Codemasters' distended stable of racing games is set to get even bigger with the announcement that they have signed the worldwide publishing rights to Asobo Studios' FUEL.

FUEL is set in an alternate present in which swathes of the globe have been ravaged by the effects of climate change brought on by decades of environmental abuse. Oil prices have rocketed and yet a new breed of racing junkie takes to the wastelands, pitting their grungy home-tuned vehicles against each other in an all-new extreme sport as they compete to win fuel supplies.

Borne of Asobo Studios' proprietary engine, FUEL will offer players over 5,000 square miles (14,000+ kmē) in which to race.

"FUEL raises the bar in terms of scale and exhilaration for racing games. We begin with the largest racing environment to appear in gaming - ever. With our accelerated effects of climate change and dynamic weather system we add an extra dimension that change races on-the-fly and constantly presents new challenges to players," said Sebastian Wloch, Chief Executive Officer, Asobo Studios.

FUEL is set for a 2009 release across the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC. More on FUEL will be revealed from the Leipzig Games Convention (20 - 24th August, 2008).