David Coulthard vs the world: GT5 sets up (potentially) the world’s biggest race

Another day, another David Coulthard news bit. This time, the Scot will be pitting his skills against the best players of the online world—specifically, Sony Playstation Gran Turismo fans in Europe. Coulthard will race with a live Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, while online fans will fire up their virtual versions. With six million copies of GT5 sold, the live event is slated to be the world’s biggest ever race—an online version of the World Grand Prix then?

Here’s more from Mercedes-Benz:

Mercedes-Benz and Sony Computer Entertainment are looking to rewrite the history books. For the ultimate virtual v. reality race, millions of viewers will be able to watch the action online while PlayStation®’s Gran Turismo® 5 fans will have the chance to compete against Formula 1™ ace – David Coulthard and the clock, in what could end up being the largest race ever recorded.

At 15:20 (BST) on the afternoon of Monday 5 September 2011 (22:20 Philippine time) and broadcast live, David Coulthard will take the wheel of a real 6.3 litre V8 powered Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. His opponents will be GT5™ fans from around Europe, who will simultaneously pit their wits against the world-class professional driver. To add to the drama the track will remain a secret until the day to give all competitors a fair chance at victory.

At Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey – 24 prize draw winners will be battling to qualify for their place in the big race on the renowned racing game for PlayStation®3. Those who set the top six qualifying times will compete against Coulthard in real time at the flagship venue where visitors are welcome to come and watch the action for themselves. The contestant from Mercedes-Benz World that sets the fastest lap will win an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2011 Brazilian Formula 1™ Grand Prix on 27 November. But that’s not all… Gamers from around Europe will also be able to compete in the same car on GT5™ to get their name up in lights on the leader board of the specially created in-game ‘seasonal event’.

The action footage of David Coulthard driving the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, combined with footage from his real time PlayStation® opponents at Mercedes-Benz World, can be viewed live online with live pre-race coverage from Formula 1™ commentator Martin Brundle. Live coverage on race day will begin at 15:00 (BST) at www.mercedesliverace.co.uk.

Information for virtual racers brave enough to take on David Coulthard via the GT5™ ‘seasonal event’ will be available soon on www.gran.turismo.com. With over 6 million copies of the game having been sold worldwide since its November launch, the live event hopes to become the world’s biggest ever race.