Formula 1 is teaming up with Gfinity for a major esports series

Gfinity plc has been appointed as esports partner for Formula 1, which sees the Formula 1 ESports Series commencing in September 2017.

The competition is set to see worldwide gamers compete to become the best virtual Formula 1 driver, with the series marking the first year of the annual competition highlighting the sport’s long-term investment in esports and gaming.

The partnership of Gfinity, an international esports group, and Formula 1 is the chance to reach the core esports fan base, enhancing its growing popularity with this demographic.

Formula 1’s managing director of commercial operations, Sean Bratches, commented: “This launch presents an amazing opportunity for our business - strategically and in the way we engage fans. It’s a growing category with tremendous fan engagement that we’re entering in a big way.

“We are proud to have Gfinity [as well as] Codemasters joining us on this ride. Of course as we do in Formula 1, we’ll continue to innovate in the way we run this virtual counterpart to the F1 Championship to ensure we provide [an] exciting and enjoyable experience.”

During the Formula 1 ESports Series, competitors will race through three different stages with a qualification round taking place in September allowing 40 drivers to enter the live semi-final event.

This will be broadcast live from Gfinity Esports Arena in London on October 10-11, and the best 20 participants will compete in the final. This will also be a live event from Abu Dhabi on November 24-25.

At the end of the five-race event, the winner will be awarded with the title of first Formula 1 ESport Champion on the same weekend of the last 2017 Formula 1 Championship event.

Neville Upton, CEO of Gfinity, said: “Formula 1 entering esports is a powerful endorsement to how vital it is for cutting edge organisations to consider esports in their digital offering in order to reach the elusive and lucrative millennial fanbase.

“Gfinity has developed a unique technical platform, which coupled with our in-depth experience enable us to deliver a world-class solution for our global partners. We’re very much looking forward to working with Formula 1 on this exciting project.”

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