Guild Esports PLC (LSE:GILD, OTCQB:GULDF) has announced its debut in the 2023 season of the British F4 Esports Championship, the company's first foray into competitive simulated (sim) racing.
The company said it will field two professional drivers in the championship, with the roster set to be unveiled soon. These players will have access to the Guild Simulator Facility, equipped with high-end sim racing rigs provided by Fanatec, Guild's official sim racing peripherals partner.
Guild anticipates that its entry into British F4 Esports will generate sponsorship and revenue opportunities, as well as provide access to a pipeline of new talent, while expanding their audience and attracting new fans.
The British F4 Esports Championship 2023 season, sanctioned by Motorsport UK, starts in September and runs until November. It will comprise eight rounds held at digital replications of real-world racetracks. Renowned companies such as Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant and Williams are among the participants, utilising officially licensed FIA F4 cars modeled after real-world Formula 4 cars.
In addition to its involvement in British F4 Esports, Guild has committed to supporting drivers in the UK FF1600 Esports Cup, a feeder series for the championship designed to provide opportunities for underprivileged drivers who may not possess sim racing hardware or previous experience in the field.
Guild will leverage its Academy and the Guild Simulator Facility to offer training and improvement opportunities to participants. The simulator facility will also serve as a scouting platform for Guild to identify promising drivers for the company's Academy and professional teams.
Luke Jones, Guild's vice president of commercial, esports and gaming, expressed his enthusiasm for the company's entry into the British F4 Esports Championship, highlighting the chance to develop grassroots talent in the esport.
In a statement, Jones said: "For our commercial team, this is also a fantastic opportunity to begin our journey speaking to new audiences and open up new revenue streams."
Guild Esports said its venture into the British F4 Esports Championship signifies a commitment to expanding its presence in the sim racing landscape while nurturing young competitors and exploring new avenues for growth.