When you’re a single-seater simulation fan, driving with a GT steering wheel is fine for 5 minutes. But you’ll soon want to get your hands on a suitable steering wheel. Let’s take a look at the Fanatec Formula V2.5.
It’s one of the emblematic models in the German brand’s Clubsport category. And I’ve been eyeing it for a few months now, without actually paying for it… Now that I’ve had a chance to test it on the track, let’s see what this Fanatec wheel has to offer!
The Fanatec Formula V2.5 wheel from a technical point of view
- Base Compatibility: Fanatec Podium, ClubSport, CSL DD, CSL Elite
- Console compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5
- Vibration: 2 vibration motors
- Wheel diameter: 27cm
- Materials: Carbon fiber, leather, aluminum, plastic
- Paddles : 2 adjustable magnetic metal paddles
- Customizable buttons: 11 buttons, 2 12-position encoders, 2 rotary selectors, 2 2-position switches, 1 clickable joystick, 1 clickable and rotary 4-position selector
- Lap counter: 9 central LEDs for telemetry and two LED bars
- Display: OLED for telemetry information and steering wheel adjustments
- Connections: Quick Release ClubSport Fanatec (QR1)
- Weight: 1.25Kg
Design and ergonomics
The Fanatec Clubsport Formula V2.5 is delivered in 2 boxes. The first contains the steering wheel, instructions, stickers, a storage bag and a set of buttons for customizing the buttons.
The second box contains the Quick Release QR1 for quick and secure connection to any Fanatec base. As well as a 2.5mm Allen key, 6 fixing screws and a “final” screw to secure the steering wheel to the base.
I use another Clubsport steering wheel on a daily basis, the Porsche 918. I therefore expected to find a product with an equivalent quality of finish.
Big surprise! As soon as I opened the box, it was a slap in the face. Its quilted leather handles are beautiful and extremely pleasant to the touch. Its carbon fiber main board is a delight to the eye. And to add to its tactile appeal, its buttons are all lightly rubberized.
Aesthetically , then, it’s a heavyweight. As usual, an OLED screen displays telemetry and steering wheel settings. A 9-LED bar displays the rpm. And the icing on the cake: 2 small rows of 3 LEDs to display race flags, wheel locks, ABS triggers, etc.
The grip is direct and total. The handles fit perfectly under the hand, and all buttons are easily accessed, most without even having to let go of the handles.
The magnetic paddles are straightforward to operate, and make a slightly muffled noise as they move, giving them a feeling of confidence and solidity.
Installing the Fanatec steering wheel
Before riding, you’ll need to install the Quick Release QR1. This is done in a matter of minutes, simply by placing the QR1 on the back of the steering wheel in its recess. It’s impossible to put it in the wrong place, as it fits exactly into its housing. Four screws are needed to lock it in place.
Once this is done, all that’s left is to install it directly on the base (I’ll be using a Fanatec CSL DD for the test)
To install it on the base, simply pull back the black outer ring to connect or disconnect the wheel to your base.
Becareful, however, not to damage the connection pins inside the mechanism. They transfer information between the wheel and the base. If you bend or break them, it’s going to be complicated to repair..
When changing wheels, always take your time and make sure you position the Quick Release correctly in the hub axle. It’s a matter of survival.
If you want to use only this wheel, you can use the definitive installation screw that goes through the QR1 to screw directly into the steering shaft of your chainstay.
But if you change wheels regularly, this screw isn’t necessary for the steering wheel to work properly, and you’ll have no problem riding without it. Even without this screw, there’s absolutely no play in the assembly.
Fanatec Formula V2.5 settings and compatibility
Once you’ve installed the steering wheel on your Fanatec base, you can adjust it to fit your hands perfectly.
As I mentioned earlier, the paddles can be adjusted to suit your body shape. Three positions are available, more or less distant from the outside of the wheel.
However, there’ s no depth adjustment. I’ve got long hands, so I’m not bothered, but my life and track partner Flo has trouble using them. The solution we came up with was to remove the plastic tubes that link the metal shifter arm to the paddle. The problem is that in this configuration, the screws protrude by almost 1cm. This doesn’t interfere with use, but it’s not very aesthetic.
As for compatibility, the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V2. 5 steering wheel is compatible with all Fanatec Podium, ClubSport, CSL Elite and finally the famous CSL DD chainstay!
So if you don’t already have a Formula wheel, there’s no excuse for missing out! Compatibility is limited to PC, PS4 and PS5.
If you’re an X Box gamer, you’ll have to fall back on the Fanatec Clubsport Formula V2.5X wheel.
Comfort and feel
A quick trip to the Fanatec Control Panel to update the firmware, and off I go. I’m off to tackle the Ferrari F2004 on the PC version of Assetto Corsa.
And then it shakes. The wheel is only 27cm in diameter, so you feel the forces of the base much more than with a larger-diameter steering wheel, which naturally tends to smooth things out.
I chose to use the quick settings to increase the power of the force feedback from 100% to 85%. And this time on the track, the pleasure is total! The grip on the grips is very pleasant, with every control falling into place. The magnetic paddles are a little hard for my taste, but infinitely precise..
In fact, the feeling you get from this steering wheel is simply one of quality. It makes you feel confident, and you want to trust it 100%. It’s all very subjective, I realize, but what I felt was the sensation of having an indestructible object in my hands. And I like that!
I do have one reservation, however. The rotary selectors on both thumbs are too easy to turn. As a result, when you turn the steering wheel through 180°, for example, the settings can change unexpectedly during the race.
So, yes, after a few laps of the track, you’ll get used to it and be careful. But a little extra hardness would have been appreciated.
The LEDs are perfectly visible without dazzling. And I particularly like the race flag display, which gives me no excuse to miss a yellow flag on the track 🙂
Is the central selector configurable?
There are 3 rotary selectors in the center of the wheel. The two 12-position side selectors are configurable, but the central one is not. This is the selector that allows you to choose between the different paddle modes. You’ll only need it if you swap the paddles for Podium models.
Customizing the Fanatec Formula V2.5 steering wheel
If, like me, you can’t remember which button does what, you can use the button board supplied with the Fanatec Formula V2.5.
Or buy a set of customizable covers in different colors from Fanatec.
I chose this second option to add a little color to my buttons and make them easier to spot on the track.
These covers are perfectly suited to the buttons. They can be customized in two ways. You can change the background color of the button and add any of the acronyms or annotations supplied.
Tired of triggering the speed limiter when you need a burst of KERS? Then go ahead and customize your steering wheel!
My verdict on the Fanatec Clubsport Formula V2.5
