If anybody knows how to make a good sports game, it's those fellows at EA Sports.

Since consoles started churning out racing efforts, EA has been at the forefront but change brings challenges and pretenders to the throne inevitably chance their arm.

With Gran Turismo 3 doing the business on PlayStation 2, EA were going to have to produce something very special to beat it.

Unfortunately, they have created a game which is average at best in F1 Championship 2001.

Graphically, the game is very impressive. Cars look photo-realistic in the replays and flips and crashes are nothing short of spectacular.

So is the sound quality.

The engine characteristics have been captured with such clarity you can fully understand why drivers use ear plugs.

Game play is smooth and fluid with an impressive control system.

However, you can't help but feeling you have seen it all before. Showing disturbing similarity to the old PlayStation version and little in the way of any real extras, this is very much a short-term purchase.

For all its sparkling appearance and tasty promise, including unique modelled cars from the 2000 season, a 22-man, motion-captured pit crew and commentary from TV's Jim Rosenthal, F1 Championship cannot keep up with the Gran Turismo team.

It seems a return to the EA pit is needed for a much-needed overhaul.

Price: £39.99 (PlayStation 2), £29.99 (PC).

Contact: 0870 2432435.

Feel good factor: 6 out of 10.