The deal is for a two-year extension to the relationship between the two companies that began in 2017.
Formula 1 has extended its relationship with esports company Gfinity for content production and operational support around the F1 Esports Series in 2020 and 2021, and the 2022 qualifying events.
The Gfinity Arena in London will be the main venue for live broadcasts. This year, Gfinity will deliver the Pro Draft Reveal Show and the Pro Series.
Next year it will deliver the Challenger Series qualifying events; Pro Draft live show and Pro Series.
And then, in 2022, Gfinity will deliver the qualifying events.
As well as creating the content, Gfinity will provide a dedicated account management team responsible for the delivery of all elements of the programme; a full league operations team responsible for writing all rules and governing the drivers participating in the tournament; and provide the use of ‘Race Control’, Gfinity’s proprietary in-race adjudication system.
Gfinity has been working with Formula 1 and games publisher Codemasters since 2017 to design, develop and deliver the main elements of the F1 Esports Series.
On top of this, the new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series has also been extended until June. The series replaces each live F1 Grand Prix that’s been postponed due to the coronavirus.
Gfinity worked closely with Formula 1 on the conception of the series and oversees the delivery of the tournament, tournament operations and broadcast production.
John Clarke, chief executive officer, Gfinity said: “The F1 Esports Series is one of the most exciting esports tournaments in the world and we are delighted to be working with F1 for a further two years. Signing a multi-year agreement highlights our ability to leverage our unique position at the centre of the esports ecosystem to design and develop esports solutions for our clients. The Virtual Grand Prix Series has also caught the imagination of race fans as, shown by the amazing viewing numbers, and we are excited that a new, younger global audience is experiencing the F1 brand in a totally different way.”
Dr. Julian Tan – head of digital business initiatives and esports, Formula 1, added: “Since 2017, we have seen the rapid growth of the F1 Esports Series and Gfinity have played a core part in that through their continued support in developing and delivering the series. We are excited to build on this foundation to bring further excitement to F1 Esports fans across the globe in the coming couple of years.”