Anyone who has spent serious time in sim racing knows that tyres are everything. They dictate grip, handling, and ultimately, your racing experience. A flawed tyre model can make even the most beautifully designed simulator feel disconnected from reality.
The moment I took the Cadillac V-Series.R out on track, I could feel the difference.
Previously, iRacing’s tyres felt somewhat lifeless—grip levels were predictable, and tyre feedback was often lacking.
This time, the tyres felt alive.
During my first few laps, I noticed how braking distances changed as the tyres warmed up. On cold rubber, the car was hesitant, requiring extra caution. But as the laps ticked by and the tyres reached their optimal temperature, everything clicked.
Turn-in response sharpened, mid-corner stability improved, and I found myself pushing harder with confidence.
Even as I reached the limit, the feedback remained clear. Understeer and oversteer weren’t just sudden surprises; they developed progressively, giving me time to react. It was the first time in iRacing that I truly felt connected to the car through the tyres.
So, what’s changed?
The Season 2 2025 update brings:
- More realistic temperature evolution: Tyres now heat up and cool down in a way that mirrors real-world physics, affecting grip dynamically.
- Pressure adjustments that matter: No more arbitrary pressure tuning—changes now have a tangible impact on handling and longevity.
- Enhanced wear simulation: Tyre degradation is no longer just a number; you can feel it in the car’s behavior, forcing more strategic race management.
These updates aren’t just surface-level tweaks. They fundamentally alter how GTP cars handle over a stint, making each lap an evolving challenge.
I’ve always had my preferences—Automobilista 2’s LMP2 cars feel phenomenal, and the GT3 and GTE cars in Le Mans Ultimate have set a high bar for tyre physics. But iRacing, for all its strengths, has often left me wanting in this department.
In my decade-long journey with iRacing, I’ve seen plenty of updates come and go. Some have improved the experience, others have introduced new frustrations. But this tyre model update? It’s hands-down the most transformative change to the driving experience I’ve ever witnessed in this sim.
Is it perfect? No. The force feedback still lags behind competitors like AMS2. But the sheer improvement in tyre-road interaction makes this a landmark moment for iRacing.
- Remember, you can join iRacing clicking here.
See you on the track!
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