The simulated-racing driver Cem Bölükbaşı has made history after he became the first F1 esports driver to move from virtual racing to real-life racing. It was recently announced that Bölükbaşı signed a contract with Charouz Racing, in a deal that will see him take part in the 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship later this year.

"I haven't really had time to let it sink in," Bölükbaşı said. "I think the realization is kicking in more and more every hour. It was a big dream that has actually happened, so it's quite difficult to put into words, but it's very exciting and I'm very happy."

The 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship season consists of 14 races spread across major European cities. Bölükbaşı is expected to participate in F2 testing this coming March with the season officially beginning two weeks later in Bahrain.

Cem Bölükbaşı is a 23-year-old Turkish simulated-racing driver. Prior to racing in the 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship, he took part in major sim-racing competitions like the Formula One eSports Series, the GT4 European Series, and the 2021 F3 Asian Championship.

(All information was provided by Dexerto, Formula 1, and Wikipedia)