989 Sports' Formula One 2001™ Provides Authentic Racing Sensation for American Motorsport Fans on Playstation®2

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) Inc. announced today the North American release of the 989 Sports'™ branded Formula One 2001™, exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Studio Liverpool, Formula One 2001 is an authentic racing simulation designed by racing fans for racing fans. Officially licensed by Formula One Administration Limited, Formula One 2001 includes all the race teams, 22 drivers and 17 Grand Prix tracks of the 2001 FIA Formula One World Championship.

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"It's great, definitely the best car game I've ever driven by far that I've played over the last few years. It's the closest you're going to get to a Formula 1 car -- game-wise anyway," remarks Benetton Formula 1 driver, Jenson Button. "With most computer games, rivals are all the same. This game aims to make the F1 drivers like they are in real life and I'm impressed that the game has this variety."

To enhance the authenticity, Formula One 2001 allows players to choose between 11 different teams, including Ferrari, McLaren (Mercedes), Williams (BMW), Benetton (Renault) as well as the opportunity for players to choose their favorite driver. In addition, Formula One 2001 puts players in the driving seat by providing the user with each driver's unique attributes that simulate their real-life skills, whether it's being aggressive, smooth, fast in the rain or efficient in managing tire wear and car preservation. Depending on the Grand Prix track selection, players also have the ability to fully customize their car for optimum performance.

"Formula One 2001 features some of the most advanced automotive technology seen anywhere, creating an intoxicating blend of speed, power and exotic good looks," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. "As the number one motorsport in the world today, we are pleased to bring this intense, sophisticated racing simulation to the PlayStation 2 as a part of the 989 Sports brand."

For single players, Formula One 2001 offers Quick Race or Grand Prix modes that cater to both newcomers and experienced racers. In addition, players have a choice of a Single Race, a full Race Weekend or the ability to participate in the entire World Championship. For intense competition between players, there is a two-player mode -- which allows friends to take on each other as well as the virtual true-to-life Formula One drivers. In addition, there is a Time Attack mode for up to 16 players. In this mode, one can instantly compare their lap times to those of up to 16 of their friends by taking turns to record the fastest lap on any of the 17 tracks provided. The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated Formula One 2001 "E" for everyone. For more information about the ESRB visit http://www.esrb.org/.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one™ game console and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is set to revolutionize the home entertainment market, offering the most compelling interactive content and the capability to be used as a network terminal in the coming broadband era.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PS one console and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one console and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Contact: Ryan Bowling, +1-650-655-3657, or ryan_bowling@playstation.sony.com; or Scott Floyd, +1-310-274-7800, or Sfloyd@bncpr.com

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