Esports

Formula 1 launches new eSports World Championship!

40

Formula 1 is partnering with game developer Codemasters and specialised company Gfinity to launch an official eSports F1 World Championship.

The novel concept's inaugural season will enjoy its first event in September to coincide with the launch of the new F1 2017 game.

A qualifying system will determine the 40 quickest Sim racers who will then perform at the Gfinity Arena in London on October 10 and 11 in a semi-final event.

The 20 best will then head to a grand final set to take place in Abu Dhabi in November during the end-of-season Grand Prix week.

"This launch presents an amazing opportunity for our business: strategically and in the way we engage fans," said F1 commercial boss Sean Bratches.

"First, it’s a growing category with tremendous fan engagement that we’re entering in a big way; and we are proud to have Codemasters and Gfinity joining us on this ride.

"Of course as we do in Formula 1, we’ll continue to evolve and innovate in the way we run this virtual counterpart to the F1 Championship to ensure we provide the most exciting and enjoyable experience we can for our fans."

Codemasters releases 'Born to be Wild' F1 2017 trailer

A rapidly growing industry, eSports and professional video gaming are seen as the next big thing, with many traditional sports owners and advertisers investing in eSports.

"eSports is one of the fastest growing sectors of gaming already attracting audiences in the tens of millions," says Codemasters CEO Frank Saigner.

"We are delighted to be announcing this incredible racing series with Formula 1 for our upcoming F1 2017 game.

"The highly competitive nature and high-speed spectacle of the sport combined with the authenticity of our game will provide a thrilling experience for players and viewers across the world.

"We look forward to engaging more deeply with our loyal and passionate community, and to bring new fans to both our game and the sport itself."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.