Best Steering Wheel Shapes for Different Racing Simulators

When setting up your sim racing rig, selecting the right steering wheel shape can make a huge difference in your performance and immersion. Different wheel shapes are optimized for different racing disciplines, and using the right one for your favorite game can enhance both comfort and control.

This guide will break down the three most common types of steering wheels—round, D-shaped, and formula-style—explaining their ideal use cases and recommending high-quality Fanatec models to suit each style.

Round wheels mimic traditional road car steering wheels, making them the best option for racing that requires frequent steering inputs and large wheel rotations. If you like to mix up your racing styles or play a variety of sim titles, a round wheel is the most adaptable choice.

• Best for:
  ✅ Rally (Dirt Rally, WRC 23) – Large wheel rotations and precise countersteering make a round wheel the best fit.
  ✅ Drifting (Assetto Corsa with drift setups) – A round wheel gives you full control over slide angles.
  ✅ Open-world and road racing (BeamNG.drive, Forza Horizon) – More natural and comfortable for casual and varied driving experiences.

Recommended Fanatec models:

• ClubSport Steering Wheel RS - Its shape closely resembles real-world car steering wheels, making it ideal for games that emphasize realistic vehicle control.
• CSL Elite Steering Wheel WRC – Officially licensed for WRC, perfect for off-road racing.

D-shaped wheels, also known as GT-style wheels, feature a flat-bottom design that provides extra legroom and enhances control at high speeds. These are commonly found in GT and endurance racing, where drivers need a balance between precision and comfort for long sessions.

Best for:
✅ GT racing (Gran Turismo 7, Forza Motorsport) – Designed to replicate real GT car steering wheels.
✅ Endurance racing (Assetto Corsa Competizione) – Provides comfort and stability over long stints.
🚫 Not ideal for rally or drifting due to limited wheel rotation.

Recommended Fanatec models:

• ClubSport Steering Wheel R300 V2 - Flat-bottomed design that enhances control and legroom, making it ideal for long racing sessions.
• CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2 – Officially licensed by McLaren, great for GT racing. It can also be used for Formula racing.

Formula-style wheels are flat, compact, and packed with buttons and rotary encoders, closely resembling real F1, IndyCar, and prototype racing wheels. These wheels allow for ultra-fast and precise steering inputs, making them the best choice for high-speed circuit racing.

Best for:
✅ Formula racing (F1 24, iRacing with open-wheel cars) – Provides the best handling for modern F1-style vehicles.
✅ Prototype racing (rFactor 2, Le Mans Ultimate) – Designed for high-downforce cars with minimal steering rotation.
🚫 Not suitable for rally or drifting, as the limited rotation is restrictive.

Recommended Fanatec models:

• ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 – A top-tier wheel for competitive F1 sim racers.
• ClubSport Steering Wheel F1 Esports V2 – Officially licensed by F1, built for precision.

Your ideal steering wheel shape depends on the type of racing you enjoy most:

• If you love rally, drifting, or road racing, a round wheel is your best bet.
• If you primarily race GT or endurance cars, a D-shaped wheel provides a great balance of comfort and performance.
• If you’re into Formula 1 or prototype racing, a formula-style wheel will deliver the most realistic experience.

By selecting the right steering wheel shape and a high-quality Fanatec model, you can elevate your sim racing experience, improving both realism and performance with every lap.