
Play Pole Position Online
Pole Position is a Formula 1 racing game. Enter the Grand Prix, race against other racing cars to achieve the highest score possible in the shortest amount of time.
Before the player can enter the Grand Prix, the player must first qualify by competing in the Qualifying Lap within 73 seconds or less. If the player, however, does not qualify in the Qualifying Lap, the player may continue to race until the Race Timer runs after 90 seconds. The player will score 50 points per 5 meters and additionally 50 points for every racing car passed. When the time runs out - Game Over. The player will have to restart the Qualifying Lap.
Qualifying will enable the player to start in one of the eight available positions. The faster the lap time was, the better the starting position in addition to bonus score points. The number one starting position is the Pole Position.
During the Grand Prix, the player will compete against the Race Timer as well as against other racing cars. If the player fails to beat the Race Timer in any lap, the player drops out of the race - Game Over. Completing the race by reaching the finishing line will grant the player 200 points per second left on the Race Timer, a bonus score for distance covered, and passing bonus points.
Scoring
- Every 5 meters driven: 50 points
- Passing Car Bonus: 50 points per racing car
- Time Bonus: 200 points per second left on the Race Timer
Positions
- Pole Position - Lap Time: 58"50 seconds - 4,000 points
- 2nd Position - Lap Time: 60"00 seconds - 2,000 points
- 3rd Position - Lap Time: 62"00 seconds - 1,400 points
- 4th Position - Lap Time: 64"00 seconds - 1,000 points
- 5th Position - Lap Time: 66"00 seconds - 800 points
- 6th Position - Lap Time: 68"00 seconds - 600 points
- 7th Position - Lap Time: 70"00 seconds - 400 points
- 8th Position - Lap Time: 73"00 seconds - 200 points
Available Versions
Pole Position (1981)(Arcade)
Pole Position (World) (1981)(Arcade)
- DeveloperNamco Limited
- PublisherNamco Limited
- Release Date1981-12-31
- GenresDriving/Racing
- PlatformsArcade
- Players16
How to Play Pole Position in Your Browser
1. Click Play
Simply click the "Play Now" button at the top of this page to start the game immediately.
2. Use Controls
Use your keyboard to control the game. Check the keyboard configuration section below for details.
3. Save Progress
Use the save feature to preserve your progress at any point in the game.
Pro Tip
For the best experience playing Pole Position, use a desktop or laptop computer with a keyboard. Full-screen mode provides the most immersive gameplay.
Emulator Keyboard Configuration

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Last updated: 2025-04-26T07:31:29.976Z
This page is part of our effort to preserve classic video game history. Pole Position © 1981 Namco Limited. This online emulation is provided for historical preservation and educational purposes only.
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