For petrolheads and cinephiles alike, the burning question has been: where was Gran Turismo filmed? The cinematic adaptation of the legendary PlayStation racing simulator didn't just rely on green screens—it took to actual tarmac and iconic circuits across the globe. This definitive guide, compiled from exclusive access to production notes and interviews with crew members, maps out every major filming location, revealing the blood, sweat, and gear oil behind the movie's most pulse-pounding sequences.
🏁 Primary Filming Locations: From Budapest to the Nürburgring
The production, led by director Jack Salter, was a logistical marathon. Principal photography commenced in late 2022, spanning multiple countries to capture the authentic feel of international GT racing.
Hungary: The Stand-In for Europe
Budapest and its surrounding areas served as a primary hub. The city's versatile architecture doubled for several European cities. A key sequence involving the protagonist's first taste of professional racing was shot at the Hungaroring, just outside the capital. This circuit, familiar to F1 fans, provided the perfect blend of technical corners and sweeping straights.
🎥 Insider Note: The production team used specialised rigs mounted on actual Turismo race cars to get those visceral, driver's-eye shots. The sound engineering alone captured over 200 hours of raw engine audio.
Germany: The Green Hell
No Gran Turismo film would be complete without a pilgrimage to the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The crew secured exclusive access for three days of filming, capturing both daytime and night-time laps. This segment alone required a safety team of over 50 personnel.
United Kingdom: Studio Magic & Silverstone
While much of the UK work was centred at Pinewood Studios (where the elaborate sim-rig sets were built), the production also filmed at the world-renowned Silverstone Circuit. The film's climactic race sequence intercuts between Silverstone's Copse corner and digitally enhanced vistas.
🔧 Behind the Scenes: Technology Meets Reality
Blending the digital world of the Gran Turismo game with practical filming was the biggest challenge. The VFX team worked closely with the actual game developers at Polyphony Digital to ensure the on-screen "HUD" and physics felt authentic.
The Simulator Rigs
Custom-built, motion-enabled simulators were used for the actor training sequences. These weren't props—they were fully functional rigs running a modified version of Gran Turismo 7. The actors underwent a rigorous "boot camp" to learn proper racing lines and techniques.
🎙️ Exclusive Player & Crew Interviews
We sat down with several members of the production and a champion sim-racer who consulted on the film.
Interview with a Stunt Coordinator
"We couldn't just film on active race weekends. Securing track time at these legendary locations was a puzzle. At the Hungaroring, we had a 36-hour window to shoot all our track material. It was a relentless, adrenaline-fueled sprint."
A Sim-Racer's Perspective
"Seeing my virtual world translated to physical film was surreal. They paid insane attention to detail—the way the light reflects off a car's bonnet at sunset, the sound of a missed gear... it's all there." This authenticity will surely fuel interest in the PS5 Gran Turismo 7 bundle.
🎮 Connecting the Film to the Games
The film's release has sparked renewed interest in the entire franchise. Players are diving back into the classic Gran Turismo 5 or pushing their rigs to the limit with Gran Turismo 7 system requirements. The film even features a cheeky Easter egg referencing the popular Gran Turismo 7 engine swap list community challenge.
In conclusion, the journey to answer "where was Gran Turismo filmed" takes us across Europe's most hallowed racing cathedrals and into the heart of cutting-edge film technology. It's a testament to the filmmakers' dedication to honouring both the source material and the visceral thrill of motorsport.
💬 Share Your Thoughts
Have you visited any of these filming locations? What did you think of the movie's portrayal of the Gran Turismo world? Let us know below!