iRacing: How to Master the Ferrari 296 Challenge

When I first got behind the wheel of the new Ferrari 296 Challenge in iRacing, I honestly didn’t expect much. I assumed it would just be a steroid-pumped GT3 car — fast, but handling like a cow on ice. I’m happy to report I was completely wrong.

What is the Ferrari 296 Challenge?

This car is not a GT3, nor does it try to be. It’s a unique category in iRacing. It replaces the 296 GT3 in the Ferrari Fixed series (D license), but beyond that, it’s an entirely different story. It has more power, less aero grip, and a driving style that’s both more demanding and more rewarding.

First Impressions

Right from the first meters, you feel that the car responds aggressively but without being out of control. The twin-turbo V6 pulls hard, and throttle response is sharp — but not twitchy. The sound adds to the immersion: turbo whine, blow-off valve hiss, and downshift pops — pure adrenaline.

But where it really surprised me was under braking. It’s equipped with 408 mm carbon ceramic brakes up front, and the stopping power is confidence-inspiring. Just be aware: you need to use the ABS smartly or this car won’t forgive you.

Key Driving Tips

If you want to drive this car fast — not just survive the race — there are several key points to keep in mind:

1. Brake earlier than in a GT3

The 296 Challenge hits a 30 km/h higher top speed than a GT3, but braking power is slightly weaker. This means you must brake earlier. If you try to brake where you’re used to with a GT3, you’ll overshoot… or crash.

Example: At Red Bull Ring, start braking just after the 150-meter board. Brake hard (up to 90%), then trail off gradually while downshifting and turning in.

2. Master trail braking

This car doesn’t rotate on its own. It needs to be forced to turn. That means keeping some brake pressure into the corner to shift weight forward. Do it gently, or it’ll snap.

Tip: If the car is understeering, don’t add throttle. Ease off, load the front tires again, and steer it in — don’t rely on the throttle to fix the line.

3. Be careful in high-speed corners

The Ferrari excels in slow corners, but in fast ones… it understeers more than you’d expect. If you turn in too fast thinking it’s a GT3, you’ll find yourself running wide into the runoff.

Key: Slow in, patient throttle out. Trust the racing line, not the sensation of grip.

4. Avoid aggressive curbs

Sawtooth-style curbs will launch the front end off the ground. This Ferrari loves to pop a wheelie if you’re not careful. Stay clean and precise through chicanes and apexes.

Electronic Driving Aids

This car comes with ABS, traction control, and electronic diff. You can adjust them, and for a more raw experience, drop TC to Map 1. The rear will move more, but it’s much more fun. Just don’t try that in a race without practicing first.

Is It Hard to Drive?

I’d say it’s not hard to keep it on track, but it is hard to drive at the limit. It’s more forgiving than a Porsche Cup, but less than a GT3. It sits in that sweet middle ground where you can fight the car without fearing it every corner.

Final Recommendations

• Brake earlier, enter slower, and accelerate later.
• Use trail braking — without it, the car won’t turn.
• Don’t over-rely on the electronics, but use them wisely.
• Avoid high curbs — they’re not your friend in this car.
• Enjoy the sound — seriously, it’s part of the thrill.

The Ferrari 296 Challenge surprised me. I thought it’d be a mistake — it’s now one of the most exciting cars I’ve driven on iRacing. It’s not for everyone, especially if you’re just coming from MX-5s and looking for something easy. But if you want something more visceral than a GT3 and more forgiving than a Porsche Cup, this is your ideal machine.

Should you buy it? If you enjoy single-make racing, short sprints, and feeling connected to the car, then yes — absolutely worth it.

See you on the track!