Regardless of what professional racing series an individual may follow, it does not change the fact that each series has certain locales that are, simply put, more exciting than the others. This fact rings true just as much in the genre of video game racing as it does in real life. And what I mean by this is that certain tracks promote better racing in regards to strategy, passing and overall approach. With that in mind, and with the new F1 2015 title from Codemasters hitting retail shelves last week, here is a look at my five favorite tracks in F1 2015.
 

While it is less technical than most tracks in the game, Albert Park is technical enough to offer a decent challenge, and it provides some long straightaways that allow you to really feel a sense of speed. The location and environment add tremendous value to the overall excitement of racing at Albert Park, and while this track may not be in many other top five lists, it holds a firm spot on mine.



Originally a test track for Honda, Suzuka provides a deep racing experience that will challenge you from beginning to end. Replaced on the circuit for 2007-2008, Suzuka made its return in 2009 after a few modifications. Few tracks will punish you for mistakes like Suzuka does, and driving through the esses is simply a thing a beauty. A favorite amongst drivers, it’s the same for me, and that’s why it is one of my five favorite tracks.


While Monza may not be as aesthetically pleasing as some of the others, the overall experience is outstanding. Monza is drenched in real-life history, and provides some great racing in F1 2015. You will endure long straightaways, but don’t get too comfortable because there are enough technical locations on the track to force you to focus -- assuming you want to finish in the points.


Is there a track that is more polarizing than Monaco? It seems you either absolutely adore racing at Monaco, or you loathe the whole experience. To call Monaco a technical track is a pedestrian attempt at explanation, but I am not sure there is proper word to describe the experience -- other than mind-numbing. If your eyes are not watering, and your hands are not cramping after racing Monaco, then you are not racing it the right way.


Spa has the best blend of precision, challenge, beauty and speed in the game. It is easy to spend hours here just turning practice lap after practice lap. Spa provides multiple areas to pass, and some very exciting racing throughout the whole track. There may be locations that offer a bit of a better locale, a more technical challenge or an open sense of speed, but there is no track that offers all of those combined elements at such a high quality.


Trust me when I say I could have easily listed another three or four tracks, including Circuit Gilles Villenueve, Circuit of the Americas or Silverstone. The truth of the matter is there are not many tracks in F1 2015 that I don’t enjoy racing, but we all have our favorites and these five are the ones that I find myself constantly playing.

What about you, what are your favorite tracks in F1 2015?