ABU DHABI: Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso has become the first Formula One driver to branch out into eSports on an individual basis with the launch of his own racing team in association with G2 Esports – FA Racing G2.
The development follows on from the Spaniard’s F1 team McLaren this week confirming the signing of Rudy van Buren, the winner of a competition it created looking for the “world’s fastest gamer”, to the role of official simulator driver for the 2018 season.
Alonso took to Twitter on Thursday to share a short teaser video and reveal the FA Racing G2 Logitech G sim racing teams.
“I am really excited,” he said during the announcement at Yas Island’s F1 circuit. “A couple of months ago I had this proposal from one of our partners, and I thought it was a nice idea to create and link these two sports. The fans will no longer just be spectators.
“The fans will be a key role in my world and they will drive for my team maybe one day. I think we all have a gamer inside us, and competition is no different. I am extremely happy and there are unlimited possibilities in our team. An elite team, professional team, racing in the best races in the world – especially here in the F1 championship, but not only here – in Rfactor, the world’s fastest gamer from McLaren, in the E-simulators, and that is something we will explore with time.”
The founder of G2 Esports, Carlos ‘ocelote’ Rodríguez Santiago is a fellow Spaniard and ex-professional player from League of Legends – G2 is based in Barcelona, dexerto.com reports.
