Sony Europe’s Official blog has just announced that a downloadable time trial – titled Gran Turismo Academy 2010 – will be hitting the Playstation Network Store on 17th December 2009.

Taking place on ‘a specially created section of a new Gran Turismo 5 circuit’ and featuring the rather sleek looking Nissan 370Z, the event will give gamers the chance to compete for a place in the Gran Turismo Academy, and ultimately the chance to become a professional race driver. This event was first held last year, with a time trial challenge being set for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue and was won by Lucas Ordonez, who now drives for the Nissan Playstation racing team.

While we’re certain that most Playstation 3 owners wish Sony would just hurry up and release the full game, getting another sneak peak of what Gran Turismo 5 can’t be a bad thing.

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