Renault becomes first F1 team to commit to official eSports team

The manufacturer announced on Monday it will team up with French entrants Team Vitality to create the 'Renault Sport Team Vitality' that will compete exclusively in motorsport eSport contests.

Its three gamers will be Philip Paschmeyer, Victor Locquet and Sandro Holzwarth.

The focus for this year will be on the Rocket League Championship Series Europe, but talks have been held with F1 about an entry into the its official eSports series.

Team Vitality will get access to Renault's F1 factory in Enstone to help train drivers and technical staff.

Renault F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul said: "The ties that exist between motorsport and gaming are obvious.

"Both call for mental strength and physical fitness in a highly competitive environment.

"Last year's exciting launch by FOM of the F1 eSports Series has accelerated the convergence of these two worlds and created opportunities for collaboration.

"Our drivers, and especially those who form part of the Renault Sport Academy programme, and Vitality's own champions will be able to trade best practices.

"In this area, as in F1, our objective is to build a team for the long term that is both respected and feared by its opponents."

Last year, Fernando Alonso set up his own eSports racing team, while McLaren also ran the World's Fastest Gamer contest.