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Racing Point eSports confirm Blakeley and Haddad for 2020

2 Mins read
Credit: Racing Point F1 eSports

Racing Point F1 eSports have announced they driver lineup for the 2020 eSports Pro Series. The team will retain the services of Lucas Blakeley and Daniele Haddad, who joined the outfit last year.

Blakeley ran the last four races in the team’s campaign last year, being selected in the 2019 Pro Draft. Putting in an impressive performance, the Scot secured his first podium in only his second start at Suzuka.

Credit: Racing Point F1 eSports

Italian Daniele Haddad, an experienced sim racer, completed in all 12 races for the team, with a best placed finish of sixth at the final race at Interlagos.

Both drivers took part in the first F1 Virtual Grand Prix, set up to fill the gap caused by a lack of racing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside streamer Jimmy Broadbent and former driver Nico Hülkenberg.

The pairing will be joined by a third driver for this year’s eSports Pro Series, which will be decided in the Pro Draft due to be held later in the year.

Team principal Otmar Szafnauer is encouraged by the impact eSports is having on the F1 community.

He said: “F1 eSports continues to go from strength to strength as a competition and as a commercial platform. Over the past 12 months, the interest level from both our fans and partners has increased significantly and we’re all interested to see where it goes from here.

“Of course, the current situation with the postponement of the F1 season has thrown eSports even more prominently into the spotlight.

“This is a great opportunity for both the sport and our team to show what they’re all about and I’m looking forward to seeing what Lucas and Daniele can do,” said Szafnauer.

Blakeley is keen for the season to get underway, and to see what he is able to achieve: “It’s great to be back for 2020 and a privilege to have the chance to represent BWT Racing Point F1 eSports Team once again.

“After a season of highs and lows last year, we gained a lot of experience together and plenty of knowledge to help us improve, so hopefully this year will be a step forward. I’m just excited to get started and hopefully achieve some great things together,” he said.

Haddad said he is pleased to have the opportunity to continue to work with the team.

He said: “It’s a really good feeling to be back. Last season was my first with the BWT Racing Point F1 eSports Team and I loved every minute. Everybody was so welcoming and really great to work with. For me, it’s a dream to be competing in F1 eSports – but I found a family here more than just a team.”

He has high exceptions of what he wants to achieve this season, but is determined to reach his goals.

“My minimum goal for the 2020 season is the top five in the Drivers’ Championship. It won’t be easy – you have to find a way to get everything together, with a bit of luck also. But I know I have the ability and I can promise I will do everything in my power to achieve it.”

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F1 reporter for The Checkered Flag. Also a second year Journalism student at Robert Gordon University. Feel free to follow me on Twitter at @findlaygrant5.
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