Hasbro Interactive announced that it has signed a new five-year, multititle, multiplatform licensing deal with Formula 1. Racing fans may remember that the company has already signed similar deals for NASCAR and Grand Prix 500 licenses. The trio of racing's finest may spell checkered flags for the rapidly growing company.

　　"Our relationship with Formula 1 is a key component of our global motorsports business strategy," commented Hasbro Interactive President Tom Dusenberry. "We now have a stable of partners and the right development team to create the world's best racing games."

　　The company also announced that racing sim developer Geoff Crammond, who has helped build MicroProse's Grand Prix series, has agreed to enter into a long-term development contract with Hasbro to help build more racing games beginning with Grand Prix 3 and Grand Prix World. "Hasbro's absolute commitment to quality was the key factor which persuaded me to choose them as a publishing partner for F1 products," says Crammond. "I'm very much looking forward to continuing my successful relationship with the MicroProse team."

　　With the Formula 1 circuit coming back to the US in 2000 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the timing could be perfect for Hasbro and potential racing fans.