Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2: test & full review

In the Fanatec range, the ClubSport Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 is clearly aimed at GT, prototype and single-seater enthusiasts who want a flat, compact and serious steering wheel, without falling into the "hyper-endurance full carbon at stratospheric price" delirium. It's positioned as a mid/top-of-the-range steering wheel, designed for those who already have a Fanatec base (CSL DD, ClubSport DD or Podium) and want a real step-up in feel and control.

On paper, it promises a simple but powerful combo: a flat rim with a typical racing shape, metal, leather, rigid construction, and above all full compatibility with the Fanatec ecosystem via QR and hubs. The idea is to have a versatile steering wheel that can be used in modern GT as well as in single-seater or DTM racing, without unnecessary frills.

My angle here is clear: build quality, feel in the hand and on-track behavior. Does this Flat 1 V2 offer a real gain in precision and comfort over more basic rims? Does it hold up over long sessions? And, above all, is it worth the investment compared with other options from the brand or the competition?

Design and manufacture: a real piece of hardware

As soon as you pick it up, the ClubSport Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 gives a real impression of density. The body is made of metal, the rim is serious and the structure doesn't move. You immediately sense that this is no entry-level steering wheel. There's no perceptible flex when you force it, even under load on a muscular Direct Drive base.

The leather used is rather firm, with a fairly fine grain. In hand, it gives a serious feel, not "cheap foam". The grip is clean, quite sporty, with a rather compact diameter suited to GTs and protos. The firmness of the grip helps a great deal on powerful cars: you retain control without the steering wheel distorting in your hands. You quickly understand what the car is doing, and that's the point.

The seams are clean and the overall finish inspires confidence. I didn't see any poorly finished areas or approximate assemblies. Everything seems to fit perfectly: no parasitic play, no suspicious noise when handling the rim. This is serious stuff, built to last.

What's surprising is the combination of solidity and compactness. The steering wheel is quite thin, quite flat, but with real presence. It doesn't give the impression of twisting or suffering, even at high torque. It's the kind of steering wheel you're not afraid to rough up in aggressive chicanes or fast sequences.

On the disappointment side, the design remains very functional, almost austere. If you're looking for a show-off steering wheel with carbon inserts everywhere and a Hypercar look, you're likely to find it a little plain. Compared to some more premium steering wheels, it's clearly closer to a work tool than a collector's item, which may or may not be to your liking. Compared to more basic CSL wheels, the difference in rigidity and perceived quality is clear. Against even more high-end steering wheels, it holds its own, but you get the feeling that it favors sturdiness and efficiency over visual wow factor.

Settings, customization and compatibility

The Flat 1 V2 is part of the Fanatec ecosystem, and this is where it really comes into its own. It mounts via the Fanatec mounting system (QR1 or QR2, depending on your configuration) and works with the brand's hubs and modules. In other words, you can use it on a CSL DD, ClubSport or Podium base without complicating your life. As far as compatibility is concerned, as long as your base is PC or console compatible within the Fanatec ecosystem, the steering wheel will follow.

In terms of tuning, the customization isn't done on the rim itself, but via the base and, possibly, via the hub you associate it with. Where it gets interesting is that the flat shape and diameter of the wheel directly influence the way you adjust the FFB. On a powerful base, I found I could increase the intensity a little compared with a larger rim, because the control remained very natural. The geometry of the steering wheel really helps to keep your hands well positioned at all times.

With the Fanatec settings (in the base menu or via the PC software), you can adjust overall intensity, linearity, effects on bumps or vibrators. The Flat 1 V2 reacts well to these settings: each change is easily felt, especially on small oscillations and grip at the limit. The learning curve is fairly gentle. Once you've got a global preset for GT / protos, you hardly touch it again.

For pure personalization, this steering wheel is aimed at those who like to compose their own setup with a hub, paddles and possibly an additional button module. It's a steering wheel that fits into an overall package, rather than an all-in-one. From this point of view, it's an excellent central link for a setup that wants to evolve over time. It's easy to start with a CSL DD base, this Flat 1 V2, and then move upmarket with accessories, without changing the rim. It's clearly a durable part, not just a disposable entry point.

Feel for the game: precise, direct, no fuss

On the track, the ClubSport Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 immediately shows off its rigidity and flat shape. The precision of the force feedback is very clean. Micro-variations in grip, small load transfers, the beginnings of glide: everything arrives in the hands without blurring. You can quickly feel if the car is on the right support or if you're starting to slide on the front or rear.

In fast bends, control is particularly pleasant. The flat shape and relatively compact diameter facilitate small adjustments at high speeds. You correct slightly, hold the line and don't fight with the steering wheel. The car feels more "hooked" because you dare to correct more finely. That's where this type of rim makes a real difference, compared with a larger or rounder steering wheel, which is often less lively in rapid changes.

One of the things that impressed me the most was the grip reading. On modern GTs, it's easy to see when the tire is beginning to saturate, especially on corner entry when braking hard. The steering wheel transmits clear information without excessive artificial vibrations. On a less powerful belt-driven base, this kind of nuance is quickly lost. With this steering wheel on a Direct Drive base, these details become much more legible.

Vibrators are well reproduced. You can feel the vibrator profile, impact frequency and overall hardness. On certain circuits, when you get right up on it, the feedback is very dry but controllable. The rim doesn't shake all over, it just takes it. You keep your hands steady, without exaggerated force, and you know immediately if you're overdoing it.

Over long sessions, comfort remains good as long as you like firmer rims. The flat shape and leather grip keep the hands well positioned, but some may find the feel a little stiff compared to a thicker or more padded steering wheel. As for endurance, it's mostly a matter of taste. For my part, I didn't feel any excessive fatigue, provided I didn't push the FFB into the red.

The Flat 1 V2 really shines in fast corrections, especially on corner exits when the rear wants to get ahead. The rim responds immediately, without unnecessary inertia. Stalls are caught more naturally, especially on nervous single-seaters or prototypes. Compared with a less rigid or larger steering wheel, the gain in responsiveness is clear. You feel more directly connected to the tires.

Compared with a steering wheel used on a less powerful base, this ClubSport Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 clearly releases more potential. All the finesse of the Direct Drive is better felt. On the other hand, compared with even more extreme solutions (ultra-light, high-end competition-type rims), it's a little more versatile, a little less radical, but often more comfortable for mixed GT/open-wheel use. The right compromise between precision, solidity and everyday use.

Who's it for? What we like, what we don't like

The ClubSport Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 is clearly aimed at simracers who are already equipped or motivated. I see it ideally for an intermediate to advanced profile, who drives regularly, mainly on PC but also on console via a compatible base, and who wants a steering wheel that's more racing than road-oriented. For a motivated beginner who knows he wants to concentrate on GT / proto and who already has a Fanatec base, it could also be a relevant long-term investment.

What I appreciate most is the overall rigidity. The steering wheel doesn't bend, crack or feel like it's suffering. Secondly, the flat shape and compact diameter offer real responsiveness on the racetrack, particularly in chicanes, fast S's and oversteer corrections. Finally, the feeling of control and connection with grip is really solid: you quickly understand what the tires are saying, without having to analyze for hours on end.

As for the limits, the rather sober design may leave those who like very "visual" steering wheels hungry, with lots of exposed carbon and a very modern racing style. It's not the most visually demonstrative. Secondly, the comfort of the firm leather will not please everyone. Some will prefer a thicker or softer covering, especially for very long sessions. Finally, this rim really comes into its own in an already established Fanatec ecosystem. If you're not yet with Fanatec, or if you often change equipment, this isn't the most universal option.

In terms of perceived value, this is a product positioned as a medium/long-term investment. It's not the cheapest option, but the build quality and apparent durability justify the price well enough for someone who rides a lot and wants a reliable, precise steering wheel. If you see your Fanatec setup as an evolving base, the Flat 1 V2 fits in very well with this logic of controlled investment.

Verdict: a serious steering wheel for those who want to move upmarket

The Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel Flat 1 V2 clearly brings something concrete to a setup: a more direct connection with the car, better exploitation of Direct Drive, and a rim that holds up when pushed hard. It transforms a "decent" set-up into something much more precise and controllable, especially if you're racing GT, protos or single-seaters.

On the market, it's positioned in the mid/top range: more solid, more rigid and more serious than entry-level flywheels, but not as extreme or as expensive as some ultra-premium models. It's aimed at simracers who want an effective piloting tool, not a gadget to show off.

I clearly recommend it to those who already have a Fanatec base or plan to stay with it, who want a flat, responsive, solid steering wheel, and who value the feeling of control over spectacular aesthetics. For those who often change brands or prefer round, road-going rims, there are more suitable alternatives.

If you're looking for a flat, rigid, well-built steering wheel designed for GT and protos, and you really want to feel what your car does on a Fanatec base, this product can clearly make the difference in your setup.