We analyze the world of gaming applied to simulators for rallies and car racing.
Racing Simulators are often much discussed. This is a sometimes difficult topic, not easy to discuss with those involved in motorsport. Let’s try to understand together how and if a driving simulator can help a rally driver.
Video Games for Rally: there is nothing worse.
Let’s start from the most complex point. To date, there is no Rally video game that comes even remotely close to what real road driving is like. Driving dynamics, sketchy pace notes, lack of real variables, poor management of online races. These are just some of the points that mean that a Rally Video Games can be more counterproductive than helpful to a driver. It’s not whoever drives best who wins, but whoever “cuts” best, you drive by heart with race management that comes so far from reality. A rally is much more complex than going 110% on a narrow road and hoping not to tip over. Therefore, Rally video games are a total no-no for us.
But are all racing video games bad?
No, not all video games are bad. Something is saved. Let’s try to understand who, why and how. As is well known, circuit simulation video games have achieved significantly higher levels of realism. It may be thanks to the fewer variables, to the greater interest on the part of the developers, but these video games in some cases are really realistic and therefore we can want interesting aspects that can help a driver.
iRacing, what we can learn from driving on circuit or Rally Cross.
iRacing is clearly one of the most educationally valid driving simulators. The driving dynamics require precision, the grip is low and great sensitivity is required, both when braking and entering curves. It is necessary to carefully respect the coasting, the timing in the use of the accelerator and its manner. All these are characteristics that require attention and precision from the pilot. The Rally Cross mode is also absolutely interesting, offering the possibility of testing yourself with rally-like cars on mixed and dirt surfaces. Last but not least, the restrictive rules and the high number of participants in online races ensure that driving quality is the highest possible, without any tricks.
Conclusions on Rally Simulators
As we have had the opportunity to analyze, Rally Simulators should not be totally banned. However, it is essential to understand what tools they can offer us and make the most of their characteristics. When in doubt, a real rally course with a real prepared car may be the best solution.