Nissan PlayStation GT Academy for aspiring drivers launched in India

Nissan, a popular automobile brand, has collaborated with Sony PlayStation for its Nissan PlayStation GT Academy programme, which focuses on the developing the skills of aspiring drivers.

The Nissan PlayStation GT Academy, previously successful in Europe, Russia, the USA, the Middle East and South Africa, has now finally included India in its international league.

The enthusiasts can take part in GT Academy's Indian qualifying rounds via live events or through online events. The online qualifying round will be hosted on Sony PlayStation Network (PSN) and players from any part of India, who own a PS3 console, can participate and race on the Gran Turismo 6 tracks. Dates for the online events have not been communicated. However, the players who don't own a PS3 can also qualify, by racing on PlayStation GT6 racing simulators installed in shopping malls as a part of the live event.

The live event will be held in Delhi - Nissan Display Area, Hall 12, India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, NCR from 7-11 February, Ambience Mall, Gurgaon, NCR from 20 to 23 February; Mumbai - R-City Mall, Ghatkopar from 20 to 23 March; Hyderabad - Inorbit Mall from 17 to 20 April; Bangalore - Mantri Mall from 15 to 18 May; Chennai - Express Avenue Mall, Royapettah from 5 to 8 June.

Six shortlisted drivers from India will be competing against the other qualified racers coming from different parts of the world. The winner will further move on to Driver Development Programme and learn the skills needed to compete in the international 'graduation race'.

Since GT Academy is a 'virtual to reality' programme, the qualifying round heavily focuses on the player's driving skills over the Gran Turismo 6 video game as he/she competes from GT6 players from all parts of the world.

Gran Turismo 6 launched as a PS3 exclusive in December 2013. The racing simulator game, developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., comes with enhanced physics engine and several online functionalities. The video game includes over 1,200 racing cars, 37 different tracks, seven new venues that include the iconic Silverstone Circuit, Australia's Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit and Spain's Ascari Race Resort.