Williams announces eSports team to contest 2018 F1 series 

The Williams Formula 1 team has announced it will launch an official eSports team in 2018.

Williams’ confirmation follows the news that all teams except Ferrari have signed up to contest the second season of the F1 Sports Series this year. 

Williams announces eSports team to contest 2018 F1 series 

The Williams Formula 1 team has announced it will launch an official eSports team in 2018.

Williams’ confirmation follows the news that all teams except Ferrari have signed up to contest the second season of the F1 Sports Series this year. 

The Grove-based F1 outfit have signed Javier Perez, Jani Vitsaniemi and Bernardo Perez to its eSports team driver roster for the 2018 campaign, with the drivers being provided with access to the team’s Oxfordshire factory for training, as well as working with Robert Kubica in the simulator. 

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“eSports has grown dramatically in recent years to become a huge global industry, so we’re eager to take on the challenge of growing sim racing’s place in the eSports world,” Williams eSports team manager Javier Guerra said. 

“We’re looking forward to developing our roster of drivers, offering a select number the incredible chance to become part of the Williams family.”

Head of creative services Steven English added: “Gaming and motorsport have had strong links for many years. Now, eSports is an innovative part of the sport and entertainment landscape, so this is a natural evolution of our competitive spirit. 

“We’re ambitious about developing opportunities for our fans and our partners in this new and exciting space for us.”

In July an NFL-style 'Pro Draft' will take place in London, which is expected to coincide with the British Grand Prix (July 6-8), when each team will pick at least one driver for the remainder of the year.

Following the Pro Draft, the second half of the Esports season will see three live events take place across September to determine the 2018 F1 teams’ and drivers' world champions with a prize fund of $200,000. 

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