Though we’ve already gotten a look at some brief snippets of footage (or at least behind-the-scenes action) from Ron Howard’s latest, Formula 1 racing drama Rush (and some images from Howard's own Twitter feed), the first official stills are now online and can be gawped at below. And yes, readers of Empire magazine will already have seen three-quarters of these in print.

Written by Peter Morgan, Rush chronicles the real-life high-speed competition that played out between hotshot English wheelman James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Austrian perfectionist Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl). While one is a dashing playboy with a wild social life, the other is a quieter but no less driven genius of the track. Their rivalry became legend both on and off the Grand Prix circuit as they pushed themselves ever further in the pursuit of victory and glory.

The movie also features the likes of Olivia Wilde, Natalie Dormer and Alexandra Maria Lara and has a set US release date of September 20 next year. There’s no sign yet of when we can expect to see it, though it likely won’t be too long after that.

And if you want to read more about Rush, pick up the current issue of Empire - now on sale, including the iPad edition - for our exclusive set visit report.