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ENJOY THE SMELL OF high-octane fuel? Drawn by the roar and whine of highly tuned engines? Do you salivate at the thought of high-velocity crashes? Speed freaks rejoice: the Formula One franchise is about to make a welcome return to the PlayStation 2. The only official game of the 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship, Formula One 2006 will be available for PlayStation 2 and PSP, and there's even a version in the works for the PlayStation 3.

As you would expect from an official game franchise such as this, Formula One 2006 features all the cars and drivers of the 2006 season. The developers have concentrated on three key game elements: speed, competition and fast-paced action. Accordingly, the game will cater to both newbie racers and hardened petrol heads alike. If you are a complete novice to the racing genre you will be able to switch on a raft of in-play gaming aids that will allow you to drive with confidence from the drop of the chequered flag.

Race veterans will be able to experience the full Formula One experience - no mention of pit babes, but you can expect to see all the circuits, teams, drivers and cars of the 2006 season.

One intriguing aspect of the game will be the online element. A first for the genre, cross platform online play is available between the PSP and the PS2. Yes, if your mate only has a PSP you can still teach him some ownage while playing on your console!

Formula One 2006 is all set for release in mid June (PSP) and mid July (PS2). Last year's PS2 version took a major leap forward in physics and previous game engines should be ideal for PSP.

Game Features:

• Accessibility: Thanks to new racing aids, any gamer can pick-up and play Formula One 06 and enjoy the exhilaration of driving a Formula One car. Equally, if you're a confirmed Formula One driver, you can scale the gameplay to make it more simulation oriented. Either way, you will have access to a Tips and Learning Centre to constantly improve your racing skills.

• Online Play: You can now race online in a complete 18-race season! Relive the excitement and the competition of a full championship season. Winning it will make it even more satisfying.

• Cross Platform: Race online between PlayStation 2 and PSP

• Realism: Race in this year's championship with all the 2006 drivers, cars, teams, circuits and rules

• Classic Cars: Unlock and take the wheel of classic Formula One cars

• Extensive Career Mode: Chief Engineer – A new way of playing career mode

• Live Action Racing: Pressure system, AI mistakes and collisions, race incidents, new physics

• Race Car Evolution: Tune and set up your car without going through complicated menu screens

To whet your appetite we have some screens from the PSP version:

...and a few from the PS2 version:

Show me the screenshots!