Jarno Opmeer signs for Red Bull Sim Racing
Sim Racing’s Rise and Red Bull’s Bold Move
Sim Racing has grown in popularity in recent years with more and more drivers making a name for themselves on their rigs and showcasing their skills on streaming platforms to audiences of potential millions. It is also proving an essential tool for professional track teams when learning new circuits and preparing for upcoming races.
Red Bull Sim Racing has made a powerful move by signing two-time Formula One Sim Racing world champion Jarno Opmeer to its ranks on a multi-year deal. He joins reigning champion Frede Rasmussen to complete a stellar lineup.
Jarno Opmeer’s Racing Journey
After learning his craft in karting, Opmeer started his racing career on the track in 2016, racing in Formula 4 for Dutch team MP Motorsport. Seven wins in his debut season saw Opmeer finish in second place in the overall standings. The Dutch driver continued with MP for the next two years, racing in various iterations of Formula Renault, although the success of his debut season was unable to be replicated.
When his time at MP Motorsport came to an end, Opmeer switched tack and began Sim Racing, joining Renault-Vitality Esports for the 2019 and third season of the F1 Esports Series. One win and five podiums saw Opmeer finish fourth in the driver’s standings and catch the eye of the Alfa Romeo Esports team who signed him ahead of the 2020 season. In his first year with the team, he secured four wins from 12 races to secure the world championship, beating (now teammate) Rasmussen of Red Bull. That success was replicated the following year, as Opmeer switched to Mercedes and secured back-to-back drivers’ championships.
The Switch to Red Bull Sim Racing
For the past few years, Opmeer has combined duties for Mercedes in the Formula 1 and Formula E Esports series. While a third title has eluded him, the 24 year old will be hoping the switch to Red Bull will bring a change in form. Opmeers progress can be documented across his social media platforms, including his YouTube channel which has 470,000 subscribers.
Jarno Opmeer: “I can’t wait to get started with Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing. My first race with the Team is tonight – we have been practicing hard. This weekend, I will be attending the Dutch GP as well, so it’s shaping up to be a great first week. I’m looking forward to what the future brings.”
Joe Soltysik, Head of Esports at Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing: “Jarno joining our team is not only a reflection of the hard work behind the scenes from both ourselves and Team Redline, but also a statement of intent to create sustained success in Sim Racing from Oracle Red Bull Racing. A lineup of Jarno Opmeer and Frede Rasmussen is the strongest possible combination of drivers in F1 Sim Racing and will hopefully bode well for our chances to reclaim the Team Championship title.”
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Red Bull Racing
video: Jarno Opmeer YouTube channel