What Equipment Do Professional Sim Racers Use?

In the competitive world of professional sim racing, every detail counts. From the force feedback on a steering wheel to the precision of pedal inputs, the gear professionals use is chosen for its reliability, performance, and realism. That’s why some of the most prestigious sim racing championships in the world, the F1 Sim Racing World Championship and the Gran Turismo World Series, rely exclusively on Fanatec hardware.

As the official equipment provider for both competitions, Fanatec offers cutting-edge technology that bridges the gap between virtual racing and the real thing. In this article, we’ll take a look at the exact gear used by the pros in these top-tier events.

In F1 Sim Racing, drivers demand gear that can replicate the intense speed and responsiveness of a Formula 1 car. That’s why Fanatec equips these professional racers with a tailored combination of high-end components:

• ClubSport Racing Wheel F1: Built in collaboration with Formula 1, this officially licensed wheel delivers unmatched realism. With a compact, carbon-fiber reinforced structure, magnetic shifters, and advanced input options, it’s the go-to wheel for elite-level competition.
• CSL Elite Pedals V2 (Two-Pedal Setup): To better replicate F1 cars, drivers remove the clutch pedal, leaving only the throttle and brake. These pedals offer hall-effect sensors for precision and adjustable resistance, making them ideal for the razor-sharp control required in sim racing’s highest league.

Fanatec has a long-standing partnership with Gran Turismo, and their gear has evolved alongside the competition. Until late 2024, drivers used the Gran Turismo DD Pro with the Boost Kit to reach 8Nm of torque. However, the standard has since shifted:

• Gran Turismo DD Extreme: As of the end of 2024, the GT DD Extreme became the new standard in the Gran Turismo World Series. With PlayStation 5 integration, Direct Drive power, and a premium GT-style steering wheel, it represents the future of console-based sim racing.
• CSL Pedals: Interestingly, pro drivers in Gran Turismo continue to use the standard CSL Pedals without the Load Cell Kit. This lightweight, two-pedal setup offers consistent performance and reliability, showing that sometimes simplicity is key, even at the highest levels.

From the finely tuned resistance of the CSL Elite Pedals V2 in F1 to the raw power of Direct Drive in Gran Turismo, Fanatec provides the tools that let professionals perform at their best. These products are not only competition-proven but also accessible to serious sim racers around the world who want to experience the same level of control and immersion.

Whether you're chasing milliseconds on a virtual F1 circuit or mastering the perfect lap in Gran Turismo, using what the pros use is now just a click away.