excellent racing mechanics, solid gameplay, all substance with no unnecessary flair
Also, this game faithfully reproduces all the F1 racecourses; the graphics are great; the roar of the engines is beautiful. The two-player season mode is good, and all the different game modes (quick race, race weekend with qualifiers and a grand prix, 1 season, or career mode, and challenge modes) are varied and will keep you playing and improving for a long time.
Final thought - the thrill you get when engaging your KERS system on a straightaway on the last lap to desperately attack with your last ounce of horsepower has been the best videogame experience I have had in a long time. I felt like I was taking a risk when I bought this game new and at full price, but I am totally satisfied with it.