Codemasters’ Formula One 2009 Coming To Wii And PSP

After two years in the gaming wilderness, Formula One is set to make a return to the virtual world after Codemasters announced it will release Formula One 2009 on the Nintendo Wii and Sony PSP this year.

The game will then make the transition to the more powerful Xbox 360, PS3 and PC platforms next year, with Codemasters using the extra time to produce the title on a high-definition scale.

"We definitely looked at whether it would be possible to get a game of high enough quality on next-gen in 2009. It will be a wait, but one that's worth it," Communications Manager Adrian Lawton told IGN.

"And in the meantime we're able to produce a high quality game on Wii and PSP within the timescale. The Wii is the biggest platform in the world now, so why not have a fully featured comprehensive racer for it?"

The British-based developer won the license to produce a new F1 game after previous holders Sony reportedly balked at the fee demanded by Formula One Management.

Having produced the Race Driver series, the company has a pedigree in producing quality race simulators, raising the expectations of the gaming public, including F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

"Codemasters has a great heritage when it comes to racing games and their reputation is second to none," he said.

"We're working very closely together on the upcoming Formula 1 titles and are very impressed with what we have seen."

Formula One 2009 will feature all the teams and circuits involved in this year’s championship, including the yet to be completed Abu Dhabi track.

Codemasters will also incorporate F1’s new rule changes including the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), while race commentary is likely to be replaced by a steady stream of remarks over the team radio in an attempt to replicate the driver’s experience.