Stokes takes part in virtual F1 race

LONDON: England star all-rounder Ben Stokes’ virtual Formula-1 Grand Prix racing debut didn’t quite go to script, as he finished last in a star-studded line-up.

Stokes, who lined-up for Red Bull, qualified 16th among 19 ‘cars’, but an eventful race, which included an early spin, meant he brought up the rear of the field.

Several current and former F1 drivers participated in the virtual race on Sunday, with Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc finishing on top of the podium. Stokes, though, kept his spirits up and put on a brave face. “It’s the taking part that counts....it’s what I always tell my kids,” he joked on social media, and insisted he was more than up for a re-match.

His racing, especially a good start, kept his team-mates entertained.Stuart Broad, for one, blamed limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan’s “commentators’ curse” for Stokes’ woes.Broad admitted to being “addicted” to the game. Could Stokes have a racing partner next time around? —