Sony's Studio Liverpool shipped its PlayStation 3-exclusive Formula One Championship Edition back in 2007, and since then racing-specialist Codemasters has taken the reins. Released from the shackles of its platform-exclusive chains, the pinnacle of motorsport is heading to the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation Portable this summer, followed by Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions in 2010. Codies popped in to the GameSpot UK offices to give us a first look at the Wii version, and we wasted no time gearing up for a few hot laps with it.

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　　Formula One 2009 Announcement Trailer

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　　Formula One 2009 is being developed by Sumo Digital. The UK-based studio has shipped numerous racing titles, including GTI Club Plus and TOCA Race Driver PSP ports, so it's certainly no stranger to the sport. Based on the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championships, it features all of the drivers and teams represented this year. All of this year's 17 rounds are present, including recent newcomers in the Singapore and Abu Dhabi grand prix. F1 2009 features several game modes, including single exhibition races, full seasons, and the World Championship career mode. This mode spans over three seasons, and you can race as an existing top-tier driver or create a player from scratch with the goal of winning a driver's championship before the end of the third year. Also included are competitive and cooperative two-player split-screen multiplayer. Lastly, there are single and co-op challenges to help you hone your skills. In a co-op challenge, the goal may be for one of you to hold back an opponent while your teammate overtakes. We have yet to give these a spin, but they should add some variety to the game.

　　For each round of the series, you're able to choose whether to jump straight into the race or take part in a full grand prix weekend, including practice sessions and the new knockout qualifying sessions. One of the biggest changes this year is to the franchise's presentation. Codies has veered away from the "TV broadcast" style of previous years, including commentators and TV-style displays. Instead, the focus is more on the driver's experience, and while there will still be some onscreen data, the team radio will play a vital part in your race strategy. The success of this stripped-down approach remains to be seen, but we're open to improvements to what had become a bit staid in the past--although we'd also certainly welcome a return of Murray Walker's expert commentary.

　　F1 2009 follows Mario Kart's control setup, with five options to choose from: Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Wii Remote, Classic Controller, Wii Wheel, and the Logitech Wii steering wheel. Our hands-on with the game was with the nunchuk and remote, and we're pleased to report that it felt both natural and responsive. The analogue stick is used to steer, and the buttons are used for acceleration, braking, and switching camera angles. A tap of the C button engages the latest addition in F1 tactics: the Kinetic Energy Recovery System. KERS was introduced to the sport this season and gives drivers a short boost by recovering kinetic energy lost during braking. While only a few of the teams have implemented KERS in 2009, it remains to be seen which ones will have it in the game. To create an even playing field, however, we'd expect all teams to have it available. When used tactically, KERS might mean the difference between victory and settling for runner-up.

　　Formula One 2009 promises all of the drivers, teams, circuits--and drama--of this year's F1 season.

　　Despite Brawn GP's dominance of the 2009 season, thanks in part to the cars' split-level diffuser, F1 2009's grid will be more evenly balanced. The developers are currently fine-tuning car performances, but rest assured that whether you're a fan of Ferrari or Force India, you should stand a chance of a podium finish come race day. If victory seems out of reach, novices can turn a range of assists on, including anti-skid, anti-wheel spin, traction control, and a racing line to put you on the right path. Meanwhile, racing buffs will be pleased with granular control over a wide range of settings, from suspension and tyres to gear ratios, handling, and aerodynamics.

　　Formula One 2009 is heading to the Wii and PSP later this summer. Stay tuned as we uncover more from behind the closed garage doors of Sumo Digital and Codemasters over the coming months.