We finally have a few more details from Fanatec about the HUB they’ve created in partnership with the M-Sport Rally Team. This brand-new HUB made its debut in the Ford Puma for the 2022 WRC season. And we finally know its name! The Fanatec Podium Button Module Rally.
So what’s the latest on this new Fanatec HUB? That’s what we’re going to find out together as we dissect the brand’s announcement!
Fanatec know-how for professional quality
If there’s one thing we already knew, but which deserves to be emphasized once again, it’s the quality of the HUB. Right now, it’s equipping the M-Sport team’s Ford Puma for the 2022 WRC season, and it’s no toy. Quite simply, it’s a professional-grade HUB validated for competition.
And Fanatec is getting used to this level of quality. The Fanatec Bentley Wheel was an incredible first experience. Then there was the Fanatec BMW M4 GT3, which really hit the mark. In short, Fanatec, unlike its competitors, knows how to make real equipment for real drivers. And they offer simracers the luxury of having the same equipment.
Putting an end to the endless debates in the community about who makes the best gear or who has the biggest (steering wheel?! ^^)
This new HUB is Fanatec’s chance to prove once again to the world that they’ve taken control of the market. And that competitors had better get off their butts.
And what a success! The module was in the hands of Sébastien Loeb when he won this year’s Monte Carlo Rally. And M-Sport even admits that this module is more practical and lighter than its previous professional modules.
Fanatec Podium Button Module Rally features
- Base compatibility: NC
- Console compatibility: PC and, of course, the Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1 WRC
- Configuration software: FanaLab for simracing and CAN bus for real racing.
- Vibration: No
- Materials: Carbon fiber front panel
- Paddles: 2 double-action magnetic paddles (push/pull). 2 clutch paddles.
- Customizable buttons: 9 interchangeable backlit buttons, 2 thumb joysticks, 3 backlit 12-position selectors.
- Button pressure : Buttons are actuated by 700 grams of pressure to match the needs of professional drivers in real racing.
- Backlighting: Backlit buttons are color-coded and brightness-adjustable.
- Display: OLED for telemetry information and steering wheel settings.
- Connections: New Fanatec Quick Release QR2 (also allows steering wheel to be connected to real car).
- Adapter: supplied to adapt the HUB to the vast majority of steering wheels on the market
- Weight: 300 grams, including adapter
A redesigned position
Unlike the Fanatec CSL Universal Hub and Fanatec Clubsport Universal Hub, this new model is mounted in front of the steering wheel, not behind it. Let me explain… On the CSL and Clubsport models, your HUB is positioned between the steering wheel and the steering column (or base).
Here, it’s the other way around. Your steering wheel sits directly on the column, and the HUB sits on top of it. The aim here was to eliminate any risk of torsion or play between the steering wheel and the column.
What we still don’t know
At present, we still don’t know anything about the release date of this HUB. Nor is there any information on its price. All we can do for the moment is wait for Fanatec to provide us with this information.
In any case, I personally can’t wait to get my hands on it and see what it’s all about! See you soon for the rest of this adventure 😉
