Alpine Esports Team Launch 2021 Squad!
April 8, 2021
Winning DNA. New era. Alpine Esports Team are here, and so are two of their 2021 F1 Esports drivers! Nicolas Longuet and Fabrizio Donoso will represent the French squad as they take to the digital frontier this season.
Much like the on-track transition from Renault to Alpine, the esports team retains many familiar features, with 2020 Pro Series drivers Longuet and Donoso continuing their affiliation with the team.
The pair, along with Dutchman Casper Jansen, powered to third in the most competitive Pro Series yet, with Longuet taking two victories en route to fourth overall in the driver standings. His win at the final race of the season in Brazil will provide momentum, which Alpine will want to carry in to 2021.
Donoso’s 2020 campaign was a little less fruitful, but the inaugural vice-champion from 2017 will be fired up and ready to attack the season as we’ve seen him do many times in the past.
“Considering last season, it’s great to have a chance to compete again this year,” Donoso said of the new team announcement.
“I’ve had time for myself on and off the sim. My main goal now is to focus only on performance and my driving. I am looking forward to the season with the reshaped team and our new colours.”
Thanks to the infamous Brendon Leigh finger-wag at the Abu Dhabi Grand Final in 2017, Donoso has been embedded in F1 Esports lore ever since the start. His team mate however has slightly more recent credentials, flourishing last year.
“I’m happy to continue my career with Alpine after a successful 2020 season.” Said Longuet. “For sure, after a first full campaign, now the goal is to fight for the championship and add more wins. The experience from last year will help to not repeat some mistakes.
“Some other teams seem stronger than last year already, but I feel confident, and I am looking forward to the 2021 F1 Esports Series.”
Big Ambitions
Alpine Esports Team will partner with Race Clutch for the season. Based in Limoges, France, their task will be to help drivers train and improve in all areas as Alpine enters the esports scene.
“We are delighted to announce the first Alpine Esports team” said Laurent Rossi, Alpine Cars CEO. “By partnering with Race Clutch, Alpine Esports Team will seek out and train the best Sim racers in the world with the ultimate goal of winning. The team have fantastic facilities and a superb line-up to make it happen.
“The Esports team will also continue to bridge the gap between virtual and real races, as these bridges move closer and closer each year between the two worlds. It will also learn from our Formula 1 and Alpine Racing programs.
“We can’t wait to see our team and our drivers compete virtually in 2021.”
With three driver slots to fill, the team still need to complete their roster. The F1 Esports Pro Exhibition is the best bet to find out who will get that final seat. The very best qualifying drivers will fight it out for the top spots. Teams can then select from eligible drivers, so don’t miss out when we go live on Thursday May 27! Who would you like to see alongside Longuet and Donoso? Join in the conversation on socials using #F1Esports!