Codemasters and Sumo Digital are clearly hoping that a selection of mini-games will extend the life of F1 2009 when it releases later in the year. IGN’s latest preview of the game includes details about six of them:

• Checkpoint – race through time extend gates just like in Lotus Turbo Challenge.
• Gate – some sort of variation on the above.
• Touge – a head-to-head race, possibly similar to GRID’s mode of the same name.
• Slipstream – presumably awards points for drafting for as long as possible.
• Eliminator – last car on each lap is knocked out.

Those thinking that the series has been dumbed down from its last outing on PS3 may take some solace in the description of the on track action. Writer Martin Robinson describes it as “accomplished” and offering “surprising depth and feedback”.