Codemasters’ upcoming racer Fuel can rightly lay claim to offering the biggest ever in-game environment seen in a video game, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

The announcement follows news that the game's release has slipped a week to June 5th.

In total Fuel boasts 5,560 square miles of in-game terrain – more than the total area of Hong Kong, Singapore, St Lucia and the Isle of White combined. It would take a gamer over three hours to drive from

The achievement will be documented in the next Gamers Edition of the famous book.

The entry will read: “Largest playable area in a console game: The largest playable environment in a console game is 5,560 square miles (14,400 km²), and is featured in Fuel (Codemasters, 2009). The area features rivers, deserts, forests and mountains and was demonstrated at the offices of Guinness World Records, London, UK, on 20 May 2009.”

Codemasters producer Phil Wright said of the award: “We knew Fuel was going to be big but to have this confirmed officially by Guinness World Records justifies our faith in this ground-breaking title.

“No other game comes close to offering the variety of environments, the range of vehicles or the sheer size of Fuel. It’s one of the most innovative racers ever, and we’re thrilled it’s been recognised as the biggest console game of all time.”

Fuel is now set for release on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on June 5th.