Tuesday, 9 September 2025

GP4: Guide to Zaz Tools - CSM process update

I know some of you have had some issues with my recent mods (1994 v4.3, 1993 v2.0, 2025 mod) that rely on the injectdll to function correctly, but many of you, with some support, have managed to get it working. You can read more about the benefits of it here: www.grandprixgames.org

Here, I hope to share all my knowledge for those who are still struggling with it.

Installation of Grand Prix 4

Firstly, this assumes that you have installed Grand Prix 4 in its default directory i.e.

C:\Program Files (x86)\Infogrames\Grand Prix 4

It should be fine if it is in a different location.

Installation of Zaz Tools 1.27C

Secondly, Zaz Tools 1.27C prefers to be installed in its default directory.

C:\Program Files (x86)\ZaZ GP4 Tools

(You can download Zaz Tools 1.27C here: DOWNLOAD)

It also works best with these compatibility settings (I have used these in Win 10 and Win 11)

In my antivirus, I had to make an exception for the whole Zaz Tools directory.

Installing Zaz Tools 1.27C modified - CSMProcess_setup

Next up, you need the CSM update: (DOWNLOAD)

When you run it, it will place csmprocess.exe into your Zaz Tools directory - so direct it to where you have installed Zaz Tools.

If you are running anti-virus software, you will need to create an exception to this file, but if you have already created an exception for the directory above, this should not be necessary.

Next, it will ask you where your GP4 is installed. As noted in the text, it will check if the path to the Grand Prix 4 installation folder is valid for CSMProcess.exe i.e. it will check if there are brackets in teh path i.e. the (X86) bit.

If that is the case, then it will create a directory junction, so that you will see the GP4 installation in your C drive i.e. C:\Grand Prix 4

Then click install.

CSM Paths

Check if your CSM has updated its paths, if not, then you may have to edit this manually.

As above, the important thing is that the path does not contain brackets, that's vital for the CSMProcess to work correctly.

Zaz Tools Log files

After you have ran one of the mods that uses the injectdll function,

C:\Program Files (x86)\ZaZ GP4 Tools\Logs

In this directory, you should see csmprocess_IndividualMeshesAndTextures.log

This is how it should look if it was successfully applied.

I trust that if you follow these simple steps, you can enjoy all the benefits that this brings.

Keep racing!

Monday, 8 September 2025

GP4: F1 2025 Mod v1.0 (CSM)

It's here and ready - the 2025 CSM mod has just dropped.

As with my previous 2023/24 season mods, this mod is the base mod with everything working smoothly. So it is a kind of work in progress release, designed with future add-ons in mind.

The mods that I have released this year have been redesigned to make use of Öggos' InjectDLL and bringing new features to current season mods. Whilst the structure has many similarities to the previous seasons, it has significant changes means this is a completely new mod.

Much of the content in this mod has been released here: https://fongugp4.blogspot.com/p/gp4-2025-download-sources.html

All the cars have been brought to us by the RSCT team of Excalibur and Isaint. I have modified Isaint's cars a little, mostly bug fixes to stop the flickering textures and I have repositioned some of the rear wheel hubs to be more realistic.

I have also taken all these cars and created them for internal cockpit use. This is a new feature, and with the dashes on the wheel instead of the cockpit shape, it makes for a much easier conversion. Because these cockpits use the main texture, track specific liveries work seamlessly without any additional editing.

Also new, to go with the individual cockpits, are steering wheels for each team. They are based on the 2024 versions and both internal and external versions of these wheels are in the game. As it remains a limitation to run one steering wheel for all teams, you simply need to select a driver from the CSM menu to use that team's steering wheel.

Thanks again to Excalibur for his excellent 3D rims, however I have amended the size of them and created lods, as in previous seasons with Carl_gpgames.

Thanks once more to Gitanes for his work on performance files, including torque files, physics and magic data files for each track. The magic data, as in previous mods, is a little experimental, it does depend on how you install your tracks and the TSM profile name you use. I have added an option to turn the torque tweak off, this occassionaly makes cars sit in their pitbox for a good while before the mechanics start work - it is not a foolproof fix though.

Thanks to Mailson_Teles for his lovely loading screens and to jcgrj for the 2024 engine sounds.

I will talk about the new helmets in their own dedicated post, but I'm indebted to Theofilos for creating and sharing his Real Helmets Project. So far only the Arai and Bell helmet variations have been done, a very nice upgrade from before. Thanks to Excalibur for help in the conversion. Instead of waiting for the set to be complete, I have quickly painted some Schuberth and Stilo helmets on Jvinu's shape for the time being. These temporary helmets are not as accurate as the main set.

To get this mod released, I had to rush to put some generic items in, like high resolution team arts, plain pitcrews and engineers, not in any way accurate. There remains a generic internal visor. To get this mod released, I thought it was better to have something generic, and these can be patched later as people create them.

As always, thanks to a good number of community members who made this mod possible - some of them long gone from modding sadly, but their work is still being used to this day.

Carl_gpgames - CSM structure base, Generic internal cockpit, pitprops, pitmonitor, GPxPatch graphics, background videos, music and GP4 Memory Access and coding help.
Öggo - Blender plugins, Car Collision editor, Individual tyres & helmets tweak, Visor colour cap, gpf editor, Injectdll, csm procss and general support and bug fixing.
32bobo32 - Pitcrew & Engineer Template, Director & marshal skins. Hi res menu items, no refuel animation, menu fonts, HUD. hi res menu font
prblanco - various caps
gplaps - DirectX 8 patch
crosire - DirectX 9 patch
gp4wonder / DOSOAL - Sound Hardware Acceleration
Petrus - GPH Updater
btone & Ruboy - Def Panel
Duffer - LCD font editor
Zaz - CSM, TSM, Slimtex... and the rest of Zaz Tools
Rene Smit - GPxPatch
Madman271 - GP4Tweaker
Lo2K - GP4 Builder
KerleyF1 - general help, support and testing

Installation Notes

Zaz Tools & GpxPatch

As with all my mods, you will need Zaz Tools and GpxPatch installed. You will also need to install CSM Process (CSM Add-on) for this mod to work too.

Follow this guide to help you install it: Guide to installing Zaz Tools and CSMProcess

Download GPxPatch Download Zaz Tools Download CSM Add-on

2025 CSM F1 Mod

Download and install this mod from the CSM menu

Download Part 1 Download Part 2

Happy racing!

Tuesday, 2 September 2025

ICYMI - Summer 2025

It's been a little while since I have posted on my blog. Inactivity on the blog does not mean that I am not busy working on projects, but mods takes time and dedication and sometimes real life has to take precedence.

You may have noticed, this site has been going through a bit of a rebrand, hopefully to make things easier to see and find. This is not least because there's close to 100GB of downloads now available on this blog.

However, that has not stopped the community from being busy and sharing their works.

There's been a flurry of activity on the 2025 cars, and Excalibur and Isaint have been doing a great job in bringing the entire grid to Grand Prix 4.

New Tracks

Magny-Cours 2001 HD AI

by Hega More Info Download

Autódromo San Nicolás - Argentina

by Viking75 More Info Download

1964 F1 Zeltweg - Austria

by Viking75 More Info Download

Circuit de Invalides, Paris, France

by Viking75 More Info Download

Mods

F1 1991 CSM Mod

by Kerleyf1

This is a modernisation and update to one of the classic GP4 mods

More Info Download part 1 Download part 2

2005/6 ChampCar CSM Mod

by Lee1971/RSP

This is not a new mod, I have simply converted it to be used via CSM

More Info Download CSM Mod

SkaningeN's updates

F1 2011 add ons

by SkaningeN Add On Info Download add-on pack 2011 Helmets Info Download 2011 Helmets Tyres & Rims Info Download Tyres & Rims

Cars

1997/8 Steering Wheels

by rracunis

This pack includes internal and external steering wheels. **updated 4th September 2025**

Add On Info Download pack

2003 BAR Black Test Car

by Ross Hunter, CTDP

This is one is from the archives, thanks Ross Hunter for sharing it with me back in the day, and Quickslick for requesting this (or one very similar to this).

Add On Info Download

1999 McLaren MP4/14 updated

by Hega, CR Formula

A very nice update to the front wing and rear wing at specific races. 1999 is coming together nicely

Add On Info Download

We have a great community with lots of talent still modding this game. Enjoy and keep racing!

Thursday, 24 July 2025

GP4: 1999 Arrows A20 by Hega and fongu

Here is the 1999 Arrows A20 as driven by Tora Takagi and Pedro de la Rosa.

This car is by Hega, with help on the car model by me, logos and reference photos provided by Quickslick, and some objects from Soulbringer's A19 model.

This car comes with 6 difference shape variants as well as a full season's worth of textures.

This is the car that appears in the GPedia videos with Mark Hemsworth

In my review of the Minichamps model (https://fongugp4.blogspot.com/2019/06/143-model-review-1999-arrows-a20.html), I dwelt mainly on the negatives. Sure it was slow, yes it was embroiled in a controversy (which by the way, if you don't know anything about t-minus and the so-called Nigerian prince, then I'd suggest you check out the saga https://youtu.be/DQPNfDC0_Vw?feature=shared)

So what about the positives. It scored a point, back in the day when points were only awarded to the six. Admittedly, it was at the first race.

It was based on the beautiful A19, designed originally by John Barnard and Mike Coughlan, but the former star designed had since left and Coughlan and Eghbal Hamidy were tasked to develop the car with minimal funding.

It had in-house built engines, kind of. Tom Walkinshaw had injected funds into Brian Hart's engine company, but an ownership dispute ensued and Hart departed from the project.

Though both drivers were 'pay-drivers', de la Rosa would go on to prove to be a talented racer, and he is also the one responsible for bringing Repsol as a sponsor to the team. This resulted in the first orange Arrows of that short era, the front half of the car decked in Repsol colours.

As mentioned earlier, with investments from a Nigerian prince, the building blocks for a good little team was brought together. But sadly, with the funds not arriving, the departures of Hart and Barnard, meant the team were underfunded and underpowered.

Still, despite being such a slow car, it did beat BAR in the Constructors' Championship.

Around this time, 2 seater cars were kind of a thing, with Arrows building a 2-seateer and also the Arrows AX3 (3-seater car) was based on this A20.

On my side, I really enjoyed working on this car, I think it's quite a nice shape, and the sidepods are quite unique and a different challenge to making other cars.

I hope you enjoy it.

Download: 1999 Arrows A20 by Hega & fongu

More Info Download

Tuesday, 17 June 2025

GP4: 1999 Jordan 199 by Hega & fongu - RIP Eddie Jordan

Hega writes: Here's our tribute to Eddie Jordan. This was the most successful car in the team's fifteen-year history, scoring two wins, a pole position, and third place in the Constructors' Championship.

Thanks to fongu for the 3D model, and quickslick for logos, testing, and feedback.

10 different shapes + textures for full 1999 season included.

Earlier this year, the world is a poorer place after the sad passing of former team owner and principal, Eddie Jordan.

This is actually the second Jordan car I've been involved in releasing this year, but the 1999 car was where the team almost became legit championship contenders, they never looked so strong (albeit with no Michael and McLaren trying hard not to win). The trajectory was so promising that even Ron Dennis acknowledged it after their Monza victory. From there, the pole position at the Nurburgring was probably the epitome of Jordan GP. This car, to me, represents the hopes of my young Jordan fandom... just a shame it was downhill from the moment that Frentzen forgot a procedure at the pitstop and ground to a halt.

Most of the credit for this car goes to Hega, I played a little part with some shaping help, tweaking and refining what he had done. But I'm priveleged and grateful to be involved in helping make this new car for GP4.

Download: 1999 Jordan 199 by Hega & fongu

More Info Download

Wednesday, 11 June 2025

GP4: 1993 Mod Version 2.0 by KerleyF1 & fongu

The 1993 season.

What do you remember from it?

Prost coasting to the championship
Senna's incredible season
The last time Prost and Senna shared a track
The "most technologically advanced F1 cars" ever
Andretti's ill-fated move to McLaren
Hakkinen's start at McLaren
That incredible first lap at Donington
The under-rated simmering rivalry between Senna and Schumacher
Berger's suspension failure on the way out of the pits at Estoril
Sauber's impressive debut
Irvine's debut and punch-up

The 1993 season has been faithfully recreated by so many talented modders from the community. Also, It's been a delight to work with the nicest guy in the GP4 community, my friend, KerleyF1 (grandprixmods.blogspot.com).

For a long, long time, we had talked about updating the 1993 Mod for Grand Prix 4, and it's finally here!

KerleyF1 has done great work on the structure of the mod and the graphics and painstakingly installing all the track specific variants of the cars and helmets. In game graphics like the one below look fantastic.

This is built on the work on previous mods by TomMK (from GP4 Central) and Mschumi24.

And a massive thanks to Öggo who has been involved in every car in this mod, except one late season Tyrrell 021 which was done by me. Not only that, he's created all the helmet shapes and every driver has a personalised helmet texture do a level of specificity that is mind blowing. This mod also features a lot of his tweaks that have brought this mod to the next level.

I have learned a lot in making the 1994 mod, and it was good to carry some things over to this mod.

So what's new?

The top four teams, namely the Williams, McLaren, Benetton and Ferrari, have all had their cars resized to be more consistent with one another. For the Williams, I have also extended the front wing horizontally to be more accurate. GP4Central's mod also had low downforce rear wings, which have been incorporated into this mod, along with new lower lods for them.

New tweaks include removing the refueller from the animation, and starting the race with full fuel loads.

The 1993 steering wheel brought to us by Carl_gpgames is now included. With Öggo's tweak, this is now properly rendered in 3D and enables the advanced carshader. The external wheel was added by KerleyF1, and the arms are from Carl_gpgames, whilst the glove is an adaption from working in ChatGPT.

Carried over from the 1994 mod are the pit props and the marshall. I have also brought over the new high resolution tyre treads to go with the updated 3D rims and sidewalls by Alesi_fan and Öggo. There's also lots of customisable options in the CSM menu too.

Updated sounds by jcgrj are also carried over from the 1994 mod with some sounds by Mitsuro_Sano.

Also new to this mod are individual internal cockpits. This version is a bit more refined than the 1994 mod, and as the cars created for this were done with a generic dashboard, it means I can get a working dashboard on all teams, even though the positioning is different for each car.

I have also created new visors, these ones are more inspired by the ones in the 2011 mod.

Thanks again to Gap177 for his amazing work on the existing 1993 trackpack by Plodekk and cleberpister. Here's some more screenshots from the mod with some of the new HD tracks.