Grand Prix Manager 2

Game review

If you like to be a manager, you are decisive and love fast cars, this game is just ​​for you. Grand Prix Manager 2 means in a management game world the same, what Transport Tycoon means for building strategies. The game has become a cult, and many players are playing it to this day. In the game you are in charge of an Formula 1 team and you make decisions about everything important. You hires and fire the staff, you decide on what components will be used etc. Like in the real world of Formule 1, also here the rules are being change every season, so you have to be careful about what parts are legal and which are not any more. You can also use forbidden components and increase you formula's performance , but you risk a sanction from the race marshals. As I said the game has a large fan base with a large number of modifications and improvements.

To get off to a good start and secure some victories in the game, you have the option to choose from teams such as Benetton, McLaren, Williams, or Ferrari. Choosing any other team might mean you shouldn't set your expectations too high in the first racing season. Similar to the real dynamics of Formula One, simply recruiting the top drivers isn't enough to clinch race wins. You must also secure sponsorship deals (notably, the best sponsors tend to support teams that win races), and train a highly efficient team that includes mechanics, engineers, and more. Additionally, managing the team's finances is crucial, reflecting the reality where an F1 team can exhaust millions in just a few months. Thus, hiring a financial advisor becomes essential because in this game, management skills are as critical as technical advancements. Running low on funds may lead you to consider taking out a bank loan, which should ideally be a temporary solution. Accumulating large debts could lead to bankruptcy, especially since taking out additional loans can cause the bank to raise the interest rate on your borrowings.

When configuring your car for a particular track (as each track has its unique setup requirements), the aerodynamics of the car play a crucial role, and achieving the right balance is key. You have the option to optimize the car for maximum speed on straightaways or to increase downforce for better grip, which, while improving handling, can decrease top speed. It's important to adjust the downforce to suit the specific track you'll be racing on. For tracks with long straights, like Hockenheim or Spa, maximizing straight-line speed is advantageous. In contrast, on twisty tracks like Monte Carlo, prioritize enhancing cornering speed.

The engine is another critical aspect of any race car. Modern F1 engines are designed to be both lighter and more fuel-efficient than their predecessors, capable of producing up to 900 horsepower. Most teams purchase their engines, and only the top teams can afford the best engines available, representing one of the largest expenses a team may face.

The main goal in constructing your car is to ensure it is as powerful and reliable as possible. Any failure of components can lead to losing the race. Pay attention to the weight of the car. Additionally, if you plan on making pit stops, avoid filling the fuel tank to 100% capacity. Always aim to adjust the gear ratios as accurately as possible, particularly for tracks with slower speeds. If the upcoming race involves a lot of hard braking, be sure to adjust the brake balance towards the front of the car.

Today, Formula One racing stands as an intensely competitive and lucrative industry. Teams pour substantial investments into research, and the technology behind their cars remains closely protected. Consequently, it's crucial to employ the most effective security team your budget allows. Weak security measures could lead to your car designs and specific components being stolen and shared with rival teams. A proficient security team will not only safeguard your intellectual property but can also assist in gathering intelligence on your competitors.

This game is rated 5 stars, and you're bound to enjoy watching the races and managing an F1 team; the experience is flawless.

Reviewed by Bruno