Grosjean's R8G to manage Haas esports operations

©Haas

Romain Grosjean is back in business with Haas, his former F1 team, albeit as the manager of the US outfit's esports' operation through his own R8G online racing team.

The Frenchman enjoyed 98 Grand Prix starts with Haas from 2016 to 2020, but missed out on a swansong outing with the team in Abu Dhabi after sustaining minor burns to his hands in his horrendous Bahrain GP crash last November.

Grosjean will be racing in IndyCar this season with Dale Coyne Racing, but the 34-year-old will retain a link with Haas thanks to his R8G esports team that competes on various online platforms, including iracing, rFactor2 and Assetto Corsa, with 17 professional sim racers.

"I’m very happy to be managing Uralkali Haas F1 Team’s entry this year in the F1 Esports Pro Series through R8G Esports," stated Grosjean.

"I’ve been involved in esports for a year now and I believe our team is doing very well. For me, being able to help Haas F1 in this field, and going racing together – well, it’s a great story.

"Obviously, it’s a cool continuation of what we built together. So, I’m very much looking forward to the first race and to see what we can build together in esports competition."

Read also: Haas decision to backtrack on IndyCar deal 'fully understandable' - Grosjean

Haas team principal Gunther Steiner was happy to see his team continue its collaboration with Grosjean in the virtual world.

"I’m delighted that we get to utilise Romain’s enthusiasm for esports and R8G Esports’ expertise to oversee our continued participation in the F1 Esports Pro Series," said Steine.

"It’s an important step up for us in terms of our involvement from previous seasons. We know we’re partnering with a group that truly understands the demands of the esports environment and can help take our program to the next level.

"We’ve had some memorable points-earning finishes in past F1 Esports Pro Series and won this season’s Virtual Grand Prix Series.

"It would be fantastic to maintain that form under the guidance of R8G Esports in the F1 Esports Pro Series this season."

Details on the Uralkali Haas F1 Team Esports driver line-ups will be made available later in the year

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.