Slightly Mad Studios are announcing an exciting new addition to their WMD-powered Project CARS title as the Formula Gulf 1000 series and the Powerbuilt Raceway at Ruapuna Park are coming to the simulation.

Thanks to the efforts of WMD member Andy Marshall and a partnership with Gulf Sport, Project CARS will be the first ever simulation to feature the Formula Gulf 1000, the world’s lowest cost, one-make, single seater series that gives promising drivers a path into the world of Formula Racing.

The series races exclusively in the Middle East as the Dubai Autodrome and the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi host all of the seven events that make up the 14-race calendar. Formula Gulf recently completed its first overseas pre-season test on the Malaysian Sepang Circuit (visit the Formula Gulf website for more info).

Designed by Ralph Firman Racing, the FG1000 single seater weighs 400 kilograms and is powered by a Suzuki GSX-R K8 superbike engine producing 150bhp. The car is equipped with a six-speed sequential gearbox, 4-pot AP Racing brakes, Formula 3-spec tires as well as an EVO 4 data logging system.

To give the nimble open wheeler a perfect new proving ground (and thanks to WMD member Mark Silcock’s help), Project CARS will also be featuring New Zealand’s Powerbuilt Raceway at Ruapuna Park. Located 13 kilometers northwest of Christchurch, Ruapuna is one of New Zealand’s premier road racing facilities.

The track comes with multiple layouts, ranging from a small club circuit and a tri-oval configuration to the 3.3 kilometer Grand Prix layout. The track has hosted multiple instances of the New Zealand Grand Prix; the fast flowing layout features many sweeping corners, making Ruapuna the perfect match for the Formula Gulf 1000.

WMD members will be the first to enjoy the new car and track combination as first versions of the car and track will be added to the development builds of Project CARS as soon as they’re ready for a first test drive.

To shorten the waiting time, members also get to follow every aspect of the car development process on the WMD forums, from the first steps of development to the finished car out on track.

Memership on Project CARS starts at a one-time payment of 10 Euro, check out the project page for a full list of all perks & benefits that come with being a member.

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