for the GT Academy National Finals
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue™ gamers set their fastest lap in a bid to turn their driving dreams into a reality courtesy of Playstation® and Nissan 28 July 2008: Last week, after an action-packed seven weeks of virtual racing, the chequered flag fell on the first stage of GT Academy, the international driving competition brought to life by PlayStation® and Nissan.
The eight-month competition, which is merging the worlds of videogames and motorsport, is now moving into its second phase. The first stage of GT Academy ran on PlayStation® Network and required entrants to record their fastest online lap in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue™ for PLAYSTATION®3. The stage saw nearly a staggering 25,000 entrants across 12 European countries battle for a chance to turn their racing dreams into reality and become part of the Nissan racing team in next year’s 24h Dubai.
The top 20 drivers from each country will now be selected and move onto the GT Academy National Finals to participate in time trials and head to head races against one another on Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.
From there just three of the fastest virtual racers from each country will be given the chance to prove themselves on a real circuit as they compete in Nissan GT-Rs at the UK’s iconic Silverstone racetrack. The GT Academy National Finals began this weekend in Spain and finish in Scandinavia on 15th August.
The Silverstone stage of GT Academy will run from 27th–31st August, and will see competitors prove their real driving skills in a variety of vehicles including the Nissan GT-R. Each participant will undergo a series of mental and physical aptitude tests in a bid to become one of just two drivers joining the Nissan racing team next year.
Mark Bowles, Gran Turismo Brand Manager from SCEE commented: ‘We are overwhelmed with the success of the online element of the competition. There is obviously an enormous Gran Turismo fan base out there and it’s fantastic that PlayStation and Nissan are able to work together to deliver this experience of a lifetime to those fans.’
Darren Cox, European Interactive Marketing Manager for Nissan Europe, said: “The GT Academy has given those with a genuine passion for motorsports the chance to turn their driving dreams into a reality. The response to the competition has been phenomenal and we’re confident that out of the thousands of applicants we will find some real gems of driving talent that can compete for Nissan on an international level next year.” Running over eight months, GT Academy captures the spirit and ethos of both Nissan and PlayStation brands and aims to unite the worlds of videogames and motorsport through ultra- realistic competition.
To find out more, visit gtacademy.eu.
