Latest news with #WorldEnduranceChampionship
Top Gear
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Le Mans Ultimate review: does this endurance racing sim have staying power?
Gaming Good chance of it, considering it's packed with the most exciting racing machinery operating anywhere in the world Skip 5 photos in the image carousel and continue reading It feels like every racing sim these days debuts in unfinished, so-called 'early access' form. It's not something many other types of purchase can get away with; you wouldn't take a date to a restaurant, pay for full meals and be happy with just starters. Though yes, we confess, it does sound like we've just described tapas. Le Mans Ultimate arrived in February of last year in Steam Early Access, and while it was absolutely unfinished at the time, it at the very least landed with plenty of content. The entire 2023 Le Mans field and all the circuits from that year's World Endurance Championship were included and since then the sim has been kept bang up to date with DLC packs introducing new cars and circuits to represent the 2024 and 25 seasons. Advertisement - Page continues below As of now, the base game is considered completed and this 1.0 update arrives in some style. For a start, it brings with it the outrageous Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR LMH, the race-spec version of Aston's hypercar, complete with its screaming V12. If you aren't aware, real-world sportscar racing is currently enjoying a golden era of manufacturer support, meaning Le Mans Ultimate features arguably the most exciting contemporary racing machinery operating anywhere in the world. Avert your eyes, Formula One. These cars, along with a field of the ever popular GT3 machines, have helped position Le Mans Ultimate as the only credible threat to iRacing ' s simracing stranglehold. Le Mans Ultimate was built on the rock-solid foundation of rFactor 2's physics engine, but it's been refined and elevated to offer the most convincing, communicative handling model in sim racing. Every time you spin off the circuit, it's embarrassingly obvious that it was 100 per cent your own fault. You might like It's a good job the game is so fundamentally satisfying to drive, because it's still lacking a career or championship mode to provide connective tissue between single player races. If the idea of venturing onto an online multiplayer server fills you with dread, you're stuck with just individual race weekends against AI drivers. A proper, in-depth career mode is apparently in development, but won't be arriving until next year. More tapas, anyone? The game has already been embraced by online racers, though, and this 1.0 version will finally support multiplayer driver swaps for longer online endurance races. These epic, multi-hour scheduled events popularised by iRacing are designed be tackled as a team and are the most involving and challenging experiences in simracing, to the point where even Max Verstappen can't resist competing in them even if it clashes with a F1 race weekend. Advertisement - Page continues below Back in February last year, we reckoned Le Mans Ultimate was worth a punt even in its Early Access form. This full release reassures us that we made the right call a year and a half ago. It's still structurally a slim offering for solo players, but the handling model is second to none, the selection of cars and circuits is excellent and the online competition is justifiably pulling people away from tending to their precious iRacing driver rating. Le Mans Ultimate is one of the few racing sims that might make you feel like a 24 hour race isn't long enough... Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Metro
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- Metro
Le Mans Ultimate review - the real endurance driving simulator
This new officially licensed World Endurance Championship game is a technical marvel but it's definitely not an arcade racer. Of all the world's most prestigious motor racing series – namely, those run by motorsports governing body the FIA – the World Endurance Championship is probably the most hardcore. The clue is in the word 'endurance' – WEC races are long and brutal, with various classes of cars, each shared by several drivers, and then there's the jewel in the series' crown: the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The long-form nature of endurance racing has meant that in the past, few have attempted to translate the format into video games. But now we have an officially licensed WEC game, in the form of Le Mans Ultimate. It's been developed by Netherlands-based Studio 397, best known for the racing sim rFactor 2, whose parent company, Motorsport Games, is run by Stephen Hood – who helmed Codemasters' Formula One games between 2009 and 2014. There's plenty of motorsports pedigree at work here, but beyond the official licences, Le Mans Ultimate and F1 25 come from very different ends of the motorsport gaming spectrum. Whereas the latter attempts to appeal to all F1 fans, regardless of driving talent, Le Mans Ultimate is a racing simulator, squarely targeted at hardcore petrolheads. For starters, Le Mans Ultimate is PC-only (although Studio 397 and Motorsport Games are thought to be working on console versions). Although it does support conventional gamepads, as well as home rigs with steering wheels and pedals, it forces you to use a mouse to scroll through its menus – gamepad control only kicks in when you've told the game to exit from the pits. Format-wise, Le Mans Ultimate's single-player element is about as simple as you can get: a series of race weekends consisting of three sessions – practice, qualifying and the race – for which you must choose your circuit and your car. At this point, it's important to bear in mind that the game has been in early access for the best part of a year, during which period the developer has been adding a constant drip-feed of cars and tracks. So while it has a relatively small amount of tracks, many of the world's best are included. There's Le Mans, of course, but also Spa, Imola, Fuji, Interlagos, Bahrain, Qatar, and Austin. Silverstone is in the works and at some stage in the future a simulation of the whole European Le Mans Series will be added to the game as an alternative and very welcome single-player option. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. The choice of cars is pretty strong too, with LMH Hypercars from eight different manufacturers, including Aston Martin, Porsche, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, Ferrari, BMW, and Alpine – so that's nine GT3-class manufacturers represented. Or you can opt to drive a 2024 spec Oreca 07 LMP2-class car. There are various different livery options aping the real-life teams and Le Mans Ultimate also has an editor allowing you to design their own liveries. Jump into a race weekend and you're given by default an hour for practice, 20 minutes for qualifying, and an hour for the race, although you can tweak those times if you want. They do to an extent reflect the real races, however, without forcing you to spend more than an hour contesting the actual racing. It's on the track where Le Mans Ultimate really shines. The courses have been laser-scanned and possess the ring of absolute authenticity. The cars' sound and, most importantly, feel are utterly convincing, to the extent that we could hear a squeak emitted by the brakes of the Aston Martin Hypercar we initially chose. A lot of technology has gone into modelling Le Mans Ultimate's cars, so, for example, you have to work hard to warm up your car's tyres before full grip kicks in, and grip drops off markedly once those tyres age. Even the GT3 cars – supposedly based on road cars, albeit impossibly exotic ones – are thrilling beasts to drive, and being able to race the LMH Hypercars is a real treat. The default cockpit view is great, too, with clever representations of wing-mirrors and the like (Le Mans Ultimate supports VR setups too, should you have a headset) and warnings when you have cars either side of you, which tends to happen a lot in endurance racing. Le Mans Ultimate does make some concessions to those whose driving talents are not the greatest: you can add racing lines to the circuits along a number of assists, including traction control. But beyond that it's pretty uncompromising. Transgress slightly during a race and you will be black-flagged (annoyingly, the terse radio communications with the pits only really give you your lap-times, so we were black-flagged a few times without knowing why). Race starts are initially tricky, since they involve assembling behind the safety car, which requires precision while you attempt to generate some tyre-warmth. But while the single-player game is superb (assuming you're a motor racing fanatic) it very much feels like a preparation for going online, which is where Le Mans Ultimate's real focus lies. There, you can jump into races, matched with drivers of similar ability. Or – and this is an innovation for a racing game, but given the multi-driver format of endurance racing also a necessity – you can take part in asynchronous co-operative races, where you race one stint, then hand over your car to someone else. More Trending Studio 397 and Motorsport Games are working up to enabling full simulations of the 24 Hours of Le Mans using that format, but it is as yet unclear when that will arrive in the game, whose current focus is squarely fixed on esports territory. Certain aspects of Le Mans Ultimate have a work-in-progress feel – the rather amorphous single-player game and terse in-car communications among them – but all the aspects that matter most in a simulation, especially the car feel and authenticity of the circuits, are very impressive. Le Mans Ultimate is not a mainstream racing game like F1 25, but instead a rigorous simulator of one of the world's most popular motor racing experiences. If you're a big enough fan of racing games that you have a home rig with steering wheel, pedals, and a big screen this is very much built for you. But if you're a casual racing fan with a lesser set-up, the chances are that you'll find it a tad intimidating. However, even for a simulator, it is a technical marvel. In Short: A thrillingly uncompromising racing simulator, that is easily the best endurance racer of the modern era, even if it's got a way to go before it's feature complete. Pros: Extremely authentic tracks, incredible car-feel, and a real stamp of authenticity. Decent selection of cars and tracks and innovative asynchronous co-op mode. Cons: Amorphous single-player element. Feels like a work-in-progress in some areas, especially menu navigation and the terse radio communications. Score: 7/10 Formats: PCPrice: £28.99Publisher: Motorsport GamesDeveloper: Studio 397Release Date: 22nd July 2025 Age Rating: N/A Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Fallout 1 remade via Doom mod in this incredible looking fan game MORE: Switch 2 owners discover Nintendo can remove games from your console at any time MORE: The 15 Nintendo Switch games that should get a Switch 2 upgrade
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Cadillac F1 Team Boss Reveals Big Driver Names Contending for 2026 Seat
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Cadillac Formula One team principal Graeme Lowdon has revealed significant interest from drivers for racing full-time next year when the American outfit officially enters the F1 grid. 2026 also marks the year when the sport steps into a new era of regulations. Cadillac received the green light to enter F1 in March this year as the 11th team. However, the outfit had begun its preparations to enter the sport long ago, given the mountainous task of starting a new team from scratch. While Cadillac seems to be getting there in terms of hiring key resources and the development of its 2026 car, the team's driver lineup has yet to be finalized. Lowdon revealed the names of seven drivers with whom Cadillac has engaged. Cadillac F1 Team Principal Graeme Lowdon walks in the paddock during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 5, 2025 in Northampton, United Kingdom. Cadillac F1 Team Principal Graeme Lowdon walks in the paddock during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 5, 2025 in Northampton, United Perez Lowdon confirmed ongoing talks with Sergio Perez, who has been away from F1 after Red Bull parted ways with him following the 2024 season. Perez recently confirmed that he wanted to return to F1 only if a project seemed interesting to him. Lowdon's confirmation could hint at Perez's return to the premier class of motorsport, especially given the extensive experience he brings with him to a new team like Cadillac. Colton Herta Andretti's IndyCar star Colton Herta is a young talent that Cadillac has expressed interest in. However, there remains one hindrance to his potential Cadillac signing. Herta's superlicence does not have enough points for an entry into F1. When Lowdon was asked if he was considering Herta, he said: "Yeah, but again, different drivers have got different attributes and positives and also restrictions as well. In Colton's case, it's the superlicence that's the issue, but he can certainly drive a race car." Mick Schumacher Former Haas driver Mick Schumacher last raced in F1 in 2022, before becoming a Mercedes reserve driver in 2023. He remained on the sidelines for a year before racing for Alpine's World Endurance Championship team last year. However, Schumacher has expressed his keen desire to return to F1 on several occasions. Speaking about the contact with the German driver, Lowdon said: "Yeah, we are talking to Mick." Valtteri Bottas Bottas became a Mercedes reserve driver after racing for Sauber until the end of the 2024 season. The Finnish driver brings a wealth of F1 experience to the table, given his successful full-time stint with Mercedes from 2017 to 2022 alongside Lewis Hamilton. Lowdon acknowledged talks with Bottas but revealed one trait in drivers he wouldn't prefer. He said: "Yes, I know Valtteri really well. "I think they [Schumacher and Bottas] have both proved a whole bunch of things. "Everyone wants to prove something else again. I never look at that as the biggest motivator. Our team is not there as a vehicle for someone to prove a point. "Our team is there to provide a position on the pitch, if you like, for someone to prove what they can do for sure. But it's not a vehicle to kind of show the world to prove a point or whatever. "Drivers are there to prove the best they possibly can for the team and they should be motivated for the team around them as well. I'm less keen on people who kind of want to prove a personal point." Felipe Drugovich, Fred Vesti, and Arvid Lindblad Lowdon isn't limiting his options to just experienced drivers. He also named three drivers from junior racing categories who have impressed him. He said: "There are a bunch of young [drivers]. There are some really good F2 drivers, Felipe Drugovich, Fred Vesti. The list kind of goes on. "Arvid [Lindblad] is a really good guy. He has done a good job. He has Red Bull [as his backer]."
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Sebastian Vettel Provides Update On F1 Future Amid Red Bull Rumors
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel spoke about his future in Formula 1 after months of rumors about a potential return. Vettel was rumored to take on a role within the energy-drink racing team as an advisor or potentially team principal following the dismissal of Christian Horner. Since retiring after the 2022 season, the German has been out of the spotlight, working behind the scenes to create progress in causes such as women in motorsport and environmental challenges. A couple of months ago, there were links between Vettel and a potential role at Red Bull as an advisor. Sebastian Vettel of Germany looks on before the Race of Champions - "Champion of Champions" at Accor Stadium on March 8, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Sebastian Vettel of Germany looks on before the Race of Champions - "Champion of Champions" at Accor Stadium on March 8, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Photo byHelmut Marko, the team's current senior advisor, brought Vettel into Red Bull, and there were reports that indicate the retired driver could step into that role. Vettel spoke with German news outlet Auto Motor und Sport and clarified what his future holds. "Formula 1 is finished," Vettel said during the interview. "At some point, the time will be ripe to leave the field to others. You can see that with the rookies. I think it's good that a whole bunch of them have now been replaced. "It's not a vote against the old guys, but in favour of the young ones. In the past, I wasn't interested in which of the established riders no longer raced. The main thing was that I was allowed to drive." Vettel didn't address a potential executive role, leaving the door open to a return as a decision maker. While he may not race an F1 car ever again, he did express interest in the World Endurance Championship. "I don't want to rule out that something will come of it," Vettel added. "There have been talks, but somehow it hasn't worked out yet. In the past, I honestly wasn't that interested in endurance racing from my perspective as a lone competitor. Today I see it differently. "I find it totally exciting, this team structure, sharing a car, making compromises. In motorsport, it's hard to say: I only drive half the races. "The WEC would actually be a good fit with its eight races, which are also staggered differently to Formula 1. It's always a question of how intensively you want to do something. For me, it's always been the case that I want to do it properly when I get involved in something. Just going along for the ride is not for me." With so much uncertainty around Red Bull, Vettel could end up with a significant role in the organization, but he seems focused on other projects for the time being. More F1 news: How Lewis Hamilton Made the F1 Movie Production More Expensive For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
The Drive
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
This 'Race-Worn' Pagani Utopia Is the Pre-Ripped Jeans of Hypercars
The latest car news, reviews, and features. People who can afford to drop seven figures on a bespoke hypercar often come up with wild color combinations, so you're not confusing anyone else's ride for theirs. This particular Pagani Utopia commissioned by one client, however, might be the most unique of any we've seen lately. Like the pre-ripped denim craze of the aughts, this Utopia trades on stolen valor to look like it's been through the ringer of endurance racing, and the effect isn't very persuasive. Pagani says it's called 'The Coyote' (whether the buyer dubbed it that or the automaker is unclear) and describes it as 'a fleeting glimpse of a livery shaped by endurance: untamed, imperfect, alive.' Its red and blue accents are reminiscent of a Martini-liveried Porsche, but what makes this Utopia special are the fake tears stretching from the wheel wells, the floors, and the bottom of the front bumper, revealing 'exposed' carbon fiber. In my view, there are two issues with this. First, it's ugly. From a distance, it looks like the abrasions were drawn on with marker. Second, if you've ever actually seen a car at the end of a full day of competition, they don't tend to look anything like this Pagani. Fortunately, the World Endurance Championship YouTube account posted a video after last year's 24 Hours of Le Mans that highlights the difference. Look at the field of finishers. We see plenty of caked-on dirt and tar, dust collected on the wheels themselves and the surrounding bodywork, and charred panels near exhaust pipes. What we don't see are strips of wraps and vinyls torn back like Wolverine has clawed through them. And the whole effect feels even flimsier because you just know that the owner will never abuse this car like those battle-scarred gladiators of the Mulsanne. Only one Pagani has ever actually taken on Le Mans, as it happens, and it was a Zonda way back in 2003. Credit where it's due, I dig the color combo of the interior. paganiautomobili via Instagram Of course, this guy can do whatever he wants with his money. It's his third Pagani, according to the company, and this 'collector…doesn't just configure a car but shapes a fragment of himself into every line and stitch, with patience, care, and almost meditative devotion.' No arguing with that—he's commissioned a Utopia that is distinctly his own. I'm just wondering if it's a bellwether for other trends. Some people will tell you cargo shorts are making a comeback; will the same soon be true of distressed denim? Got a tip? Email us at tips@
