In an interview with the Italian game site multiplayer.it (translated by GTPlanet), Gran Turismo series creator Kazunori Yamauchi has revealed that the long, long wait for Gran Turismo 5 is almost over.

While the game is very much still in development, “its release is not too far, it will be after the PSP GT release,” said Yamauchi. With the PSP version of the game set to hit next month, that means we may just get our hands on the game this year. Maybe.

Other “maybes” to emerge from the Yamauchi interview is that GT5 will “very probably” be a simultaneous worldwide release, with no annoying localisation delays as it makes its way to the West. Nice.

Yamauchi also confirmed that GT5 will include 1,000 cars and YouTube replay support. He wrapped up the interview with news that will put a smile on the face of fancy HDTV owners everywhere; GT5 will run in 1080p at a silky smooth 60 fps. I really need a new telly.