In sim racing, progress is often measured in milliseconds, but true innovation lies in the details that shape the experience. At SimRacing Expo 2025, Fanatec offered attendees a unique opportunity: hands-on testing of two upcoming additions to the Podium Series. These units gave racers a tangible preview of what’s next in high-end sim racing hardware—designed not just to meet expectations, but to redefine them.
A New Era of Direct Drive
The Podium DD represents the next step in Fanatec’s direct drive evolution. While its predecessor, the DD2, set a high bar for performance and reliability, the new Podium DD builds on that legacy with a refined internal architecture and a robust aluminum structure—inside and out. With 25 Nm of holding torque, it’s not just powerful; it’s precise.
This system is engineered to take full advantage of FullForce technology, Fanatec’s proprietary force feedback protocol. The result is a broader dynamic range and enhanced clarity in force feedback effects, allowing drivers to feel subtle surface changes, tire flex, and suspension behavior with greater fidelity. It’s not just about raw strength—it’s about delivering information that matters, especially in competitive environments where every input counts.
Pedal Precision, Reimagined
Alongside the Podium DD, Fanatec introduced the Podium Pedals, a new benchmark in pedal design. Developed in collaboration with professional drivers, this set is built around a forged aluminum brake pedal—a first in the industry. The material choice isn’t just aesthetic; it’s functional, offering unmatched strength and durability under high load conditions.
The brake system features a 200 kg load cell paired with an elastomer compression control mechanism. This setup ensures consistent performance across a wide range of inputs, while keeping stress levels within safe operating limits. Whether you're trail braking into a hairpin or modulating pressure during endurance stints, the Podium Pedals are designed to respond with precision and confidence.
A Formula variant will also be available, featuring carbon fiber pedal faces and heel cups—materials chosen not only for their weight-saving properties but also for their tactile feedback and visual appeal. These details reflect a design philosophy rooted in motorsport realism.
Built for What’s Next
The Podium DD and Podium Pedals embody Fanatec’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of sim racing hardware. From material science to force feedback algorithms, every element is crafted to elevate immersion, precision, and durability. These products mark a new chapter in the Podium Series—one shaped by engineering excellence and real-world racing insight.