On the modding front, SCI has an understanding of the power that modding can bring to a title to reinforce it so you will be able to create your own liveries to start with. Track editing creating is a no no unfortunately as the track editor was created using Warthogs own in-house tools. Car editing still isn’t clear, but I think this will be possible. I would also love to see the planned 27 km Japanese stage. It would be akin to the Nordschleife and a real test of car and driver. After extensive testing SCI thought it was too long and boring, but said if there was enough demand it could be released as an add-on, so start shouting for it!

The replay system is the same as the console version and I had hoped that that would have been improved. Papyrus still being the benchmark, the RBR replays looks very good and are in a similar style to the moving camera of Gran Turismo. You will also be able to export replays for hotlap competitions. You also may be able to export your ghost lap for others to drive against, though this wasn’t confirmed.

Another crucial aspect in race sims is multiplayer. At present you can do turn-based multiplayer on the same PC however there are no network options. I think that if there is a sequel to RBR, multiplayer in some capacity over the internet is a must. I don’t mean more than 1 car on the track at the same time, but continuous logging of times would be good. In saying that Luke said he is looking at an export function for stages, that could be an alternative.

Working closely with Warthog who they have had a great relationship with in the past and with Richard Burns and Robert Reid, RBR has become a masterpiece for rally sims. SCI wanted to create something different in an over-populated genre and nothing like this has been done before. The reward for finishing a stage without crashing is immense. Support from Richard and Robert has enhanced this already polished title. Though their involvement is less now due to obvious reasons, they have been following the progress.

RBR2? Well, it all depends on the sales for RBR, but this is a superb start. The physics and graphics engine can be ported to other types of racing, though I'm not sure if proper aero is modelled as yet. In general this is a must have sim.

Finally I must say thanks once again to SCi, we got a funky T-shirt and a signed copy of RBR for the PS2! Gloating over!