Motorsport UK, the national membership organisation and governing body for motorsport in the UK, has partnered with Williams Esports for driver selections in both the F4 (iRacing) and GT (ACC) Esports competitions in the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games.  

Esports was placed firmly on the map following Team UK racer James Baldwin winning the UK’s first-ever FIA Motorsport Games gold medal at the Fanatec Esports final at Circuit Paul Ricard in 2022, taking the win with a 2.942 second margin.  

Baldwin commented, “It was quite a big responsibility to represent your country in sim racing when you consider how many competitors there are in the UK. I’m really happy.”  

The selection process for both competitions will consist of an online qualification competition followed by a driver selection day at the world-famous Williams Racing HQ in Grove.  

Both Motorsport UK and Williams will be actively involved during the driver selection process, providing pre-event training and support in addition to in-situ guidance during the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games in Valencia, Spain from 23-27 October.  

The partnership will enable competitors to benefit from the insight and value provided from the Motorsport UK Academy, including its expertise and proficiency, in combination with Williams’ state-of-the-art Esports Lounge and elite esports driver management.  

The final decision as to who will be selected to join Team UK in the Esports categories at the Games in Valencia will be made by Motorsport UK following initial online qualifying sessions. The top 15 participants from each category will be identified and then invited to progress to a final assessment day to be held at Williams Headquarters.   

Applications are now open to submit your interest to participate in the free to enter, online hot lap qualifying session which will be held from 27 -30 June, with the final assessment day being held on 13 July. You must be at least 16 years of age by 23 October 2024, a British passport holder, a valid member of Williams Gaming Club and a (free) Motorsport UK Esports member. Membership application links are included within the application form available here.  

Expenses to attend the final assessment is at the participants own cost.    

The successful candidates (one from each category) will be invited to join Team UK.  Entry to the FIA Motorsport Games together with travel, accommodation costs (not including visa sponsorship) and reasonable expenses are sponsored by Williams Esports.  

A multidisciplinary event, the FIA Motorsport Games sees drivers compete across 27 disciplines. This year will see the third edition of the event take place in Valencia, Spain, with athletes from across the world set to flex their skills on the global esports stage.  

Hugh Chambers, CEO, Motorsport UK comments, “Esports, and its presence at the FIA Motorsport Games, truly showcases how innovation is shaping motorsport and its future. Williams Esports are renowned for offering elite training, and this will be of huge benefit to our drivers going for gold in Valencia.”  

Steven English, Director of Esports, Williams, said, “We’re proud to be supporting Team UK in the FIA Motorsport Games. We’ve developed a high-performance team and coaching structure at Williams Esports that has created many champions and delivered many trophies during our time in sim racing. We’re delighted to have been appointed by Motorsport UK to represent our country in international competition.  

“We’re delighted to be able to use our recently launched Williams Gaming Club community platform to host the qualifying phase, and also to invite the top candidates to the in-person assessment in the Esports Lounge at Williams Racing HQ. We’re able to give all UK sim racers the opportunity to prove themselves, to earn the right to represent Team UK, and to enjoy an exclusive experience at the home of Williams in the process.” 

Paul Crawford, Esports Manager, adds, “The partnership with Williams Esports truly helps us to provide next-level support for our sim competitors during the Valencia Games. It’s a great opportunity to raise the profile of Esports and to encourage new drivers to try the sport.”