A look at Lisbon: the transition to racing — Sim to Track

Ahead of ESI Events’ flagship conference ESI Lisbon (23-25 ​​September 2024)‘Looking at Lisbon’, a look at the topics behind some of our panels and workshops. This article explores the exciting transition from sim racing to real world racing.

The transition from virtual racing to the real circuit has always been a dream. For most, it is more of a fantasy than a reality.

However, more and more drivers are emerging from the sim racing world and are questioning this idea. For example, Jann Mardenborough, who made the switch from sim racing to professional motorsport, making this path no longer hypothetical thanks to the rapid development of sim racing technology, games and circuits.

Another example is Lando Norris, now a famous Formula 1 driver, who used sim racing to improve his skills and regularly participates in sim racing events, bridging the gap between virtual and real racing.

With this path becoming increasingly feasible for aspiring racers, it’s time to explore how sim racing is developing and what this means for the future of motorsport.

But first, what are sim racing games?

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Sim racing — short for simulation racing — mimics the experience of driving real race cars on real tracks in a virtual environment. Unlike traditional racing games, which are often more arcade-like in their approach, sim racing emphasizes realism by incorporating everything from vehicle physics and track conditions to tire wear and fuel consumption. The aim is to create an experience that’s as close to actual real-world racing as possible, and in turn, provide aspiring racers with a platform to hone their skills without too much risk.

Sim racing has grown exponentially in popularity over the past decade, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when traditional motorsports were put on hold. Today, millions of people around the world participate in sim racing, and the community continues to grow.

But how realistic is sim racing as a path to professional motorsport? The precision and skill required for elite sim racing is remarkably similar to what’s needed on the real track. Drivers like Mardenborough have proven that the skills developed in a simulator can translate to real-world success. But the transition from sim to track isn’t without its challenges.

While sim racing offers a promising route into professional motorsport, several hurdles remain, including the physicality of real-world racing, something that simulators can’t fully replicate. The g-forces, wear and tear on your body during a race, and the tactile feedback of a real car are all factors that sim racers must adapt to when transitioning to the race track — something that’s fine-tuned with time and experience.

Another challenge is discovering talent. Sim racing is accessible to millions, but identifying those with the potential to succeed in the real world requires significant resources and infrastructure from potential investors. Looking ahead, it would be beneficial — if not crucial — for motorsports organizations to develop programs that can effectively scout and nurture these talents, even from a young age.

On the technological front, continued improvements in sim racing hardware and software will help bridge the gap between virtual and real-world racing. Advances in VR, force feedback wheels and motion rigs are already making the sim racing experience more immersive than ever before.

In short, sim racing is poised to become an even more integral part of the motorsports ecosystem. Yet, plenty of questions remain. What is the current state of the scene? Who are the key stakeholders? Which racing titles are the most exciting from an esports perspective? And where do the future opportunities lie for the space?

To delve deeper into this exciting transition, join us at ESI Lisbon for The Race Transition – From Sim to Track on September 24th, where a panel of industry experts will discuss the current state of sim racing, the opportunities it presents and the challenges that lie ahead. Don’t miss the chance to hear from leaders in the field and explore the future of racing, both virtual and real.