Grand Prix 2
A 1996 Formula One simulation with adjustable driving aids.
Grand Prix 2, released in North America as Grand Prix II, is a racing simulator published by MicroProse in 1996 for DOS. It is the sequel to Formula One Grand Prix and was developed under an official FIA license covering the 1994 Formula One season. The game is recognized as one of the definitive racing simulations of its era, with a large modding community forming after its release.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- MicroProse
- Producer
- Stephen Hand
- Designer
- Geoff Crammond
- Composer
- John Broomhall; Andrew Parton
- Released
- July 23, 1996 (WW)
- Genre
- Simulation racing game
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
- Platforms
- DOS
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Grand Prix 2 simulates the 1994 Formula One season, featuring all 16 circuits and 28 drivers across 14 teams. Unlike the actual season, the game uses a consistent driver list and car liveries based on the 1994 German Grand Prix, meaning Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger are absent, as is Nigel Mansell. Liveries reflect the non-tobacco sponsorship rules of that race. Some circuits incorporate safety changes made during the season, such as Silverstone, Estoril, and Jerez, while Barcelona, Montreal, and Spa lack them. The game includes practice, qualifying, and racing, plus a championship mode for a full season. No arcade mode exists, but seven driving aids can be toggled: steering help, braking help, automatic turn-around, indestructibility, racing line help, automatic shifting, and traction control. Five difficulty levels restrict which aids are available. A Quickrace function bypasses qualifying, allowing custom lap counts and grid positions. The player selects any of the 28 cars, replacing the original driver. Controls support keyboard, mouse, or joystick. Multiplayer options include hotseat and modem-linked LAN play.
Development
Geoff Crammond developed Grand Prix 2 as a follow-up to 1991's Formula One Grand Prix, working largely alone at a time when development teams were the norm. It was the first serious racing simulation to allow vehicles to get airborne along all three axes, though it lacked the ability for a car to flip entirely; the game could crash if a car was about to overturn. The physics engine was more extensive than its predecessor, and image mapping over the 3D car model displayed liveries, a feature seen earlier in Papyrus Design Group's 1993 IndyCar Racing. In December 2025, MicroProse acquired the Grand Prix franchise rights and announced a Steam rerelease of all four games, including Grand Prix 2, with Geoff Crammond's involvement. Due to Electronic Arts holding the Formula One license, the rerelease will be rebranded as Geoff Crammond Racing 2 with fictional sponsors and names, but Steam Workshop support will be included at launch. A modding scene emerged after the original release, with modders reverse-engineering the code to alter liveries, drivers, tracks, and even the series represented. In January 2025, an updated version called the 'x86 mod' allowed native Windows play, adding a moveable steering wheel, wider screen format, animated tyres, menu music, and updated TV graphics including a real-time track map.
Reception
Grand Prix 2 sold 500,000 copies globally by September 1996, rising to 750,000 by mid-January 1997, largely in Europe. In August 1998, it received a Platinum sales award from the Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland for at least 200,000 units sold in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Worldwide sales reached 1.5 million copies by late 2000. Critics praised the game for its adjustable driving aids, which allowed it to function as either a realistic simulation or an arcade-style racer. Jim Varner of GameSpot gave it a 9.5 out of 10, calling it the best racing game for the PC. PC Zone awarded 95%, and CNET rated it outstanding. It was nominated for Computer Games Strategy Plus's 1996 Racing Simulation of the Year, losing to NASCAR Racing II. Next Generation, though not publishing a review, ranked it the 46th best game of all time shortly after release. In 1997, PC Gamer UK named Grand Prix 2 and its predecessor collectively the seventh best computer game of all time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Grand Prix 2 released?
Grand Prix 2 was released on July 23, 1996 in worldwide.
Who composed the music for Grand Prix 2?
The music for Grand Prix 2 was composed by John Broomhall and Andrew Parton.
More in MicroProse Games
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced