F1 McLaren hire Gamer to be Simulator Driver for 2018
World of Sport Reporter: @worldofsport
Rudy van Buren of the Netherlands emerged victorious from more than 30,000 contestants in the competition that began back in May. And finally in the final round of the contest, which was a four-hour assessment on McLaren's F1 simulator, Van Buren beat fellow Durchman Freek Schothorst to win the competition.
World's Fastest Gamer was launched in May and a series of qualifying heats finally ended up with 12 finalists attending McLaren’s Woking headquarters for the finals.
Van Buren at the McLaren headquarters
The 12 finalists were put through some rigourous simulations, such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Suzuka and Interlagos, and a day-long race distance around the Le Mans 24 Hours' Circuit de la Sarthe.
The 12 finalists were whittled down to 6, then 3 and then the final 2 had a play-off to decide who was the World’s Fastest Gamer. Van Buren triumphed due to not only his speed and agility, but he believes his knowledge of F1 engineering, too.
Van Buren, who was a karting champion in his youth dreamed of a life in Formula 1, but had to quit motorsport due to a lack of funding, was delighted with his victory and new McLaren Formula 1 deal.
A life in F1 now beckons for Van Buren
"Every boy that starts karting dreams about F1, and at a certain point that dream just vanishes. Now by winning World's Fastest Gamer, I can relive that dream," Van Buren said.
"This has been the most incredible experience and words can't describe how I feel right now. To think that I came to the McLaren Technology Centre for the very first time last week but am leaving here today as McLaren's newest employee is mind-blowing.”
“It really has been the toughest job interview I've ever faced, but with such an incredible reward at the end of it. Now I can't wait to get started!"
McLaren simulator
McLaren executive director Zak Brown said: "My congratulations to Rudy - he really showed the mettle, determination and ability to succeed.
"This was an outstandingly tough contest, one where we went to great lengths to stretch our contestants beyond their limits, and he'll be a real asset to the organisation as we develop and refine our 2018 car throughout the next season."
Congratulations has to go to Rudy Van Buren, but also McLaren for their forward thinking. We have seen top European football clubs hire gamers to represent them in football tournaments, as they see the benefits of representation in major eSport football competitions. eSports are becoming very popular, and with over 10 million people viewing the World’s Fastest Gamer competition, eSports has proved not only to F1, but all major brands that it deserves to be taken seriously.
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What do you buy the golfer who has everything? A short game!
Great story, I am a life long McLaren fan ...
Great news. eSports is really being taken seriously nowadays, and righty so!
I agree. It really deserves a place, maybe not as a "sport", but it should be taken seriously.
yes,nowadays sports taken very serious
If you're a gamer, this must be a dream job!
Well done and congratulations to him.
Hopefully he can help bring McLaren back to the top, where they belong. I want a fight between 4 top teams next season!
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Wow hes done well to score that job. Maybe he'll finally achieve his goal, would be nice to see!
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Thats insane. Crazy whats happening with technology.. another prime example right there. I love hearing stuff like that. Didn't have the funding but found an alternative way to be successful in his ability to drive. Would be cool seeing him on a race track and performing well on that stage.
Even though it would be a complete different ball game out there with the pros. He clearly has the guts and courage that an F1 driver needs.