Well, on normal skill mode, you will find you're lapping them twice in a race. Unless you're into easy victories, you'll soon be switching to the harder difficulty. This is where you realise how good the game is. The contention for corners is brilliantly depicted. When you nip in front at a corner, don't be surprised to see the computer-controlled cars almost angrily try to cut you up on the other side.
Aggression is one aspect of the game, but another is etiquette.
Be warned though, just like the real thing you'll get the odd stubborn driver who simply won't get out of the way. With the second and third placed cars breathing down your neck, this can make for some rather exciting moments. All the cars have the relevant advertising logos on them, and look superb when sat on the starting grid. Similarly all the tracks are faithfully rendered, with advertising boards whizzing past and the stands full to the brim with adoring fans. All of this goes on at a rate of knots, and you'll be surprised at how fast the game actually plays.