Downton will field a Formula Virtual car not in their famous orange colour scheme for the first time in the upcoming French V-Prix, as they run a special livery to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Pokemon GO. The mobile game has been an official sponsor of the team since the start of the season, but it is well known within the paddock that team principal Bradley Downton plays regularly. The game was released on 6th July 2016, with this years French V-Prix - taking place on the 11th - being the closest race to that date. "Pokemon GO has been a huge part of my life personally over the last five years," Downton commented. "I have met so many incredibly close friends and had some fantastic adventures as a result of this game, so to be able to celebrate the fifth anniversary of it like this is incredibly special. It means an immense amount to me on a personal level." The livery is a split of official graphics from events, and elements of the game. While one side features a compilation image of the three live events held in 2019 known as 'GO Fests', the other features game elements such as 'Pokestops' and 'Gyms', as well as a raid - with the timer cleverly showing the teams usual race numbers of 13 & 14 - the team leaders and various Pokemon. The front wing highlights 'Community Day' - a monthly one-day event that features a specific Pokemon - with images from both 2019 and 2020 making up the elements. There is also a Victini on the nose - the Victory Pokemon - while the famous championship stars in front of the cockpit have been replaced by three Jirachi, due to it's rough star shape. Various Pokemon GO logos appear across the car - the standard logo, Community Day, GO Fest and the fifth anniversary logo - and while no other team sponsors appear on the car, it does retain the Downton and McLaren logos, along with the driver identification around the air box and on the rear wing. "I need to say a massive thank you to not only our designer Nick Forrest, but also to our sponsors for agreeing to this without them featuring on our car," Downton added. "It just goes to show the fantastic relationship we have. Also, the car looks pretty cool doesn't it? It may not be to everyone's liking, but it means an awful lot to me - and I love it!" In addition to the livery, each driver will wear a one-off race suit for the weekend based on clothing from the game. The official launch shots show both an in-game still and the overalls, with each driver explaining their choices. "I played the game for a week or two when it first came out, as I think everyone did," Powers started. "But since then, I can't say I've kept it up. However Ethan is starting to get into Pokemon now, so it may be that we get back to it! I do remember playing the original games when I was little however, and Gengar was always one of my favourite Pokemon. I loved the style, and I love the purple colouring, so when I was shown the options, that was a no-brainer for me." "I play on a semi-regular basis," van Snelheid admitted. "I'm kind of from the generation that grew up with some of the later games, so I've played them all - and GO is no different. I'm not avid like Matteo, but I will turn it on a couple of times a week or so to check things out, and usually try and get some time in on the events - but unfortunately a lot clash with race weekends. My race suit is simply what my clothes are in game. I've gone with the jumper because it's orange, and the jeans just worked quite nicely - nothing more to it than that I'm afraid!" "I love the game," Zetticci confirmed. "Have played it on a daily basis since it was released, and have attended events when I can. That's actually why I've gone with the t-shirt I have. It is the GO Fest 2019 shirt, and I actually have a real one from when I went to Dortmund for the GO Fest that year. Bradley was there too, and it was a great experience. I'm really excited to get back to it when the world opens up properly - providing it doesn't clash with a race!"
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