Gran Turismo drives into <i>Top Gear</i>

Petrol-heads rejoice; Sony has today announced a deal between itself, Polyphony Digital, and BBC Worldwide that will see the Top Gear test track featured within Gran Turismo 5. Episodes of the popular TV show will also be downloadable via Gran Turismo TV on the PlayStation Network.

Forty episodes of the show, presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, will be available to download via Gran Turismo TV, which will launch on the PlayStation Network in 2008. The show's test track at Dunsfold Park--used to test cars to their limit, and also to let celebrities try out their driving skills in the "Star in a reasonably priced car" segment--will also be available within the PlayStation 3 game.

Polyphony Digital's president, Kazunori Yamauchi, said, "We're sure that players will be as thrilled as we are when they get the chance to put their own driving skills to the test on the Top Gear Test Track in GT5, as well as enjoying classic episodes of Top Gear via GT TV."

Gran Turismo 5 is scheduled for release for the PlayStation 3 in 2008.