Ferrari confirmed for F1 Esports Series

Ferrari have been confirmed for the 2019 F1 Esports Series, having shunned the online competition for its previous two years.

Mercedes' esports star Brendon Leigh has won the last two F1 Esports competitions, with teams up and down the grid buying into the virtual offering, signing many drivers to contracts.

Ferrari have been conspicuous by their absence, but have changed tact for 2019 by signing up to the competition ahead of the Pro Draft, which will see teams select drivers from the global qualifying tournament.

"It's incredibly exciting to welcome all 10 teams to take part in the 219 F1 New Balance Esports Series for the first time," F1's head of Esports Julian Tan said.

The grid is set...

The 2019 F1 @newbalance Esports Series will feature ? official #F1Esports teams for the first time, as Ferrari join up ? pic.twitter.com/dMrVweIzHK

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 31, 2019

"Last year saw amazing growth for the series and with the commitment of Ferrari completing the virtual grid, we continue to elevate the series to greater heights as we further align our virtual and real world sports, creating on of the world's most innovative esports offerings whether in motorsports or beyond.

"As the 10 teams all vie for a cut of the $500,000 prize fund, this is going to be the biggest season to date."

Ferrari confirmed in a statement: "The Maranello marque has decided to establish a special Ferrari Driver Academy esports Team section within the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA).

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