QR1 vs QR2: What's the Difference?

The quick release system is an essential part of a Fanatec wheel base and a Fanatec steering wheel; neither of these products can be used without it.

The Fanatec quick release – or QR – connects the wheel base to the steering wheel. As the name implies, it has a release mechanism that allows for a quick exchange of steering wheels. It’s purely mechanical and doesn’t involve any software or platform-specific functionality. Depending on whether you use QR1 or QR2 with your steering wheel, you need a corresponding wheel base-side socket to receive it.

The QR2 was released to pave the way for the next generation of Fanatec products, as the QR1 is expected to be phased out during 2025. The QR2 features a totally new mechanical design, making it far stronger and the electronic connection more secure. The tighter fit results in a reduction in mechanical noise while driving, and an improvement in force feedback detail. It’s also easier and faster to swap wheels.

In contrast to the QR1 system, the QR2 components must be selected based on the hardware you use.

Most setups can be upgraded to QR2 (check the respective steering wheel page for possible limitations with discontinued wheels). However, you’ll need to ensure both your steering wheel and wheel base are upgraded to the same quick release system. Note that all ClubSport Wheel Bases come equipped with a QR2 (Type-F) by default.

The base-side quick release you need for an upgrade depends on the wheel base you use:

• Podium Wheel Bases – QR2 Base-Side (Type-M)
• CSL or GT Wheel Bases – QR2 Base-Side (Type C)

These helpful upgrade tutorials will walk you through the process.

The most important takeaway is that a steering wheel equipped with a QR1 is not compatible with a wheel base equipped with a QR2, and vice versa. You need matching modules for your set-up to work.

For wheel-side QR2s, you have several (upgrade) options, provided your steering wheel has an exchangeable quick release (limitations are addressed below).

The QR2 Pro Wheel-Side, originally used in the 2022 BMW M4 GT3 race car, is made of aviation-grade billet aluminum and was designed to meet FIA standards required in motorsport, thereby representing the ultimate integration of real-world and sim racing.

Next, the diecast aluminum QR2 Wheel-Side also delivers comparable high-level performance for your sim racing experience and can be used as with all steering wheels listed in the Compatibility section on the respective product page.

Finally, our carbon fiber-reinforced QR2 Lite Wheel-Side, which also shares the same design improvements as its aluminum counterparts, can be used with most CSL / CSL Elite Steering Wheels in Low Torque Mode. Being able to handle high-torque wheel bases is a distinct advantage of metal over polymer QR systems.

While the future of the Fanatec ecosystem is built around QR2, the longevity of Fanatec products means many customers may be interested in solutions for older or discounted hardware. You will find notes on this and much more our QR2 Info Page, which provides a complete list of upgradable Fanatec hardware and includes additional information on the quick release system in general.