So, if you have the typical British motorsport fan's view that oval racing is a yawn, and that the oval-tastic IRL IndyCar Series is going to be boring. Wrong! - After the TV style intro you jump into your sleek racer, and as soon as you get behind the wheel you appreciate the sharp graphics, the detailed cars and the immense feeling of speed. These 3.5 litre V8 monsters will do 240Mph+, and laps of over 230mph are common, with - up to 32 opponents on track at the same time - so you don't have much time to get bored, even on the longer ovals. My advice is to search out the driver aids from the options menu and turn them off immediately - they make the game easier but sanitise it too - turn them off!

   

The accurate physics and handling become apparent when you have a big smash on Pro level (full damage on) - the violence and speed of the crashes is something else should you drift out of the 'groove' or make contact with another racer. You can jump into a quick race with any car on any track (good luck, they're really tough) but the real game lies in the IndyCar Championship Series and the Indy 500 itself - when not only is your skill and concentration tested to the limit, but also your ability to analyse the cars faults during practice and iron them out for qualifying and the race. The game also has the most detailed and demanding tutorial mode I've ever seen - every single aspect of Indy racing is covered in minute detail. There are also tests on each skill, with Gran Turismo style Bronze, Silver & Gold levels of success. In this Masterclass (voiced by Eddie Cheever Jnr.) you're educated on the importance and effect of everything; tyre pressures, dampers, springs, ride height, gear ratios, wheel camber, toe in and downforce. You're even given a de-tuned car and left to sort it out yourself - this one is a real test of skill and patience - I became very familiar with the infamous wall on the outside of Indy's turn three.

   

Visually IndyCar Series is pleasing rather than eye-popping. The detailed cars all scale smoothly and crash damage looks realistic. Unfortunately the PS2 version looks a little jaggie with all the long bends and safety fencing, but the game still looks good. A smooth 2 player (with up to 8 AI cars) and unlockables including extra cars, paintjobs and collectors cards will keep you playing when long after the championship is won, but only if you're seriously dedicated - Like Moto GP2 this is a racer so difficult to master that you can genuinely label it 'hardcore' - and it's a real time-consumer too. Try and play this game when there are any distractions about and you'll have no chance, but by the same token it's so smooth, fast and rewarding when you get a setup just right and drive well to win a race that any serious race fan would do well to take a look. Due to the high degree of accuracy and deft steering input required we've also enjoyed playing this game with our Logic 3 steering wheel. We've said it before, and this game only reinforces the view: We want Codemasters to do a Formula One game!