Codemasters is apparently pleased with the sales of F1 2010, which actually did better than most analysts expected. Sources confirm to us that Codemasters is very upbeat for the potential of the franchise going forward in the care of the Codemasters developers.

The next version, which will be known as F1 2011, will feature more improvements and additions. The additional features will come in the form of new tracks and drivers. Perhaps the biggest news is that F1 2011 will make the big move to the handheld devices as part of the regular roadmap for the franchise. (Previously, Codemasters offered an F1 2009 version for the PSP and Wii.)

One of the more interesting moves is the news that Codies intends to offer a browser-based F1 title that will be targeted toward young kids. Details are sketchy on what this might include, but it will be something to see, for certain.

As expected, our sources confirm that sales of F1 2010 were strongest outside the U.S., with Europe being the strongest market for the title. U.S. sales were, however, much better than expected; and with the coming of a round of the F1 to again be held in the U.S., it does give Codemasters something to build upon. Recently, CEO Rod Cousens was quoted as saying, “F1 could be Codemasters FIFA,” and if that happens we don’t think they would complain about it.