F1 2011

In F1 2011, players become the driver – as the strapline says: 'be the driver, live the life, go compete'. With a wide range of improvements on and off the track, the 2011 season is the best yet. The car handling and visual details are significantly better, and the new Co-op Championship mode presents an enjoyable new way for friends to experience all the racing together.

But there is a chance the complex driving physics could become frustrating for some novice motor-racers; for example, this year now permits the use of Kinetic Energy Recovery System and Drag Reducing System. Sounds deep, but don't let that put you off – as soon as you get stuck in, it all starts to become clear.

2011 features all of the official teams, drivers and circuits, including two new ones; Dehli's Jaypee International Race Circuit and the return of Germany's iconic Nürburgring track. The game realistically captures the fragility of the modern F1 car, and does a good job of replicating the care needed to drive your racing car. You'll have to find a decent overall balance of the car whilst racing, which includes the monitoring damage to your tyres, fuel consumption, and so on, so you have to make sure every pit stop is used wisely.

In addition to the Career mode and the single race Grand Prix mode, 2011 now includes a new time attack based game called 'Proving Grounds'. Here, you are given a car, circuit and a weather condition, and you must set the fastest time possible without being able to change the car's set up. Multiplayer in F1 2011 can be played either online or split-screen. Split-screen only offers single races, but does include a full grid of AI cars. Online mode sees up to 16 players taking part in three lap races, qualifying sessions, or more difficult multiplayer games that include qualifying followed by a longer distance race with pitstops. The big addition to the multiplayer is the new 'Co-op Championship', which allows you and a friend drive for the same team during a championship season. You help one another with your car set ups in order to bring success to your team, but even though you and your friend are racing for the same team, there can only be one champion, so the exciting rivalry is there.

F1 2011 is a fantastic sequel, and is definitely one of the most authentic and realistic racing simulations available. All F1 fans, and even fans of racing games in general, will love this.