Haas Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean has launched his own sim racing team that will compete across a variety of platforms.
Grosjean has competed in 164 Formula 1 grands prix for Renault, Lotus and Haas since making his debut in 2009, taking 10 podium finishes.
Real-life motorsport has been on hiatus since mid-March due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with a date for its resumption yet to be set.
Several leading series have already created virtual competitions – including Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR and Formula E – with drivers acquiring gaming set-ups in order to participate.
Grosjean is not one of the seven Formula 1 racers to have participated in the Virtual Grands Prix but has recently taken delivery of a gaming rig and is understood to be eager to join in the future.
On Thursday it was announced that Grosjean, along with his personal sponsors, have created the R8G Sim Racing Team, with its line-up due to be revealed later this month.
RG8 Sim Racing Team’s partnership with Praga Karts means virtual competitors will have the opportunity to test with Praga’s factory team, with a view of taking part in the X30 World Championship event at Le Mans.
“Launching my own sim racing team is a proud moment because I’m passionate about motorsport, innovation and embracing new challenges,” said Grosjean.
“I think the team structure we have created is unique and will be instrumental in helping us to achieve the ambitious targets we have set.
“We’ve all seen the driver talent that is emerging from sim racing and it’s impressive.
“Our goal is to reward and try to develop those drivers that have the potential to race for real.”
