14 DAY TRIAL // Video game developer Polyphony Digital, publisher Sony and car maker Nissan announce that they are launching the 2014 edition of the GT Academy program, which allows any Gran Turismo fan to try to compete through a number of events in order to get a chance to become a real-world racing pilot.
At the moment, all those who are interested can check the official site of the game in order to find out about the initial qualifying events, which are all held online using Gran Turismo 6.
Those who get through them will be able to then compete in national finals and then a final worldwide event at a Race Camp at Silverstone, which is designed to select the best driver on the Polyphony Digital simulation.
He will be able to take part in an intensive Driver Development Programme designed by Nissan and then in a variety of races around the world, starting with the massive Dubai 24 Hour Race that will take place in January 2015.
Kazunori Yamauchi, the leader of Polyphony Digital and a well-known racing fan himself, states, “Every GT6 gamer will have the chance to develop their skills in a series of stunning Nissan NISMO vehicles and compare lap times with their friends while competing for a coveted spot at the next stage of the competition.”
The partnership between the developers, Nissan and Sony has been running for six years and the hardcore fans of the Gran Turismo series have taken part in record numbers and managed to deliver some impressive virtual racing performances.
Previous drivers who were discovered through the GT Academy program include Lucas Ordonez, Wolfgang Reip and Jann Mardenborough.
Gran Turismo 6 was launched exclusively on the PlayStation 3 from Sony in early December of last year and has been well received by the community.
The title included new simulation mechanics, a bigger number of cars and improved design for the racing events, alongside a number of new modes.
Since it was launched, the developers have suggested that they might introduce a PlayStation 4 version of the title, but they have not made an official announcement.
At the same time, the leader of Polyphony Digital Kazunori Yamauchi, has said that a title for the next-gen console might be rebuilt from the ground up using an entirely new game engine and that it might take a few years to create and launch it.
