If you want to drive like the real pros, you no longer have to travel all the way to the Nürburg or Hockenheimring. Virtual racing simulations bring you right into the action.
The sim racing trend has enjoyed a great deal of attention in the last two to three years and more and more racing fans, gamers and even motorsport professionals are gambling on a wide variety of racing simulations. What else lies behind the term, how you can try out sim racing yourself and what the best racing simulations are for this purpose, we explain to you in this article.
What is Sim Racing?
Sim Racing is a short form for Simulated Racing. Behind it are all racing simulations that are oriented towards traditional motorsport and try to incorporate as many realistic elements as possible into the game. In the end, the player should get the feeling that he is on a real race track himself.
Theoretically, all you need to get started is a console or gaming PC and the right software. However, to really feel the driving sensation of a real racing car, you should take a look at the right racing equipment. Professionals usually start with a suitable racing chair, pedals and a steering wheel. The higher the quality of the parts, the more realistic the driving experience (e.g. force feedback).
Realistic racing feeling in the comfort of your own home
In the game itself, you have to pay attention to your fuel consumption and tyre wear just like in a real race. Different weather conditions make for changing road conditions. Here, too, you have to make tactical decisions, for example, by choosing the right tyres at the beginning of the race.
Furthermore, the world’s well-known race tracks are recreated in detail in most games. For example, you can drive the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which is more than 20 kilometres long and has more than 200 bends, at home. The strong connection between virtual discipline and real motorsport becomes very clear here. Precisely because of these realistic features, some motorsport professionals also train on the virtual asphalt.
Austrian motorsport pro Dominik Baumann explains: “Sim racing is almost as realistic and professional as traditional motorsport: every sector, every lap, the fuel consumption and much more is analysed in detail. (Automobilesport)
The Sim Racing Landscape
The rise in popularity of the racing scene is largely due to well-known figures from traditional motorsport. Formula 1 drivers such as Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, among others, were already streaming their virtual races from home in early 2019, attracting fans around the world. The two now have a combined following of just under two million on Twitch. Norris has even become a full-time streamer while still actively racing on the side.
With the increasing importance of racing simulations, the scene became more and more interesting for sponsors, organisers and the game developers themselves. Formula 1, for example, organised its own Virtual Grand Prix and the F1 Esports Pro Championship. Car manufacturers such as BMW or Porsche also saw the potential in the attractive target group and organised their own tournaments such as the Porsche SimRacing Summit or the BMW 120 Sim Cup.
The videos of the races have been clicked millions of times in some cases. This shows that sim racing is no longer a small trend, but already an established part of Esport. As an officially recognised motorsport discipline, it still allows racing fans who have never made it onto the real asphalt to experience the feeling of a real race. Similar to other esports disciplines, Sim Racing also emphasises mental elements such as concentration and reaction skills.
The most realistic racing simulations
rFactor 2 (Price: 29,99€)
The most realistic racing game on the market is called rFactor 2. The game not only enjoys great popularity among gamers, but is also used by professional drivers for training. rFactor 2 supports features such as a day-night cycle, dynamic weather conditions and a so-called “Real Road” technology, which realistically changes the grip on the road. In addition to the diverse multiplayer, you can even play a single-player campaign.
RaceRoom (Price: Free)
The simulation RaceRoom offers you a free-to-play variant. With the free version you have access to a selection of free vehicles and tracks. With the premium version you can discover even more. In addition to racing against the computer or online competitors, you can even compete in sponsored competitions and win cool premium content.
F1 2021 (Price: 59,99€)
For the full price of a AAA title, you get the latest simulation from the house of Formula 1. In this version, developer Codemasters has placed special emphasis on realism and added some new elements. You no longer only have to race, but also pay very close attention to the condition of your vehicle. The engine and chassis, among other things, play a major role. If you like the technical details and are a Formula 1 fan, this racing simulation is something for you.
