Codemasters is finally laser-scanning tracks in F1 games


Yesterday, Codemasters and EA revealed new F1 22 comparison screenshots showcasing changes applied to the Spain, Abu Dhabi, and Australia circuits. Reflecting changes made in the real-life season, all three circuits will boast updated layouts in F1 22.

Australia’s Albert Park circuit, on the other hand, has been remodelled using LiDAR laser-scanning technology for the first time in the series. This means the track surface will feel more accurate than ever before.

Remodelled Australia circuit

This is significant because Codemasters doesn’t normally laser-scan circuits for F1 games. According to Codemasters, the remodelled Australian circuit will boast more detailed height and camber thanks to the LiDAR data.

F1 22 Australia laser scan
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F1 22's Australia circuit will have more detailed height and camber.

Fans have been requesting laser-scanned tracks in F1 games for years. Laser-scanning technology is more accurate but also more expensive than traditional methods. It’s more common for PC racing simulations like iRacing, Assetto Corsa Competizione, and rFactor 2 to feature accurately laser-scanned tracks.

Since F1 games are released annually, time restrictions likely prevented Codemasters from laser-scanning other tracks for F1 22. But now that F1 games have bigger budgets and extra resources from EA, this is hopefully a sign that tracks in future F1 games will be laser-scanned and more realistic as a result.

F1 22 Australia laser scan
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Is this a sign that tracks in future F1 games will be laser scanned?

Additionally, F1 22’s Australian track will have repositioned outfield walls and changes to turns 1, 3, 6, 8/9 (replacing the chicane), 11, 12, and 13. The kerbs have also been replaced with new photogrammetry versions.

We suspect the kerbs were added when the Australia track was reopened after being inaccessible during the COVID lockdowns.

Release date

We don’t have to wait much longer to try the new version of Australia in F1 22. F1 22 will release on 1 July on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Preordering the Champions Edition will give players three days early access.

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