Please choose whether this site may use cookies or related technologies (“Cookies”) as described below. You can learn more about how this site uses cookies and related technologies by reading our privacy policy linked below.
Please choose whether this site may use cookies or related technologies (“Cookies”) as described below. You can learn more about how this site uses cookies and related technologies by reading our privacy policy linked below.
They are the champions. Red Bull Racing Esports go into 2020 with a target on their backs. And in a bid to keep their supremacy, they’ve opted to change their driver roster. Step up, Marcel Kiefer!
The likeable German moves over to Red Bull after spending 2019 with SportPesa Racing Point F1 Esports Team. He enjoyed a successful season, racking up victory at Silverstone in emphatic fashion.
He wound up sixth in the standings, behind double-champion Brendon Leigh, and the four main frontrunners; Jarno Opmeer, Dani Bereznay, Frede Rasmussen, and eventual champion David Tonizza.
After their triumph in the 2019 F1 Esports Pro Series Grand Final, Red Bull enter a new era, with a new line-up. Frede Rasmussen and Joni Tormala remain on their books for now, with Kiefer stepping in to replace Renault Sport Team Vitality-bound Nicolas Longuet. Of course, only two of these drivers will be able to represent the team, with the third being chosen at the 2020 F1 Esports Pro Draft.
Being selected to join the reigning champions is no small feat. And it’s certainly an opportunity the 21-year-old takes seriously. In an interview on the Red Bull website, he said:
“It’s a huge pleasure for me to join the reigning F1 Esports World Champions. Their on and off-track performance is outstanding, in both the real and the virtual world. It makes me really proud to represent this prestigious team.
“Last season I showed that I have the ability to win and I’m confident that I’ll be able to unlock my full potential within the Red Bull family.â€
“The Team has always seemed very welcoming, which made the decision easier for me. But their work ethic, dedication, mindset and approach to achieve success in racing is what sealed it for me.”
While the 2019 season was the most competitive in F1 Esports to date, there was still plenty of room for comradeship between rivals.
“I get along well with the drivers and team members. I’ve known all my new teammates for several years now. All of them – especially Frede – have unbelievable pace. For me, Frede is definitely the best driver out there, obviously apart from myself. I already beat him once last year, but we are here to win together, so that’s what we will focus on!”
Will Kiefer’s inclusion at Red Bull spice things up? Can he add to his maiden win? And will the team reign once again? We’ll find out later this year, when the F1 Esports Pro Series returns.
