New esports team, Yas Heat, launched in Abu Dhabi

Yas Heat, a newly launched esports team based in Abu Dhabi, will take part in the inaugural season of the V10 R-League, part of the Global Racing Series.

The team will compete against motorsport household names such as Williams Esports, BWT Racing Point Esports Team, Ford (Fordzilla) and Jaesa Team Suzuki.

Beyond the V10 R-League, Yas Heat will enter a raft of gamers into Forza and Gran Turismo competitions among other esports events.

Yas Heat is the product of Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management in partnership with Veloce Esports. As part of the collaboration, the team has launched a recruitment programme to discover and develop UAE gaming talent.

The project aims to identify and nurture local sim-racing talent, with regional trials taking place over three stages during the next 12 months.

Starting with the application process, candidates will navigate through multiple-discipline sim-racing assessments, media and aptitude tests as well as participate in challenges with members of the team’s pro driver squad.

Finally, a panel comprising Yas Heat team management, ambassadors and the aforementioned pro drivers will select the final five applicants who will form the official development academy.

Read: ESI to organise major B2B online esports gaming conference next week

“The Yas Heat esports team is the start of a multiyear programme and commitment to developing a globally successful virtual racing ecosystem for Abu Dhabi,” said Saif Al-Noaimi, principal, Yas Heat.

“We are excited about the team competing in its first season in the Global Racing Series, the V10 R-league, Forza and Gran Turismo competition. The launch of the Open Trials will look to find the best racing talent in the UAE and the region. Yas Heat and Veloce will now work to develop next-generation virtual racing champions to perform at the highest level,” he added.

The Yas Heat Open Trials aim to provide a platform for aspiring local competitors to hone their skills, progressing to a level where they can take part in tournaments around the globe.

“Announcing entry into the Global Racing Series and V10 R-League line-up is an exciting first step and, beyond the initial stages of the league, we will be rolling out our other teams and activations in this incredibly exciting and fast-growing space,” said Jack Clarke, co-founder and chief strategy officer, Veloce Esports.