Renault goes virtual racing with new eSports team

Renault has teamed up with French eSports organisation Team Vitality to become the first F1 outfit to form its own eSports squad.

Renault Sport Team Vitality will compete in the motorsport gaming arena with a focus this year on the Rocket League Championship Series Europe, but an entry into F1's eSports series is also planned.

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The team's three star gamers, Philip Paschmeyer, Victor Locquet and Sandro Holzwarth will enjoy access to Renault's Enstone headquarters to train alongside its drivers and technical staff.

"The ties that exist between motorsport and gaming are obvious. Both call for mental strength and physical fitness in a highly competitive environment," says Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul.

"Last year’s exciting launch by FOM of the F1 eSports Series has accelerated the convergence of these two worlds and created opportunities for collaboration.

"Our drivers, and especially those who form part of the Renault Sport Academy programme, and Vitality’s own champions will be able to trade best practices.

"In this area, as in F1, our objective is to build a team for the long term that is both respected and feared by its opponents."

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