Racing-Sim Fans Will Love What rFactor 2 Has In Store

If you’re serious about racing simulators, then you already know about rFactor. This software is best known for its speed of feedback. There is virtually no lag between the slight twitches of the wheel and the movement of the tyres on the track. Several F1 teams are already using the pro version of the simulator for training purposes. Ferrari was the latest team to make the switch last week, saying that the software was so convincing, it decided to adopt it midseason.

Developer Image Space Incorporated started in the early 1990s by making simulation software for commercial testing. As the demand grew for racing simulators among professional teams, the company improved its physics engine and poured more research into vehicle design and handling. Now that digital object and track scanning are the norm for building environments, we are graced with extremely detailed and accurate surroundings.

Soon after the original rFactor was released, the community became heavily involved in shaping the future of the software. Racers provided valuable feedback, developed car mods and began forming racing clubs. It was obvious to developers that the next version would be even more flexible and have more room for community involvement.

In comes rFactor 2, and it’s been warmly welcomed so far. Test versions of the new software were released in 2012 and 2013, and now the game is available for purchase through the rFactor site.

If you’re considering buying rFactor 2, check out the free demo first, then browse through the forums to see what other user-generated content is available for free download when you purchase the full package. You can opt to buy the simulator with one year of online support, then pay a small fee per year after or pay more up front for lifetime access to all future content and updates. The developer promises that ‘rFactor2 is an evolving product, and as such, we expect to be adding cars, tracks and features for many years to come.’

Once you get started with rFactor 2, you’ll see that there are so many options for cars and tracks. You can race on both classic and current circuits from around the world. In the initial download package you will have kart, roadster, Indy, GP, GT, F series cars and more. The forums hold even more downloadable content, so no matter what your passion, there is a vehicle and track to get started. You will soon meet other drivers through the community, and may even decide to join a virtual racing team. Teams can help you improve your driving skills by sharing their knowledge and helping you to make changes to your car.

Yes, rFactor 2 can be a ‘game’ if you want, but we prefer to think of it as a tool. Once you experience how serious the community is about racing and competition in general, you might get involved even more. Do we have any rFactor fans out there? Who wants to race?