Gran Turismo gets more realistic with International Automobile Federation deal

Gran Turismo developer Polyphony Digital is teaming up with the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for a "long-term innovative partnership" that will begin with FIA-certified content for Gran Turismo 6, the studio announced today.

FIA, the governing body of international motorsports, examined four of the real-life tracks in Gran Turismo 6, and the organization determined that the courses meet its standards for accuracy well enough to qualify for a FIA certification. FIA officials traveled to the studio's offices in Tokyo to inspect the in-game track models, a process you can see in the photo above.

"It was not until we completed the tests between our track data and the game's track data that we fully appreciated the level of work and attention to detail that goes into the development of Gran Turismo 6," said Jacques Berger, FIA's head of safety. "It was not just the tracks that have been precisely mapped out, but also the surrounding landscapes such as the run-off areas, grandstands and buildings."

According to a press release from Polyphony Digital, FIA will vet other courses in Gran Turismo 6 "in the near future." The arrangement between the companies will also manifest in a FIA Online Championship next year, a tournament in the game that the studio will create with FIA's input.

"We are incredibly proud for the Gran Turismo series to be officially certified by the governing body of world motorsports. In the over 15-year history of Gran Turismo, this has to be the biggest accolade we have ever received," said Kazunori Yamauchi, president of Polyphony Digital and creator of Gran Turismo. "I believe this will be a major step to forward our mission to connect our virtual and real racing worlds in a full circle, thereby expanding the population of car and motorsports enthusiasts in the world."

For more on Gran Turismo 6, which launched last December on PlayStation 3, check out our full review.