What's the news?
Ford launched the facelifted Focus ST at last weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed, but it was more than a static display. Along with fast runs up the hillclimb course Ford tied up with Sony to stage a real vs. virtual race, in which Ben Collins (he used to be the Stig on Top Gear) drove the actual car up the hill while an avid gamer, Krisztian Somodi, raced from the comfort of the Ford stand using a PlayStation and Gran Turismo. The real car won.
It took Ben 1 minute 5.13 seconds to complete the 1.16-mile course. Neither participant knew how their opponent was doing during the race but spectators were able to follow the action on giant screens at the Festival. Visitors to the Ford stand also had the chance to set their own time on a Gran Turismo 6 simulator.
"Racing the new Ford Focus ST against the virtual one was a first for me. I had no idea who was in the lead, so I was ecstatic when I realised I'd won," Ben said. "The Focus ST has always been a great driver's car but the new version is even more responsive and rewarding."
Polish graphic designer and lifelong Gran Turismo fan, Somodi commented: "It was a very close race and such a buzz competing against a real car and driver. The virtual Focus ST looks, feels and sounds just like the real thing. Gran Turismo 6 is very impressive.
Anything else?
Care was taken to ensure the conditions in the game matched real life as closely as possible to keep the contest fair. Even the tyre characteristics were claimed to be identical. A video of the race is embedded below:
John Lambert - 4 Jul 2014