Williams has launched their own official eSports team which will compete in a number of online competitions across different series.
The team's eSports drivers will have access to the team's Formula 1 simulator with help from the team's technical staff as well as official test and development driver Robert Kubica.
Gamers will have the opportunity to earn their place in the Williams line-up for a variety of sim racing games throughout the year, details of which games, series and competitions are due to follow.
The first three drivers signed to the Williams eSports roster are Javier Perez, Jani Vitsaniemi and Bernardo Perez.
Williams eSports will be managed by Javier Guerra, who founded sim racing team JIM Racing in 2011. Guerra will coordinate and develop the team’s activities across the sim racing platform.
JIM Racing will continue as 'Williams JIM Racing Junior' which will be providing another route for gamers to graduate to the Williams eSports program in the future.
As a part of their program, Williams will take part in the official F1 eSports pro series which includes eight other teams from within the paddock, the series utilises the official Formula 1 game.
Teams will be able to select drivers from the pro draft event which will take place in July, ahead of the Pro Series races over three live events later in the year.
Javier Guerra, Williams eSports Team Manager: "eSports has grown dramatically in recent years to become a huge global industry, so we’re eager to take on the challenge of growing sim racing’s place in the eSports world. We’re looking forward to developing our roster of drivers, offering a select number the incredible chance to become part of the Williams family."
Steven English, Head of Creative Services, added: "Gaming and motorsport have had strong links for many years. Now, eSports is an innovative part of the sport and entertainment landscape, so this is a natural evolution of our competitive spirit. We’re ambitious about developing opportunities for our fans and our partners in this new and exciting space for us."
