Some 40 episodes of the popular motoring show Top Gear are to be available on a dedicated Gran Turismo TV channel.

Gamers will be able to download the shows via the PS3’s online network, while the test track used by the BBC show’s presenters will be recreated inside the latest instalment of the virtual racing series.

Players will be able to race hundreds of cars around the Top Gear track. GT TV will also feature news and features about the motoring world.

President of the game’s developers Polyphony Digital, Kazunori Yamauchi said: "We’re sure that players will be as thrilled as we are when they get the chance to put their own driving skills to the test on the Top Gear Test Track in GT5, as well as enjoying classic episodes of Top Gear via GT TV".

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is due for release next year.