Sumo Digital are the team responsible for the PSP version, which given their pedigree is certainly a good thing. Although at first glance the game is nowhere near as polished in the graphics department as say Gran Turismo, it’s under the hood that counts and given that this game has authentically recreated 17 circuits of the 2009 season there is certainly something there to make it a real challenger to Sony’s racer.

 

 

One of the first things you will notice about the action is just how fast it is, there is no doubt that this is the fastest game on the PSP, blink and you will miss the race, and the corner for that matter. The cars also seem to handle really well and quite realistically and therefore once you get used to the sheer speed of things you may actually find yourself challenging the top three.

 

Unfortunately the thing that stops this game from being a real challenger to GT is the racing itself, the computer controlled AI doesn’t seem to be very intelligent, often making mistakes that cause racing to be a frustrating experience. The action is also hindered by a drop in the framerate when all the cars are on the track at once, which again goes against the game.

 

One of the good things about F1 is the amount of different modes you can compete in, there is of course the option to complete a full season using any of the licensed teams and their drivers. Then there is the Challenge Mode which gives you various tasks to complete such as setting the fastest lap or you can also take part in a Grand Prix Weekend, Time Trials, or you can make up your own driver and take part in a career which spans three full seasons.

 

 

It has to be said that the Challenge Mode seems to suit the PSP more than the other modes thanks to it’s easy to pick up and put down again nature, oh and it’s also great fun.

 

Finally the game also includes a multiplayer mode, although this is limited to playing against other PSP owners in close proximity rather than via the network.

 

F1 Championship 2009 is a decent racer however it’s not really up to the quality of the other racers on the PSP. If you are a big F1 fan then it does seem to capture the essence of sport quite well in some areas, it’s just a pity that it lets itself down in others.