Nissan and Sony PlayStation introduce new challenge

In 2008, Nissan teamed up with Sony PlayStation and asked the question; can a super-fast racing game player become a super-fast professional race driver in the real world? Over the past four years, the answer has been a resounding ‘yes’ as GT Academy has proved to be a successful route to top flight motorsport for a select few around the globe. And now, GT Academy will offer entrants from the Middle East the chance to shift from ‘gamers to racers’.
This opportunity of a lifetime from Nissan and Sony PlayStation will challenge the Middle East’s best game players to transfer their skills from the virtual world of Gran Turismo — to the real world of racing.
Two routes are available to those wishing to take part — live events and an online competition.
“GT Academy Middle East is a unique opportunity for the region’s game players to become racing drivers,” said Samir Cherfan, director, marketing and sales, Nissan Middle East.
“GT Academy takes rank amateurs from the virtual world, provides intensive on-circuit, real world training from the best in the business, and presents them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take to the track and compete in the demanding world of GT racing. For those fortunate enough to make it through the demanding qualifying rounds, the prize is the chance to compete in an internationally recognized endurance race, all courtesy of Nissan and Sony PlayStation.
Robert Fisser, general manager of Sony Computer Entertainment in Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India, commented: “We are excited to announce the first GT Academy to take place in the Middle East.” 
The first opportunity to take part in a live event will be at Games12, Dubai.
The second route requires competitors to tackle a specially generated and free to download Gran Turismo GT Academy qualification challenge.
This exclusive edition, available to anyone with an Internet-connected PlayStation3, is based on the legendary racing simulation game.