Codemasters reveals F1 passion

Codemasters has revealed "big plans" to release a new Formula 1 racing game on multiple platforms before the end of the year, as well as more titles in the future.

Despite not listing the new title in its major game announcements last month, the publisher told MCV that it intends to launch an F1 game to a "broader marketplace" in 2009.

Marketing vice president Alex Bertie told the website: "Our vision for F1 is about making it exciting again as a video game property.

"We can't talk about how we will do that yet, but we have big plans that will not just be one huge game later this year, but a phased approach over a number of years.

"There's a great alignment of ethos there that a UK studio is working on the game of a sport whose current champ is a young, ambitious British driver."

For its 2009 release schedule, the publisher is also overseeing DiRT 2, Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, FUEL and three new Overlord titles.