The Williams Formula 1 team has anno🐬unced it will launch an official eSports team in 2018.

Williams’ confirmation follows the news that all teams except Ferra♓ri have signed up to contest the second season of the F1 Sports Series this year. 

The Grove-based F1 outfit have signed Javier Perez, Jani Vitsaniemi and Bern🍸ardo Perez to its eSports team driver roster for the 2018 campaign, with the drivers being p🐲rovided with access to the team’s Oxfordshire factory for training, as well as working with Robert Kubica in the simulator. 

“eSports has grown dramatically in recent years ꦜto become a huge global industry, so we’re eager to take on the challenge of growing sim racing’s place in the eSport💛s world,” Williams eSports team manager Javier Guerra said. 

“We’re looking forward to developing our roster of drivers, offering a select💜 number the incredible chance to become part of the Williams family.”

Head of creative services Steven English added: “Gaming and motorsport have had strong links for many ye🦄ars. Now, eSports is an innovative part of the sport and entertainment landscape, so this is a natural evolution of our competitive spirit. 

“We’re ambitious about developing o💫pportunities for our fans and our partners in ꦜthis new and exciting space for us.”

In July an NFL-style 'Pro Dr🧔aft' will take place in London, which is expected to coincide with the British Grand Prix (July 6-8), when each team will pick at least one driver for the remainder of the year.

Following the Pro Draft, the second half of the Esports ღseason will see three live events take place across September to determine the 2018 F1 teams’ and drivers' world champions with a prize fund of $200,000.