Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management launch YAS HEAT esports team

UAE - YAS HEAT has announced its entry onto the global esports stage in partnership with industry renowned Veloce Esports, with the ambition of discovering and developing UAE gaming talent in an unprecedented recruitment programme designed to create the leading eSports brand in the Middle East.

The team will first appear in the inaugural season of the V10 R-League, part of the Global Racing Series, competing against the renowned motorsport powerhouses such as Williams Esports, BWT Racing Point Esports Team, Ford (Fordzilla) and Jaesa Team Suzuki .

The V10 R-League line up comprises four talented and notable sim-racers. Jaroslav Honzik - 'Jardier' - has a dedicated and loyal fanbase on YouTube, but is also well-versed in Assetto Corsa, while Eamon Murphy has competed at the highest level across iRacing, Assetto Corsa and Project Cars 2, with multiple championship titles to his name in the latter.

The third member of the team, Andrea Capoccia, maximises his real-world motorsport experience setting up cars to give him the upper hand in the virtual world, and compatriot Simone Fedele is relishing the opportunity to prove his worth on a global stage for the first time.

Beyond the V10 R-League, YAS HEAT will enter a raft of elite gamers into Forza and Gran Turismo competitions among other high-profile esports events, quickly establishing a foothold in the industry with the target of making a strong and immediate impact, as well as inspiring rising regional gaming talent.

The professional team is just one part of the larger brand vision. Legacy aspects of the project are also key factors with the aim of raising awareness of esports and motorsport in the UAE as well as attracting upcoming sim-racers into the YAS HEAT Open Trials initiative.

This one-of-a-kind project aims to identify and nurture local sim-racing talent, with regional trials taking place over three unique stages during the next 12 months. Starting with the application process, candidates will navigate through multiple-discipline sim-racing assessments, media and aptitude tests as well as participating in challenges with members of the team's pro driver squad. Finally, a panel comprising YAS Heat team management, ambassadors and the aforementioned pro drivers will select the final five applicants who will form the official development academy.

The creation of the YAS HEAT Open Trials aims to provide a platform for aspiring local competitors to hone their skills, progressing to a level which will enable them to take part in tournaments around the globe. As a result, the spotlight will focus on Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE as a respected, credible and ever-growing esports destination.

Saif Al-Noaimi, Principal, Yas Heat, said: "The YAS HEAT esports team is the start of a multiyear programme and commitment to develop a globally successful virtual racing ecosystem for Abu Dhabi. We are excited about the team competing in its first season in the Global Racing Series, the V10 R-league, Forza and Gran Turismo competition. The launch of the Open Trials will look to find the best racing talent in the UAE and the region. Yas Heat and Veloce will now work to develop next generation virtual racing champions to perform at the highest level."

Jack Clarke, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Veloce Esports, said: "We are thrilled to be embarking on this journey with YAS Heat, we are very confident that we will be fielding a range of the most elite teams in top games across the world of esports.

"Announcing entry into the Global Racing Series and V10 R-League line-up is an exciting first step and, beyond the initial stages of the league, we will be rolling out our other teams and activations in this incredibly exciting and fast-growing space.

"We are particularly excited to be developing and drafting talent from the region. With such a potent connection to fast cars and racing, we feel there is a lot of success to be had by harnessing the team's Open Trials process to drive talent and professional esports prospects."