“You can’t simulate centrifugal forces 1: 1, but the steering wheel and pedal feel comes close to real driving,” was his conclusion after a few laps in the high-performance simulators, which cost more than 80,000 euros. Vettel: “I always prepared for my races virtually. These simulators are of course far more professional than mine at home. They are definitely worth an experience. “
The Swiss company Racing Unleashed works with simulators that are built in Maranello.
The Swiss company Racing Unleashed works in its lounges with simulators that are built in Ferrari’s hometown of Maranello. 46-inch screens with a panorama-like view and true-to-original F1 carbon fiber cockpits with an integrated movement system make the test drive an almost real Formula 1 experience. The basis of the computer model: a virtual F1 car from 2020. The software: Assetto Corsa Pro.
Managing director of the company: Ex-Sauber team boss Monisha Kaltenborn (50). “Simulators like ours make motorsport sustainable, safer and more cost-effective,” says the Austrian with Indian roots, who wants to bring the sim racers from their living rooms to the high-end machines from Racing Unleashed.
For example Fabian Vettel, who, like DTM star Lucas Auer or ex-DTM driver Martin Tomczyk, could not be missing at the opening of the Munich lounge. Does he dare to take part in the Racing Unleashed series? Vettel knows how difficult that is: “You need time, practice and kilometers against the right professionals – I haven’t quite got them in the simulator yet, but I’m catching up.”
For Fabian Vettel it was the first race since 2019.
Fabian Vettel has meanwhile moved from Heppenheim to Augsburg, studying real estate management in Bavaria. But he still has one foot in the motorsport door. “The GT4 participation was a very spontaneous and short-term campaign,” reveals the Hessian. “A big thank you to Schaeffler Paravan, who gave me the opportunity to test the space drive system in GT4 Germany. For me it was a great success and a lot of fun – also working on a technology that should improve the future. That was an honor. “
Space Drive lacks the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering gear. Instead, the impulses are transmitted electronically. This enables completely new interior concepts and driving for disabled people.
For Vettel it was the first race since 2019. “Of course I noticed that I missed it. That’s why I picked out a few delicacies for next year that I would like to make – simply because I feel like it. The 24-hour race on the Nordschleife grabbed me – I would like to go back there again because it is unique. ”
