Play Pole Position Online

Pole Position was one of those early MS-DOS Classic Games releases, a port of the arcade hit by Namco. It arrived on computers when racing games were still mostly about simple tracks and basic sprites, but it stood out for trying to capture the feel of a real Formula One circuit. You weren't just driving in circles; you were trying to qualify and then compete on a recognizable course.

You control a Formula One race car from a behind the vehicle perspective, focusing on hitting apexes and avoiding other cars. The main objective is to post a fast enough lap time in the qualifying round to earn a spot on the starting grid, then finish in the top positions in the actual race. Signature mechanics include the precise, often unforgiving steering that requires careful input to avoid spinning out, and the need to manage your speed through turns to prevent crashing into the billboards lining the track. The pacing is relentless; one mistake often means a reset as the computer opponents are aggressive and consistent. It feels like a constant battle for control against both the track and the clock.

Each game uses different controls, most DOS games use the keyboard arrows. Some will use the mouse , "Alt" ,"Enter" and "Space bar".