In big news for Indian gamers and motorsport enthusiasts, Nissan has introduced its GT Academy programme in India. The GT Academy that was launched in 2008, has been developed to find gamers with the skills to participate in real-world racing. The programme will test potential racers based on their performance in the hugely popular Gran Turismo 6 racing game. Nissan will start the shortlisting process at the Auto Expo where participants will have access to purpose-built simulators. Following this, Nissan will also take the programme to Gurgaon, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai over the coming few months. The top 14 contestants will then go through a physical training session from which the best six will be eligible for Nissan’s International Race Camp at Silverstone in the UK.
At Silverstone, the top 18 drivers from across the world will make the transition to real cars (370 Zs and GT-Rs) and will be tested for their speed and endurance. The best driver will then move on to Nissan’s Driver Development Programme where he/she will be trained by Nissan’s race team.
The GT Academy in India is open to everyone over the age of 18 and with a valid driving license. Interestingly, anyone who has raced professionally in any form is not eligible to participate.
Nissan has also stated that it would open online entries in the coming few months making the competition open to everyone with a Playstation 3 gaming console and Gran Turismo 6 game.