Esports

F1 Esports preview: Team vying for title in season finale

Aston Martin Cognizant Esports Team approaches Event Four of the 2021 F1 Esports Pro Championship in title contention. With the support of Title Partner Cognizant, we're bringing you all you need to know ahead of Wednesday and Thursday's finale.

With 135 points, driver Lucas Blakeley holds second in the Drivers' Championship while the team holds third in the Constructors' Standings with only three races remaining.

Aston Martin Cognizant Esports Team began its 2021 campaign with victory on its debut, and, after taking a second win in Event Three, will continue to fight for success in Event Four.

The final triple-header of the 2021 season has drivers navigating Imola for the first time on Wednesday alongside Mexico City before taking on the challenge of Interlagos on Thursday.

Only five points adrift of current championship leader Jarno Opmeer, Lucas will contest all three rounds of the finale and will be partnered by team-mate Shanaka Clay in Race 10 while Daniele Haddad returns to the cockpit for Races 11 and 12.

All rounds of the finale will be held at 35% race distance on the latest addition to the Formula One video game franchise, F1 2021, which presents a new challenge for drivers with enhanced realism.

Qualifying and the race for each round will be broadcast globally. For more information, please consult your local TV guide.

Lucas wins at Portimão

F1 Esports

Aston Martin Cognizant Esports Team's Lucas Blakeley secured his second victory in the 2021 F1 Esports Pro Championship at Portimão to remain in title contention with one event remaining.

Event Three recap

Lucas Blakeley: "For Event Four, we have two returning tracks in Mexico City and Brazil as well as a new addition in Imola. All three circuits have their own unique characteristics, challenges and styles of racing, and finding the limit early on will be crucial.

"It's easy to overstep the mark on certain kerbs at Imola and, because the track is quite tight, the racing will be intense. Mexico City is a track that demands confidence and commitment, but this means that it's quite easy to push too hard in some corners. Brazil, meanwhile, is a classic race in the F1 Esports Pro Championship, and it is always nice to end the season racing there.

"Up until this point, we have had a very strong season, and the aim is to end the year on a good note. No matter what happens, we can be proud of what we have achieved as a team and we will give it our all this week."

Virtual racing

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Aston Martin Cognizant Esports Team features a dynamic and talented driver line-up and an experienced management team ready to fight for success. Come into our world and discover our team.

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Daniele Haddad: "In Event Four, I will race in Mexico City and Brazil. They are two short tracks, so qualifying will be very important, and it is vital to be on the limit in every corner to deliver a perfect lap.

"From my side, this season has been complicated. While I have shown strong one-lap pace, the races have not come together for me for one reason or another.

"In the finale, I want to have two clean races in which I can bring home a lot of points because the team deserve it after all of the hard work throughout the season. The goal is to end the year on a high, and I will be pushing as hard as possible to achieve that."

Shanaka Clay: "After working hard behind the scenes on car set-up and strategy, I am excited to start my first race in the F1 Esports Pro Championship for Aston Martin at Imola.

"The competition has been fierce so far this season, and I want to impress. If we can qualify well and find the limit early, I think we can be in a good position to score well to bolster our efforts in the Constructors’ Championship."