Miguel was one of the best of the rest at the McLaren Shadow semi-final, earning his place in the grand finals in January.

He qualified through the Forza Motorsport 7 challenge, and impressed at the semis with podium finishes at 3/5 races.

We took some time to find out a little more about the Spanish gamer, including how he’s preparing for the grand finals, and who he thinks is his biggest competition.

What’s your favourite type of car to race online?

The McLaren 720S, for the specific technique needed and difficulty.

What’s your favourite racing game?

Project Cars 2, for its difficulty and physicality.

Favourite non-racing game?

It's all about racing for me - I have never liked games that aren't racing. 

Favourite (real-life) racing driver?

Fernando Alonso.

Favourite (real-life) race track?

Macau.

What does McLaren mean to you?

McLaren is a great team. It is a feeling, a way of life. It's legendary, my heroes Senna and, above all, Fernando Alonso, are part of McLaren. It would be very special for me to be inside the team.

What gave you the edge to make it through?

Concentration and knowing how to manage the advantages with my rivals.

Any tips for healthy, fun gaming?

Do not obsess, do not play too much, and always see it from the perspective of having fun.

When you’re not working/gaming, what are you doing?

I train in karting or go to the gym; I like healthy life.

How are you going to prepare for the McLaren Shadow grand finals?

Training on all the games, and if I can, train with a real car on a track and train in karting. I'll go running on the beach and the gym, and also try to learn English beyond what is possible to be 100% ready.

Who do you see as your biggest competiton?

Igor Fraga.

The world's biggest esports racing competition will feature four days of intense tests and race offs, with two of the days streamed via our YouTube channel on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 January 2019.