F1 sets up eSports world championship

Formula 1 is entering the world of eSports after announcing the launch of the Formula 1 Esports Series, to start in September of this year.

Coinciding with the launch of the official "F1 2017" game from Codemasters on Aug. 25, the 2017 F1 Esports Series will see gamers able to enter via all three platforms of PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC.

The competition will run through three stages, with qualification events taking place throughout September to determine the 40 fastest drivers who will all proceed to the live semi-finals. These will be held at the Gfinity Arena in London on Oct. 10 and 11, before the top 20 all advance to the Finals which will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit on the same weekend as the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Nov. 24 and 25.

The Finals will comprise of a three-race event, with the overall winner being crowned the inaugural Formula 1 Esports World Champion. The prize includes automatic entry to the 2018 semi-finals as well as a trip to a grand prix during the 2018 season, while the champion will also become a character in the F1 2018 game.

"This launch presents an amazing opportunity for our business: strategically and in the way we engage fans," Sean Bratches, managing director of commercial operations for F1, said. "First, it's a growing category with tremendous fan engagement that we're entering in a big way; and we are proud to have Codemasters and Gfinity joining us on this ride.

"Of course as we do in Formula 1, we'll continue to evolve and innovate in the way we run this virtual counterpart to the F1 championship to ensure we provide the most exciting and enjoyable experience we can for our fans."

Codemasters CEO Frank Sagnier sees the move into eSports as an opportunity for Formula 1 to attract new fans to the sport.

"Esports is one of the fastest growing sectors of gaming already attracting audiences in the tens of millions," Sagnier said. "We are delighted to be announcing this incredible racing series with Formula 1 for our upcoming F1 2017 game.

"The highly competitive nature and high-speed spectacle of the sport combined with the authenticity of our game will provide a thrilling experience for players and viewers across the world. We look forward to engaging more deeply with our loyal and passionate community, and to bring new fans to both our game and the sport itself."