Codemasters have signed an "exclusive, worldwide agreement with Formula One Administration Limited" which will see the UK based developer and publisher release F1 2009 on the Nintendo Wii and the PlayStation Portable later this year, recreating the 2009 race reason in detail, with vehicles, drivers and cars from the actual, real world to feature in the game, complete with the Singapore night race.

Those wanting some Formula One action on the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox will need to wait until the middle of 2010, when Codemasters plans to transition the series to the more powerful platforms, which will use the EGO Game Engine, the very same used for Race Driver: GRID.

The Wii and PSP versions of the title, due in "Spring" this year, will be tweaked for the individual platform in mind, with both versions of the games to focus on the new regulations and rules introduced for the 2009 Formula One racing season, including the KERS boost system, designed to make overtaking easier.

On the Nintendo Wii, gamers will be able to enjoy "new standards of immersion and authenticity", with Championship mode, and a number of arcade themed challenges to feature, along with a number of driver aids. Multiplayer functionality on the Wii will include split screen, and the ability to handicap more well endowed drivers with a lack of traction control and driver aids.


Screenshots from the Wii version
On the PSP, gameplay will be "tuned" for portable play, along with the inclusion of wireless multiplayer gameplay, and a full championship mode. Before the game is released however, gamers (and News Bots alike) must brace themselves for the flurry of statements from people closely tied to the project.


Screenshots from the PSP version
First - Bernie Ecceltone, CEO of Formula One Management Limited:

Codemasters has a great heritage when it comes to racing games and their reputation is second to none. We’re working very closely together on the upcoming FORMULA ONE titles and are very impressed with what we have seen.

Next, Rod Cousens, CEO of Codemasters:

FORMULA ONE is the pinnacle of motorsport. For many, it embraces a lifestyle and its audience is far reaching and growing. We are producing a series of games that will deliver the passion, glamour and exhilaration that fans deserve and we know how to do that. F1 2009 is the start of something very special for Codemasters and will set the standard for the high definition versions that will follow in mid 2010.

Our studios are working extremely closely with Formula One Management Limited and the teams to produce the most authentic and thrilling experience possible. We are delighted with the level of support and access afforded to us so far, enabling us to get as close to the sport as possible. It is this level of support, understanding and working in partnership that enables to deliver superb FORMULA ONE games for whichever platform players choose to race.

F1 2009 is due for release on the Nintendo Wii and the PSP later this year. Meanwhile, there is still a lengthy wait for F1 2010 - which, as its name implies, will release in the middle of 2010, for the PC, PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360.