How to become a sim racing champion

Racing drivers: they’re not just revered the world over for their talent, speed and courage, but their legendary excuses too. Poor set up, wind direction changes, cold tyres - you’ll always hear the best muttering something under their breath if a race doesn’t go to plan.

Sim-racers get in on the act too. Maybe the internet lagged at just the wrong time, or some other driver is so fast that they absolutely MUST be a hacker? Well when it all boils down to it, it doesn’t matter - if you ain't first, you’re last.

So what does it take to become the Ricky Bobby of the esports world? Here’s everything you need to know to reach the top.

- A good wheel doesn't have to be crazy expensive... But this one is.

- A good wheel doesn't have to be crazy expensive... But this one is.

Kit yourself out

No matter how dextrous you are with the thumbsticks, you’ll never be able to match the precision of a good wheel and pedal set with a controller, so the first step to sim racing glory starts with a morning raid on the piggy bank.

Fortunately, decent kit needn’t cost the earth. Logitech’s G29 and G920 are affordable yet more than up to the task. The Fanatec wheels are a worthy upgrade from there - for reasons too nerdy to explain, it gives a smoother, more precise feel - and if cost is no object at all, direct drive wheels give the best feedback of all.

Playseat makes some brilliant sim racing frames

Playseat makes some brilliant sim racing frames

Take a seat

The fastest racers need to be comfy to be at their best - that’s why Formula 1 drivers’ seats are literally moulded to the shape of their bodies. If it works for them, it’s probably a good idea to ditch that old office swivel chair and get something a little more supportive.

There are plenty of seats and frames to choose from - the key thing is to find one that’s right for you. Some have a single seater-style reclined back and raised pedals, while others have a more upright, traditional driving position.

If these options sound pricey - or if your better half would prefer not have a room full of scaffolding - then a wheel stand might be a better option. Wheel stands aren’t just cheaper, but they fold away neatly enough that you can squeeze them into a cupboard when you’re done for the day. You can pair them with a couch or even a second hand car seat - both of which are perfect for a long stint behind the wheel.

- The Mazda MX-5: a solid choice for learning the basics

- The Mazda MX-5: a solid choice for learning the basics

Keep it simple, stupid

Congratulations! You’ve reached the ‘all the gear, no idea’ stage. Now it’s time to get driving.

The key here is to walk before you run - there's no point hopping straight into a Lotus 97T at the Nordschleife - start with something slower and more manageable. A Mazda MX-5 is ideal, but anything with more grip than power should do the trick.

The same applies to tracks - choosing a familiar circuit means one less thing to stress about while you're getting a feel for the sim and your new equipment. Think of the venues you’ve watched on TV and start with those. A flat, open track like Silverstone is an ideal place to start.

- It's time to channel your inner Tsuchiya

- It's time to channel your inner Tsuchiya

Drift away

Trying to pull some sick skids in a car might seem counter-productive when you’re trying to go fast, but it’s a skill which will come in handy in the long run.

Driving a car on the limit will mean that every once in a while you will overstep the mark. By deliberately getting a car out of shape and learning how to gather it back up again, it means that if something does go wrong during a crucial race, you’ll have a better understanding of how to deal with it. And you’ll look like a complete hero doing it.

- Setting the best laps takes incredible precision and finesse. Yes, even when you're just turning left

- Setting the best laps takes incredible precision and finesse. Yes, even when you're just turning left

Perfect the skills

Now it’s time for practice, practice and, yep, you guessed it - more practice. Be patient and there’s no reason at all why you can't match the fastest racers - after all, at some point they were beginners too.

Still struggling? Study the best. Load up a ghost, a replay or watch a tutorial. Study their lines, figure out where they’re quick, and apply it to your own technique. The pace will come eventually. It’ll just take hard work.

When learning any new skill, your brain needs time to process the information. So if you’re not feeling it one day, take a break - get some fresh air, have a nap, whatever - just try to not get too frustrated. All the best have hit the same brick wall. Or armco barrier...

- Think you can beat Formula E's best?

- Think you can beat Formula E's best?

Keep it cool

So you’ve practiced all you can and you’ve made it to the big time. So how will you compete on the big stage?

The vital thing here is to not lose your head. Every single one of your rivals will be nervous to some degree - the key thing is for it to not let it get the better of you. Try to focus on yourself. Ignore the crowd. Don’t dwell on how silly you’d look if you throw away a comfortable lead.

In other words, approach the contest with a positive attitude. Can you possibly be better than everyone else? Of course you can! You’ve reached this far, so why not?

And if all else fails, just make sure you’ve rehearsed some great excuses. ..