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And it's over to Andy for the start of this epic formula one race. They're lined up on the grid, tension is mounting, and they're off... or are they? Steve? Er, it's hard to tell. It's awfully quiet. Odd, isn't t? The crowd doesn't seem to have turned up either...

That's right, technology has come a long way since the screeching, roaring days of formula one to give us the soundless engine. Or 5o it would seem judging by this latest game from D&H. Still let's not be too conspicuous by their absence but that doesn't automatically mean the game's crap.

Grand Prix (as you've probably already gathered) is a formula one management simulation with arcade race sequences to boot. You get to be team manager and, from the outset, must make decisions which will, with luck, get you through the sixteen race season and, with even harsh. The sound effects may be more luck, win you the championship.

The main decision menu contains a variety of options. Practice Lap allows you to experiment with tyre and fuel combinations in order to get as close to the lap record as possible before the real race begins. Race, as the name suggests, plunges you into the actual competition (more on that later). The next five options serve only to provide you with information.

They are Next Race, Fixtures, Constructor's Table, Driver's League, and Management Status. Using these you can keep tabs on how well your team is doing (your team consists of two drivers). They also help to show the depth of the game which is otherwise belied by the poor presentation.

Finally you can access Management Options which are; employee pool (for buying new drivers, mechanics and so on), crew (from which you can fire your employees), bank loans, development costs (you can choose to invest more money in your team), bonus pay and bookies with which you can place bets on any driver (including your own) in the championship.

The race itself is the worst aspect of the game. The graphics are crude - a simple overhead view of the start/finish line - and you must sit through the 50 or so laps watching your position (relative to the other cars) change. Sadly there is no way to skip this so it can all become rather tedious.

Grand Prix isn't a bad management game but I can't recommend it with its current limitations, namely high price, poor presentation, dire visuals, lack of sound and noticeably dated gameplay.

1. Absolutely no sound whatsoever.
2. Horrible screen display. It looks like an aged Spectrum game.
3. Gameplay, while complex, is dated and user unfriendly.
4. Instructions are woefully inadequate: trial and error is the only way to learn this one.
5. Lack of 'skip race' option means long and tedious waiting times.
6. Visual presentation of races is... well.. pathetic.
7. No joystick control option.

1. Plenty of depth for those prepared to stick with it.
2. Management decisions have a marked and appropriate effect on races.
3. Time-dependent pit-stops are well implemented.