has a bitter aftertaste but it was never meant with any bad intention.”
Pro gamer Lorenz Hoerzing, Abt’s “ringer”, was disqualified from all future rounds of the separate Challenge Grid competition.