Professional simulator hardware manufacturer Fanatec has agreed a deal to sponsor the Formula One motor-racing championship’s esports series.
Fanatec will serve as an official sponsor of the F1 Esports Series, as well as the official supplier of gaming racing steering wheels and pedals.
The deal began with last weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix and runs until the end of 2022.
As part of the agreement, Fanatec will provide steering wheels and pedals for fanzones at all F1 grands prix. It will debut as an official sponsor of the F1 Esports Series on July 9 at the Pro Draft in London.
From next year, Fanatec’s deal will be extended to include the supply of cockpits and seats for simulators used in the esports series.
Thomas Jackermeier, chief executive of Endor AG (Fanatec), said: “We are thrilled that the most popular motorsport series in the world is heavily investing into esports and will bring sim racing to a new level. Among all esports categories, racing is the only one which actually allows gamers to become better drivers in real life and perhaps even start a motorsport career.”
Fanatec joins global logistics company DHL as an official sponsor of the F1 Esports Series.