I’ve tested all the new content coming in iRacing’s 2025 Season 3, and I’m excited to share my impressions.
Below you’ll find a brief hands-on review covering the latest cars, the new track, updated physics, and more.
Let’s dive in!
The Bend: Three Minutes of Pure Flow
The brand-new The Bend circuit in its longest configuration turned out to be one of the biggest surprises. A full lap takes three minutes with the Formula 4! My first impression? Constant direction changes, banking, blind climbs… A technical and incredibly fun track. One left-hander even reminded me of a corner at Misano where you have to brake late and tuck in hard.
The layout stands out for being tricky: blind turns, high curbs like mini mountains, and multiple sections where it’s easy to run wide if you’re not on point. I genuinely enjoyed every minute driving here, though I did spend a good while learning the layout by heart.
Formula 4: New Behavior, More Demanding
The Formula 4 has undergone some major changes with its tire physics. Now it’s more lively, more sensitive throughout the corner. Previously, it felt more stable—more “on rails”—but now you have to treat it with care. Oversteer is more present, and you’ll find yourself correcting much more with the wheel.
Personally, I love this change. It adds realism and punishes mistakes more, which I find very rewarding. It can be frustrating, sure, but when everything clicks, it’s extremely satisfying.
Ferrari 296 Challenge: Speed Without Mercy
This new model replaces the 296 GT3 in the fixed Ferrari series. And honestly… it’s brutal, demanding, and addictive. It’s faster than the GT3 on the straights but has less aero grip. That means braking is harder, turning in is tougher, and exiting corners cleanly is a real challenge.
I tested it at Spa and noticed it flies on straights, but in technical corners like Lesmo or Ascari, the GT3 takes the edge. The Challenge car understeers a lot, especially on cold tires, and that makes close battles trickier. But if you’re someone who enjoys taming a wild car, this is it.
GT3 Physics Updates
iRacing promised big changes for the GT3 class: updated aero, new tire model, revised handling… And while the difference is there, especially with cold tires, I expected a more dramatic shift. The biggest change is braking: with cold rubber, your brake points are miles earlier. If you brake like before, you’re overshooting.
The most fascinating part is that each car now has a distinct identity. I tested them all under the same conditions (fixed setups), and the differences are clear:
- McLaren: A precision weapon.
- Mercedes: Exquisite balance. Fast through high-speed corners and very satisfying to drive.
- Corvette Z06: A true joy to drive.
- Ford Mustang: Oddly enough, used to be tolerable, but now feels the most uninspiring of the lot.
- Audi: Hard to trust.
- BMW: Probably the safest of the bunch.
This is what makes simracing beautiful: constant challenge, learning, progression. The car isn’t a dead block glued to the tarmac—it has soul.
IndyCar Overhaul: Beastly in Dry, Wild in Wet
The new IndyCar feels incredible. In terms of feedback, it’s one of the best cars in iRacing right now. The mix of power, precision, and now rain-capable handling makes it a complete package.
I tested it in the rain at Mid-Ohio, and it was madness—in the best way. But here’s a warning: the Aeroscreen in wet conditions is a visibility nightmare. No wipers, so once the spray starts, you can barely see. That’s something that needs attention because racing blind isn’t fun or realistic.
Other Rain-Ready Cars: Skip Barber, Lotus 79 & Super Formula
The Skip Barber has always had an all-weather tire, and now it’s officially usable in rain. Haven’t tried it yet, but I will soon. The Lotus 79, though? I drove it at Spa in wet conditions and it felt like driving on ice. But because it’s already difficult in the dry, you go in prepared, and it can actually be enjoyable—if you’re careful.
The Super Formula will also support rain, but it wasn’t yet available in the early test build. Still, I can’t wait to try it, especially after how much I enjoyed the IndyCar and Lotus 79 in the wet.
Gen 4 NASCAR: Pure Old-School Fun
One of my favorite new experiences this season was with the Gen 4 NASCAR cars, particularly the new Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Ford Aurus. Their interiors have been revamped, and the cockpit immersion is next level.
These cars have way less aero than the Gen 7s, so they slide more, especially as tires wear. The mandatory pit stops and fuel strategy also add depth.
This is a must-drive car if you’re in oval Class C.
A Season with Real Progress
Overall, this iRacing season left me with a very positive impression. The new track is a gem, the physics updates are meaningful, and cars like the Ferrari Challenge or the updated IndyCar are absolute joys to drive.
Some things could be refined—visibility in rain, or more noticeable differences in GT3 handling—but the progress is clear. iRacing continues to evolve in the right direction.
Now it’s your turn: what did you think of the new circuit, new cars, and updated physics?
See you on the track!
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