Fernando Alonso launches new Esports team, Chadwick among drivers

Alonso was previously involved in sim racing as a partner to professional Spanish outfit G2, but split with the team last summer after less than a year together.

The new team has been formed as a partnership between Alonso's existing FA Racing squad - which competes in real-life series such as the Formula Renault Eurocup - and the Veloce Esports team, alongside its technical partner Logitech G.

Veloce will effectively run the sim racing side, having built itself up over the past year to become one of the leading Esports teams.

It boasts a huge roster of sim racing talents as well as multiple titles and a partnership with reigning Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne.

The team will compete across a range of virtual titles including iRacing, rFactor 2, DiRT Rally 2.0, Project Cars 2 and Gran Turismo.

"I'm very excited to introduce a team of dedicated, talented drivers to represent my team for the 2019 season," Alonso said.

"I have hand selected some great young talents, who are ready to continue bringing success to the team."

Chadwick was one of seven drivers announced in the initial launch. She won the MRF Challenge title over the winter and hopes to dovetail a campaign in the new all-female W Series with competing on iRacing with FA Racing.

"Sim racing has closed the gap on real formula racing when it comes to strategy, competition and skill," Chadwick added.

"Joining the team with Alonso, and with my other great team-mates, will allow me to leverage my behind-the-wheel experience and formula racing skill set to compete in one of the fastest growing, competitive esports categories.

"With the help of my team-mates, we are pushing to bring a championship to FA Racing."

Among the other drivers confirmed is 2017 eWTCC champion Alexander Dornieden who, like Chadwick, was previously affiliated with Veloce.

McLaren Shadow finalists Xiang Gao and Ebrahim Almubarak also feature, with more drivers to be announced shortly.