SPA, BELGIUM - AUGUST 24: Fernando Alonso of Spain and McLaren Honda talks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on August 24, 2017 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Two-time champion buys his own racing team


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Veteran Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso is expanding his influence in racing into the digital realm.

The two-time F1 champion has announced he is the principal owner of an eSports racing team. For those not familiar, eSports is short for electronic sports. Individuals and teams from around the world go head to head in competition playing computer games. There are even large eSports tournaments with huge crowds attending. Winners can take home some serious cash for winning one of these tournaments.

In the case of Alonso, carscoops.com reports the F1 star felt like this was a great time to jump into a growing sport.

"It is very exciting, and it's a completely new thing to discover," Alonso said during the announcement. "I think eSports in other formats has been very successful but in racing, it is at the very beginning, and huge potential will come."

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The new team will be called FA Racing G2 Logitech. It reflects the partnership between Alonso, McLaren sponsor Logitech and G2. The new venture hasn't developed a format just yet, but are toying with having monthly competitions where gamers can race against Formula 1 pros, including Alonso.

"I will definitely be slower - more amateur level. We will have fun, that is the first thing, and we will develop a platform that is available for everyone in the world."