GT Academy reaches thousands

As the chequered flag falls on the first stage of GT Academy, Europe's best Gran Turismo 5 Prologue players are preparing for the National Finals.

For seven weeks in June and July 2008, 25,000 Gran Turismo 5 Prologue players tore around the Eiger Norwand course in the Nissan Fairlady Z, vying for the fastest lap times and the opportunity to join the Nissan racing team for next year's 24-hour race in Dubai.

The top 20 drivers from each country will now compete in the GT Academy National Finals, where they must complete time trails and race head-to-head against their compatriots for the opportunity to prove their real driving skills in a Nissan GT-R at the iconic Silverstone racetrack in the UK.

Mark Bowles, Gran Turismo Brand Manager from SCEE commented: "We are overwhelmed with the success of the online element of the competition. There is obviously an enormous Gran Turismo fan base out there and it's fantastic that PlayStation and Nissan are able to work together to deliver this experience of a lifetime."

At the Silverstone stage - the third in the competition - the three fastest virtual racers will complete a series of mental and physical aptitude tests, as well as taking to the legendary Formula One course in a hi-tech supercar, for the chance to join up with the Nissan racing team.

Darren Cox, European Interactive Marketing Manager for Nissan Europe, said: "The GT Academy has given those with a genuine passion for motorsports the chance to turn their driving dreams into a reality. We're confident that out of the thousands of applicants we will find some real gems of driving talent that can compete for Nissan on an international level next year."

GT Academy National Finals schedule

July 26 - Spain

August 1 - UK & Ireland

August 2 - Germany & Austria

August 2 - Italy

August 9 - France

August 12 Netherlands

August 14 - Finland

August 14 - Norway

August 14 - Denmark

August 15 - Sweden