Silly season is not just exclusive to F1. And March Madness isn’t just a basketball term. The world of F1 Esports is a constantly-turning machine, and with 30 places on the virtual grid up for grabs, there’s always room for a bit of transfer madness.
One of the first pieces of the 2020 Pro Series puzzle slotted into place on February 28, when Vitality Esports announced on Twitter that Nicolas Longuet would be joining Renault’s F1 Esports entity for the coming season.
It’s a pretty huge move, considering Longuet’s background. Selected by Red Bull Racing Esports at the 2019 Pro Draft, the Frenchman was part of the title-winning team come season’s end, alongside stablemates Frederik Rasmussen and Joni Tormala.
Perhaps just as incredible is that Longuet was only deployed in a single F1 Esports race in 2019. And he damn near won the thing. His intense battle with Dani Bereznay in Monza was one of the highlights of the third live show, and though he was passed for victory with a handful of laps remaining, to lead on your debut – only – race in a championship, is nothing short of brilliant. To follow it up with a podium, remarkable.
So what can Longuet achieve with Renault? Looking back on last year’s championship, Renault were one of the three teams chasing Red Bull for the title. Ultimately, they finished fourth, behind Ferrari Driver Academy and Alfa Romeo Racing Esports. So it could be argued that leaving the reigning champions is a risky side-step. Longuet will be hoping his Red Bull-to-Renault move goes slightly better than that of Daniel Ricciardo, who made the real-world switch in 2019, and endured a tough first season.
On the other hand, Frederik Rasmussen made himself indispensable at Red Bull in 2019. With a top-two finish in half the races, he was their most consistent performer, and largely the team’s quickest racer. As an unproven quantity, it was tough for Longuet to get a look in – hence his sole race in Monza – so a new team could be his best shot at getting more track time and proving himself.
CHANGING OF THE SEASONS
New talent enters the yellow corner in F1 Esports. But so too does it go the other way. In the past few days, both Simon Weigang and Cedric Thome announced their departure from the Enstone team. It means that for now, Longuet is the first official driver announcement of 2020. Jarno Opmeer remains with the outfit, so Renault have just one precious spot left for the taking. As for the other teams? Keep eyes on social media and right here on the F1 Esports website for more news as we get it.
While teams can sign drivers of their own accord, it’s worth remembering that all 10 must select one driver from the Pro Draft, which is coming up in April. The full picture won’t become fully clear until the event, which will be streaming live on Twitch, YouTube, and with select broadcast partners.
How do you think Longuet will get on at his new home? Let us know on social media, and be sure to tag your post with #F1Esports to spread the word!
Comments