Ferrari has announced their Virtual Academy 2010, giving Formula One fans all around the globe access to a true-to-life simulation of their current Ferrari F10 Formula One race car.
The Virtual Academy will include Ferrari’s current Formula One challenger as well as three laser-scanned (!) tracks – Fiorano, Mugello & the Nürburgring. The Academy comes with a global hotlap competition as the fastest drivers can win Ferrari merchandise every week. The five quickest drivers will even be invited to Maranello, participating in the official Ferrari Driving Academy.
The simulator does not just look pretty stunning as you can see below, Ferrari also promises a very realistic approach as the car has been designed based on official CAD data. In terms of physics, Ferrari has not cut any corners either, promising the most accurate virtual reproduction of a Ferrari F1 single-seater in computer simulation to date. Ferrari’s Formula One drivers have been heavily involved with testing the virtual car, making sure the driving dynamics and tyre behaviour is as realistic as possible.
The simulator will be using the same setups as the real-life F10, players will be able to match themselves against the top times set by Ferrari’s world class drivers. Furthermore, the simulation also includes a replay system and real-time global leader boards to track your progress.
This is stunning news as Ferrari is the first Formula One team to give sim racers access to an official simulator, the ingredients sound very promising and could provide for a new benchmark in open-wheel simulation.
Update: The initial release on September 9th will include the Ferrari F10 Formula One car and the Fiorano track for 15€.
