Handheld racing: F1 Mobile Racing and SBK Manager

New mobile racing games: F1 Mobile Racing and SBK Manager

SBK Manager focuses on the administrative side of the sport

Handheld gaming is nothing new, but Formula 1’s latest release looks a world away from the 8-bit Nintendo Game Boys of three decades ago.

Developed by industry giant Codemasters, which also creates its console software, F1 Mobile Racing’s graphics are spectacular. The game is free, too, albeit with in-game purchases to tempt fans to dip into their Apple Wallets. ‘Upgrades’ can also be acquired without payment as you progress. It’s only available on Apple devices at the minute, but an Android version is currently under construction.

The game is simple enough: race through the season and develop as you go (paying for extras here and there, they hope) and while away the commute.

World Superbike’s SBK Manager game is slightly different, going down the administrative route instead and hoping the Football Manager model translates to two wheels. You chase sponsors, develop your ’bike, sign riders and adjust strategy. Unlike the F1 game it costs £1.99. And like last year’s Motorsport Manager, it quickly consumes your time.

The third new arrival is MotoGP, which, like SEGA Rally, features a series of checkpoints that need to be hit around the lap. There’s no steering, but you need to brake and accelerate at the right points. An interesting take, and it’s free to download.