It's the time of year that every big Formula 1 fan looks forward to.

With the season already in full-flow, fans of the video game are eagerly awaiting the release of the 2019 edition, and they won't have as long to wait this time.

One of the failings of previous editions was the late release of the game, with it often coming out towards the end of the season.

This year's edition is coming out at the end of June though, two months ahead of its normal release date, giving players more game time whilst the actual season is in progress.

And with the introduction of Formula 2, the game has added an extra layer of depth and authenticity.

There is also a nod to the past, with players able to re-live the legendary rivalry between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

You can race as either driver over a number of special in-game challenges, driving some of the sport's most iconic cars including Senna's 1990 McLaren MP4/5B or Prost's Ferrari F1-90.

Looking at the present, the game will centre around the current rivalry between Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who both feature on the front cover.

And those who have watched the trailer (see below) will have been impressed at the graphics, as the team at Codemasters has again raised the bar and taken them onto the next level.

Lee Mather, F1 Game Director at Codemasters stressed how far the game has developed again this year.

"Every year we make great strides so the game is as authentic and immersive as possible and we have surpassed expectations with the quality of the visuals in F1 2019.

"We also know from fan feedback the classic cars our community want to race and we hope the returning roster, alongside the new vehicles from the Legends and Anniversary editions, will give them the choices they crave."

The F1 2019 Legends Edition is launched with three days' early access on June 25th whilst the F1 2019 Anniversary Edition is released on 28th June.