Grand Prix Legends
There are many useful guides describing how to install, customize, and run Grand Prix Legends (GPL). I link those that I find most useful below. For more, please go to gpllinks.org.
As an old software, GPL runs satisfactorily on common hardware, even though high-resolution updates of tracks and cars require a decent (but not top-rank) graphics card. Force-feedback wheel and pedals are highly recommended, if not necessary.
Getting
Since the software has been published in 1998, it not readily available at the shelves. However, there are still obtainable copies from Amazon or EBay. Nevertheless, there is also a GPL 2004 demo that can be used as a basis for full installation (without 10 of the original tracks) and even those will soon be obtainable after the 67 track pack will be released.
Installation
Follow the guide at the GPL World or use the GPLPS Installer. Make sure that the game is fully patched including the v2 rasterizers. You will also want the Pribluda patch.
Tracks
There are currently more than 600 tracks available for Grand Prix Legends, many in multiple versions. Almost all tracks needed to cover 1950-1975 Formula 1 period have been created. In addition, there are many oval tracks used in North American racing series, or Tasman and South African championships. Some fantasy tracks, too. Since the original GPL Track Database is now offline, use the repository at the GPL Addons site. You should also search for updates available for each track.
Mods
The original game covered the 1967 Formula 1 season. Since 2004, numerous mods containing new physics, carsets, and game layout have been created. The mods use packs of patches to modify the original gpl.exe. To facilitate the process, you will first need to install a GEM+ utility. After installation, replace the GEM exe file with patched version to restore the race programs downloads. It is recommended to create a separate player for each mod and some people even use separate installs to separate directories.
The Formula 1 mods are (in order of appearance):
- 65mod (2004, updated 2006, 2009, and 2018). The first mod that brought new physics featuring the 1.5 litre engines that were easier to control than the original 67 cars.
- 69mod (2005, updated 2011 as 69extra). The mod brought winged cars with simulated aerodynamic downforce (not contained in the original software). The mod contains 15 different physics of the cars with total 45 graphics options.
- 66mod (2007). The mod features a transitional season after return to 3-litre engines. The mod contains 16 different physics of the cars with many graphics options.
- 67extra historical mod v2 (2015). The mod features 7 different carsets covering the development during the season. Each carset contains 15 physics and 31 graphics options. The mod is suitable for offline use only. It has later been supplemented with an online edition (2018) containing a single carset.
- 55mod (2017). The mod brings brake fading feature that requires to accomodate the driving style. It contains 8 car models from the 1954-55 period.
- 68mod (2019). The mod contains two carsets (high wings, low wings) showing the the development of the aerodynamics during the season.
In addition to Formula 1 mods, also Sports Cars mods or Can-Am series mods have been created. Numerous new mods are in development.
Additional mods
Besides full physics mods listed above, a number of fancy features have been introduced to GPL by further mods, e.g.:
- Replay Director - a series of mods to automatically direct the camera of the replays.
- Head Movement Patch - patches to fine-tune driver's position in the cockpit and to enable head movements according to acceleration forces.
- AI Speed Control - slows down AI cars in curves (sometimes it is difficult to match their speed).
- GPL Slipstream Patch - makes the slistream effect more realistic.
Setups
GPL makes it possible to fine-tune the setup of the cars to an extensive detail. Individual settings have strong influence on the behaviour of the car and its response to steering inputs, gas, and brake pedals. It is not a straightforward task to develop a setup that makes you faster. You can find collections of setups of experienced drivers but probably the best approach is to read a couple of guides to understand the influence of individual settings and to develop your own family of setups. Your setups will grow with you as you improve.
Driving online
I personally have very little experience with online driving, so I link just a few basic resources here. You will need the iGOR application to connect to the servers. The calendar of online racing events can be found on GPL Weekly. It is wise to read and obey the rules quoted at the pages of the online leagues, e.g. the GPL Racer. The recommended driver behaviour is useful both for online and offline racing.
Forums
For many years, the Simracing mirror zone (or srmz) has been the major site where the GPL community kept meeting. Since January 2023, however, that forum went down in a unrecoverable way (an archive with limited functionality is available). The community found a new home at the GPL Alternative Forum.
Resources
Besides the forums, most of the GPL related files you can find at the: