Amidst the raft of cancelled and postponed events due to COVID-19, Salon Privé is pressing on with plans to run the world-famous concours as planned, and will break new ground this year by being the first to feature virtual judging.

The event, held on the lawns of Blenheim Palace from September 23-26, hopes its open-air setting can help to beat the virus, and also plans to deal with the multiple global travel restrictions by connecting 30 international judges via the first-ever live-streamed virtual judging process. Created in partnership with the International Chief Judge Advisory Group (ICJAG), the process will allow the specialists live video and imagery of the Concours d’Elégance submissions, and additional experts will be on hand physically to answer specific questions from the judging panel. The entire event will also be available via a live stream to the public.

Ed Gilbertson, president of the jury for the event, said: “We’re excited to be conducting the first virtual judging. Experienced judges will use the same time-tested judging forms and guidelines as physical shows. Salon Privé is crossing a portal into the future world.” The stars of this year’s event will be one of just eight cabriolet 1931 Hispano-Suiza J12s, a 1904 Napier L49 and even a 2019 McLaren Senna hypercar.

Electric scooter racing is go… really

Ex-Formula 1 drivers Alex Wurz and Lucas di Grassi have joined forces to create a new racing championship dedicated to electric scooters, which they hope will hold its first event in 2021.

In an announcement straight out of the April 1st playbook, Grand Prix Drivers’ Association chairman Wurz and 2016/17 Formula E champion di Grassi unveiled the series, which will feature purpose-built 60mph electric scooters racing through city-centre courses.

The pair claim the new category – titled eSkootr – can be a showcase for urban transportation, and it would make sense if it joined the Formula E support package. A prototype of one of the two-wheeled racers will be unveiled this year. Di Grassi said: “As a racer, I want to create a series that has all the thrill and intensity of the series we all grew up with, but with the costs and responsibility that make it accessible and appealing.”

Well, makes a change from dodging the things on the pavements, we guess…