What Racing Sim Do Professionals Use? Top Simulator Platforms Used by Real-World Racers in 2025

Why Racing Simulators Matter to Professionals

In today’s motorsports world, racing simulators are no longer just entertainment—they're powerful tools used by professional drivers and teams to train, analyze performance, and gain a competitive edge. Formula 1, GT racing, rally, and even NASCAR drivers rely on ultra-realistic sim platforms to practice before hitting the track.

So, what racing sim do professionals use? Let’s explore the most popular and trusted simulation platforms among elite racers in 2025—and why they choose them.

Top Racing Simulators Used by Professionals Racing
The Gold Standard for Realism and Competitive Racing

iRacing is considered the most professional-grade racing simulator available to consumers. Features include:

Laser-scanned tracks with millimeter accuracy

Dynamic track temperature and tire wear

Real-world vehicle physics and telemetry

Official leagues used by NASCAR, Porsche Cup, and IndyCar

Popular among Formula 1 drivers during off-season training

Used by: Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Tony Kanaan, and many eSports champions.

Trusted by Racing Teams for Physics and Modularity

offers unmatched vehicle dynamics and tire modeling, making it the go-to sim for driver development and engineering analysis.

Advanced real-time tire simulation

Flexible modding options for teams

VR and triple monitor support

Used in FIA Formula E simulator training

Integrated telemetry tools for serious analysis

Used by: Professional race engineers and manufacturers like BMW Motorsport and Formula E teams.

Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC)
GT Racing Sim with Official FIA Licensing

ACC is the official simulator of the GT World Challenge, making it a favorite for GT3 and GT4 professionals. It’s known for:

Stunning graphics and weather simulation

Full support for Fanatec and high-end hardware

Realistic physics and car handling based on GT3 data

Career and endurance racing modes

Largely used in European GT training academies

Used by: Real GT3 drivers, including Lamborghini and Audi team members.

RaceRoom Racing Experience
Popular in DTM and Touring Car Circuits

RaceRoom offers officially licensed cars and tracks from DTM, WTCR, and ADAC GT Masters. It provides:

Free-to-start model with professional upgrade options

Realistic sound design and immersive FFB

Official backing from motorsport organizations

High popularity in European touring car series

What Makes These Sims “Professional”?

Professional drivers prefer racing sims that deliver:

Realistic vehicle dynamics

Accurate track modeling (laser-scanned)

Feedback systems that match real-world forces

Compatibility with motion platforms and direct-drive wheels

Access to telemetry and data analysis tools

Online ranked racing against skilled opponents

These features make simulators not only immersive but also genuinely valuable for training.

Hardware Used by Professional Sim Racers

To support these high-end sims, professionals typically use:

Direct drive steering wheels (Fanatec DD2, Simucube 2)

Load cell or hydraulic pedals

3DOF/6DOF motion platforms

Triple-screen or VR setups (Varjo, Pimax, Meta Quest 3)

Custom-built cockpits with full adjustability

Brands like Fanatec, SimLab, and Heusinkveld dominate the pro sim hardware market.

How Real-World Drivers Train with Sims

Memorizing braking points and racing lines

Practicing unfamiliar tracks (e.g., Monaco, Suzuka)

Simulating night or rain racing conditions

Repeating laps for consistency and endurance

Collaborating with engineers via sim telemetry

Even Formula 1 teams maintain dedicated simulator drivers to support race development.

Commercial Use of Professional Sim Platforms

Simulators like rFactor 2 and iRacing are not just for home users. Many FECs and high-end racing centers now integrate professional-grade platforms into their motion simulators, offering:

Authentic training programs

Competitive esports events

Branded racing experiences

At Guangzhou Dinibao Animation Technology Co., Ltd., we offer racing simulator machines fully compatible with these elite platforms, equipped with dynamic motion, VR support, and multiplayer options for commercial venues.

Conclusion: Which Racing Sim Is Best for Professionals?

There’s no single answer—because it depends on the racing discipline. But if you want to match what the pros use:

Racing: Best for oval, open-wheel, and global online racing

Factor 2: Best for physics realism and custom use

ACC: Best for GT racing training

RaceRoom: Best for DTM and touring car fans

Want to bring a professional sim experience into your home or business? Partner with trusted manufacturers like Dinibao to ensure top-tier performance and reliability.