• F1 2011 review

Step in to the paddock

The new cars, drivers and regulations are all included in F1 2011 © Getty Images

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After the success of the long-awaited F1 2010 last year, Codemasters is back with the latest edition in its official series. While F1 2011 can be looked on as an updated and polished version of last year's game, just like the teams it's had to adapt to the latest rules and regulations, so there are a number of changes and welcome additions.

First, the basic playability. This is probably the most impressive aspect of the game, because it caters for every type of player and every mood. Following further input from Anthony Davidson and thorough research, the developers have managed to ensure the car reacts how you want it to. Turn off all of the driver aids and you've got to be progressive with the throttle and brakes, while not steering too vigorously or allowing the revs to get too high before changing gear. Get any aspect of that wrong and you're heading for trouble.

On the flip side, turn on the ABS and traction control and find yourself able to drive the car hard, attacking kerbs and hustling opponents even more vigorously than in 2010 with little fear of swapping ends unexpectedly.

The new Pirelli tyres add another aspect, as you notice a real difference in pace and grip between compounds, as well as obvious high levels of degradation. But there are new features which need factoring in to your race craft: KERS, DRS and the safety car. Starting with KERS, you need to analyse the track to pick the best slow speed corners where you can push the button on exit to get the most benefit. Don't waste it though, as it can have a major effect on overtaking. The button is well positioned on the default controls and soon becomes second nature.

You can begin your career at Williams or Force India, as well as Lotus, HRT or Virgin © Getty Images

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DRS is a different story, however. In practice and qualifying, you have full use of the system, which activates at the push of a button and deactivates on the second push (or when the brakes are applied). The difficulty comes when taking any sort of corner with the wing open; too much steering angle and the reduced downforce will see you facing the wrong way. Similarly, press the button too early to open the wing and the car will get away from you, even with all the driver aids on. The temptation is great, because you can hear the engine tone change when you open the wing and gain speed.

The safety car is another interesting addition for its authenticity rather than effect. It only took ESPNF1 two race starts at Monaco to cause a big enough accident to see the safety car deployed, and immediately you're told to save fuel by switching to mix one (cleverly renamed rather than slow, normal and fast engine modes). It's a tough train to follow, but so much more realistic than a stricken car just ghosting out. If you get bored with following it for a few laps, you can always turn the feature off.

Perhaps the biggest addition of all, though, is the split screen multiplayer. While it's challenging looking for your braking points on half a screen, this feature was notable by its absence in 2010 and immediately gives the game a more sociable side. Crashing out isn't the worst result either, as then your screen handily shows you how the other player is doing from offboard cameras for the rest of the race.

Career mode has one notable difference; you're able to select from Williams, Force India, Lotus, Virgin and HRT at the start of the year. While the challenge of working your way up from one of the new teams may be more rewarding, having the scope to either drop out in Q1 or sneak in to Q3 makes your career more exciting from the off. ESPNF1 was quick to realise how easy it is to recreate Karun Chandhok's error in Melbourne, however, as it took two corners on cold tyres for us to lose a front wing against the wall in FP1. With career mode so realistic, the co-operative career that can be played with a friend online adds a bit of true rivalry to the game's main aspect too.

Changeable weather conditions leave a very greasy track, but at least you don't have to worry about DRS © Getty Images

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The AI drivers are still a little erratic -Webber did a solid job of changing his line suddenly during our first career race, while Barrichello ran in to the back of us behind the safety car - but they put up more of a fight than in last year's game, and are much less inclined to jump out of your way the instant you make half a move.

As for the visual changes, the paddock is even more detailed as you begin your career in Barcelona during testing, before each paddock changes to match each race track. Again David Croft is the man to interview you, but you have a new manager - this time just a voice - and a new driver's room which is simple to use.

The graphics are even more impressive than last year, with all of the 2011 cars precisely recreated in terms of both design and livery. The only downside to the drivers and teams is that you're unable to select either Bruno Senna or Daniel Ricciardo for a grand prix. There are two new tracks to enjoy too, and while the Nurburgring fits in seamlessly as expected, so does India, despite the circuit not being complete yet.

There are a few minor drawbacks; the instant replay function remains annoyingly short, while you are also unable to switch between cars in the full race replay (though can do so between driver cars in split screen multiplayer mode). Also, while there are some nice new clips like the driver getting in to the car and celebrating a good result with the team, there's a pretty odd scene if you fail to meet your objective as a team member manhandles a TV camera away from the garage.

F1 2011 was never likely to have the same wow factor that 2010 carried due to the similarity between versions, but the new features alone have removed so many of the "I wish it had" moments that you feel even more satisfied by this latest offering. Even if your best efforts are to guide Sebastian Vettel to 23rd in India because you have no idea which way the track goes...

Title: F1 2011
Published by: Codemasters
Price: £34.99
Avaliable: September 23
Formats: Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC

Chris Medland is an assistant editor on ESPNF1.

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