The arrival of Season 3 2026 in iRacing has brought one of the most surprising cars in recent years: the new BMW M2 G87. Replacing the older M2, a model that never fully won over much of the community, this new car represents a huge leap in quality, both in dynamic behavior and in driving enjoyment.
With a 2-liter engine and power output ranging from 270 to 310 hp depending on the configuration used, the M2 G87 doesn’t impress with raw numbers. However, where it truly stands out is in the quality of its feel and how it rewards a technical, clean driving style.
After several races and test sessions, here are the keys to getting the most out of it.
Less aggression, more precision
The first mistake many drivers will make when getting into the M2 is trying to drive it like a GT4 or a more powerful touring car.
This BMW rewards exactly the opposite.
Speed comes when the driver is able to minimize abrupt movements and keep the car’s platform stable. Every excess at the wheel, every overly aggressive braking, or every premature acceleration immediately penalizes lap time.
The right philosophy is simple:
- Smooth inputs.
- Progressive braking.
- Controlled weight transfers.
- Clean steering opening on exit.
Trail braking is your best ally
If there’s one fundamental technique for being fast with the M2 G87, it’s trail braking.
The car’s ability to turn during the final phase of braking is one of its greatest strengths. Maintaining slight pressure on the pedal while initiating the turn allows weight to load onto the front axle and significantly improves initial grip.
The key is releasing the brake progressively.
Many drivers will release the pedal too early, causing understeer at the apex. The fastest drivers manage to maintain a smooth transition between braking and turning, allowing the car to rotate naturally.
When executed correctly, the car delivers a sense of precision unusual for vehicles in this category.
Manage the car’s weight
Although the new M2 is much more forgiving than its predecessor, it still responds dramatically to weight transfers.
Fast drivers understand where the weight is at every moment of the corner:
- Under braking: Weight shifts forward, increasing front axle grip.
- At the apex: Balance is critical. A sudden movement can completely upset the line.
- On acceleration: Weight migrates to the rear axle, improving traction but unloading the front end.
Understanding these phases allows you to anticipate the car’s behavior and drive it much more fluidly.
Corner exit makes the difference
With relatively modest power, it might seem like acceleration isn’t a decisive factor. Wrong.
Precisely because all the cars have similar performance, every small loss of speed on corner exit translates into tenths of a second along the entire straight.
The priority should be:
- Sacrifice the entry slightly if necessary.
- Hit a clean apex.
- Get on the throttle early and progressively.
- Maximize exit speed.
Drivers who try to gain time by entering too fast usually end up losing it in the second half of the corner.
Overtaking isn’t always the best option
Technical, narrow circuits like Oran Park demonstrate an important characteristic of the new M2: the car favors group racing, and pace differences tend to be minimal.
When the gap between drivers is this small, launching an aggressive overtake rarely pays off relative to the risk.
In many situations, it’s more effective to:
- Maintain pressure on your rival.
- Force small mistakes.
- Set up a better corner exit.
- Wait for a clear opportunity.
Patience becomes a tool just as important as raw speed. Perhaps iRacing’s greatest achievement with this BMW is its ability to convey confidence.
It’s possible to push toward the limits of grip without the constant feeling that the car will punish you for the slightest mistake. That doesn’t mean it’s easy; it simply communicates better what’s happening under the wheels. It also allows you to explore the limits progressively, which is especially valuable for those looking to improve their driving skills.
The BMW M2 G87 is, without doubt, one of iRacing’s most successful releases in recent years. Compared to the old M2, it offers a completely renewed experience focused on precision, control, and technique. To be fast, you’ll need to forget about spectacular maneuvers and focus on the essentials: braking intelligently, managing the car’s weight, using trail braking correctly, and always prioritizing exit speed.
Drivers who master these aspects will discover an extremely fun and competitive car, capable of delivering some of the cleanest and closest racing in the entire service.
- Remember, you can join iRacing by clicking here.
See you on the track!
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