BMW Works Driver Philipp Eng Explains Sim Racing – BMW of Elmhurst Dealer

BMW works driver Philipp Eng has won several Formula races in a number of different BMW race cars. He’s also a sim racing expert. During the current difficult time, the only way race drivers can practice is by virtual racing. Because actual race weekends can’t be held until the Coronavirus crisis is behind us, sim racing is becoming increasingly popular. At BMW of Elmhurst, we’re fans of sim racing, and we’re glad this form of virtual racing gives drivers an opportunity to stay behind the wheel.

“I am glad I have my race simulator at home at the moment, said Eng. In these times, when everyone has to avoid moving about in public as much as possible, it is basically my substitute racing drug. The virtual races help me to stay in race mode, particularly mentally.”

Eng explained that the race simulator doesn’t feel exactly like driving in an actual race, but it does let him stay sharp. While it might seem like fun to most people, for Eng, it’s a way to perfect his craft as a pro race driver. Far from being merely a way to practice, Eng sees sim racing as a motorsport in its own right, one that will become more respected in the future.

You might think that a professional racing driver would have the edge over the world’s best sim racers. But Eng says he can’t quite compete with them, because sim drivers have spent an incredible amount of time on simulators over the years. But he doesn’t believe that a top sim racer would necessarily be a great real-world racing driver, because virtual racers don’t have to consider the possibility of getting hurt if they make a mistake. “I notice that with myself,” he said. “I always take more risks in the simulator than I do in a real race car.”