Alonso, a two-time driver’s champion in the most competitive racing scene in the world, has made an investment in Motorsport Games, a Miami-based esports venture.

The Motorsport Games Network brings together some of the biggest esports gaming titles — a company that is well-placed to cash in on the burgeoning niche within professional video gaming.

The Spaniard still races professionally at age 37 and is contracted to race in the Indy 500 this season. He has obviously been paying attention to the rise of esports and has chosen to put his money where his mouth is.

“Esport is no longer a fantasy, it’s a reality and something I have been passionate about for some time,” Alonso said in a statement.

“Investing in, and helping to lead Motorsport Games will allow me to make a real contribution to this exciting aspect of motorsport’s future.

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“Esport is not better or worse, but it is different and one of the important distinctions is that it provides a way to open up motor racing to the fans.

“In all aspects of my motor racing career, whether in F1, in IndyCars or last weekend in Sebring with sports cars, one of the consistent factors all over the world is Motorsport Network.

“Their scale, as well as their commitment to esport with all of their recent initiatives, convinced me that Motorsport Games is an organisation with great capability and ambition.”

Zac Brown, the Motorsport Network chairman, couldn’t have been happier to have a legend of the sport on board.

“Having Fernando add his investment, reputation and leadership to Motorsport Games is hugely exciting,” Brown said.

“In a short space of time, Motorsport Network has taken a lead in the esports and games space with the acquisition of 704Games, holder of Nascar games licence, the joint venture with Le Mans and the recent partnership with Codemasters and we are in advanced discussion with a number of other global championships.

“I’m sure that adding Fernando’s contribution and enthusiasm will catapult Motorsport Games to a leadership position in esports.”

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