Ferrari has announced a virtual simulator to give fans of its Scuderia F1 team something to do between races. Using input from its F1 drivers (Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa, Giancarlo Fisichella) and engineers, the Ferrari Virtual Academy will be revealed live at Monza in Ferrari's paddock at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix.
The game will evolve and be released in stages, allowing people to race each other online on a variety of tracks. At launch, races will be held at the Fiorano track, followed by Mugello and the Nürburgring at a later date.
According to Ferrari, this is the only simulator to faithfully reproduce the F10 in all its glory. It is derived from Ferrari's own driver simulator, provides gamers with a realistic portrayal of the F10's cockpit, as well as realistic "aerodynamic effects, tire characteristics and behaviour of the chassis-suspension system and engine".
For fans willing to get seriously involved, there will be an online tournament that will track the simulator's top performers and reward them with weekly Ferrari goodies. Not only that, but Ferrari will bring the top five fastest tournament drivers to Maranello to do the Ferrari Driver Academy.
The Fiorano simulator will be released online at a price of €14.90, with Mugello and the Nürburgring set to follow at €9.90.
By Phil Alex
(Link: Ferrari Simulator download)
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