Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu
On Thursday 26 February 2026, E-MOTION inaugurated its first Luxembourg centre, bringing to the public the same simulator technology used by Formula 1 teams to train their drivers, at GridX in Wickrange.
The event brought together around 150 guests, including car enthusiasts, drivers and representatives of ACL Sport. Attendees had the opportunity to test the simulators, marking the first installation of this scale in Luxembourg, following similar centres in Paris and Rome.
Speaking to Chronicle.lu, Chester Kieffer, who competes in the Porsche One-Make Series, explained how the simulators are designed to replicate real driving conditions: “All of the simulators that we have here, if it's Formula or GT, we try to set them up as close as possible to the real cars in order to really have that precision and feeling as if you would be in a real car.” He added: “So the only thing, of course, that you don't feel is the G-forces, but as the simulators move, you still feel most of the forces through braking and the movement of the whole chassis; you get to feel most of the things that still happen.”
E-MOTION is part of a growing international network, with existing centres in Paris and Rome and further expansion planned, positioning Luxembourg as one of the group’s key European locations.
In his opening speech, Edouard Schumacher, President of the European automotive group Car Lovers, said the aim of E-MOTION is to make high-level motorsport technology accessible to a wider public. He described the project as rooted in a shared passion for performance: “What brings us together here is this passion for cars and performance. The simulators you see here are the same professional tools used to train our drivers. The difference is that here they are open to everyone.”
He added that the initiative also seeks to identify and support emerging talent through sim racing: “We are convinced that there are thousands of talents around us who could express themselves. This is about breaking codes and giving everyone a chance.”
The project also includes the development of a structured sim racing championship, with the ambition of identifying and supporting emerging drivers who could transition from virtual competition into real-world motorsport.
Jean-Marc Kieffer, Luxembourg entrepreneur and co-founder of the project, who is also involved in the development of the GridX site, recalled how the initiative began with a meeting in Barcelona nearly a year ago and quickly evolved into a shared vision combining real and virtual motorsport: “We met in Barcelona and immediately discussed the idea of bringing real and virtual racing closer together. Virtual racing already exists, but often people practise alone at home. Here, we are creating a place where they can come together, compete and share the same passion for motorsport.”
He underlined that the simulators are developed by professional drivers and are based on technology used at the highest level of competition:“These simulators are designed by drivers and are used by professional racers. The objective is to offer serious, high-level competition and authentic equipment.”
Jean-Marc Kieffer added that beyond competition, the project also aims to create a structured championship environment while maintaining a strong community and family dimension around the sport.
During the presentation, it was also announced that E-MOTION has been selected as an official Sim Center partner by Lamborghini.
A presentation video shown during the event featured Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon, who expressed his support for the project and serves as E-MOTION’s brand ambassador and shareholder.
The evening concluded with a networking reception, where guests were offered finger foods and drinks.
