Petronas Yamaha will make their first foray into the MotoGP esport series after signing Malaysian player Muhammad Mulkana.
Although Balikpapan-born “Kana” is a rookie in the esport Global Series, his results in the Pro Draft have impressed.
The Pro Draft is the official selection phase of the competition with each player taking part in three online challenges using the Official MotoGP videogame.
At the end of the three time trial tests Kana finished third in the Rest of the World standings – 1st Asian gamer – and was the top placed in the PC category, thanks to two first place finishes (Qatar and Austin) and a second place in Thailand.
The Indonesian gamer – who races under the handle Sanshoqueen – will now represent PetronasYamaha SRT against 10 other eSport riders in an eight-race championship – Global Series – that will be held over four different MotoGP venues.
Like MotoGP, gamers will receive points for their finishing position and the competitor with the highest points total after the eight races will be crowned 2020 MotoGP eSport Champion.
“This really means a lot to me and I am so happy that I will be representing Petronas Yamaha SRT in the MotoGP eSport Championship. I won’t waste this opportunity,” he said.
“The Pro Draft selection was tough and I struggled a bit in the wet conditions of Thailand but in the end I managed to be the fastest rider on PC.
“I may be a rookie this year but I want to be MotoGP eSport World Champion! I want to fight for the podium and win as many races as possible.
I’m training hard at the moment, about ten hours a day, and I can’t wait to meet the team, especially Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli as there are so many things that I want to talk about with them. Now, I’m just looking forward to getting racing.”