From the virtual race to the streets
What was once considered a simple computer game has developed into a demanding motorsport discipline: sim racing. The combination of realistic driving physics, state-of-the-art technology and growing popularity makes it more than just a hobby.
Sim racing has long since established itself as an integral part of motorsport. Many professional racing drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, use it as a training method to learn track layouts, sharpen their reactions and simulate vehicle behaviour.
Sim racing is also gaining in popularity in Luxembourg. The Luxembourg Formula Racing League (LFR), founded about two years ago, provides a platform for local sim racers. With two divisions, the LFR has established itself as a permanent fixture and is a member of the Fédération Luxembourgeoise d’Esport (FLES).
Close to reality
‘Sim racing gives you the opportunity to get as close as possible to reality and to experience driving as pilots do in real life,’ explains Joe Stammet, a sim racer in the LFR’s first division.
At the cockpit, he often experiences a rollercoaster of emotions. ’It ranges from frustration to an enormous amount of adrenaline. Frustration when things don’t go the way I want them to, but also euphoria. After my last race in Suzuka, I was still shaking with joy and excitement even after the race.’
Unlike in real races, virtual competitions often only cover half the regular distance, as LFR drivers are not professional drivers and need to leave time for family and jobs.
Virtual racing series such as the F1 Esports Series or the Le Mans Virtual Series have shown that talented sim racers can make it onto real race tracks. A prominent example is Jann Mardenborough, who entered professional motorsport through the Gran Turismo Academy. These developments show how sim racing gaming and real racing are becoming more and more intertwined, explains Joe Stammet. However, the transition is not easy. The physical strain, the feeling for the centrifugal forces and the psychological tension of a real race can only be partially reproduced digitally. Nevertheless, many fundamental skills are transferable, which makes sim racing increasingly attractive for talent scouting in motorsport.
The technology behind virtual racing
Sim racing is backed by impressive technology that is constantly evolving. Racing simulators such as iRacing or Le Mans Ultimate rely on realistic driving physics and track measurements to create an authentic driving experience. Steering wheels with force feedback technology and pedal systems with resistance ensure that drivers experience the behaviour of a real car as realistically as possible.
Sim racing as driver training
One of the most exciting questions is whether sim racing actually helps you to become a better driver. Joe Stammet says that he can apply the experience he has gained from virtual racing in real life, particularly in karting. His reaction time has improved and his line selection has become more precise.
However, the LFR pilot explains that you rarely encounter race-like situations in normal road traffic. He himself does not let himself be tempted to take risks when driving, as he does not want to put himself or others in danger unnecessarily. But he has taken one thing away from it: ‘Virtual racing has taught me to drive with more foresight.’
According to him, sim racing is particularly helpful for improving eye control, brake control and precise steering. But there are also risks. Those who only drive in simulators may develop a false sense of security. Drivers can adopt an aggressive or risky driving style because serious consequences are avoided in computer games.
