A true direct-drive system designed for single-seaters

This Ready2Race bundle fulfills a specific need: making the switch to direct drive with a clear F1 focus, without having to assemble your setup piece by piece. Fanatec combines the CSL DD QR2 base, the ClubSport F1 Esports V2 steering wheel, and the CSL pedal set—all designed for the PC. Right out of the box, the setup follows a logical, cohesive process: screw it together, plug it into USB-C, install the QR2 Lite on the steering wheel, and you’re ready to go. For anyone aiming for single-seater racing and wanting to lay a solid foundation in the Fanatec ecosystem, this bundle hits the mark.

The CSL DD QR2 Base and Its Force Feedback

The CSL DD QR2 delivers 5 Nm of peak torque, with the option to increase that to 8 Nm using the optional Boost Kit 180. On the track, we were surprised by how refined the feedback was despite this modest torque figure. The feedback is fast, clean, and quiet, and it conveys the car’s behavior with a clarity that no gear-based system can match. When entering a turn, you can feel the load building in your hands, and at the grip limit, you can clearly sense the front end starting to lose traction without having to guess. FluxBarrier technology and the new QR2 add precision and detail. It takes a little time to fine-tune the FFB, but once calibrated, the gain in control—in both F1 and GT modes—is clear.

The F1 Esports V2 steering wheel: the standout feature

It’s the steering wheel that gives the package its distinctive character. Compact at 270 mm and wrapped in genuine Alcantara, it fits perfectly in your hands and remains comfortable during long sessions, even when your palms get hot. We appreciated its rigidity: once clipped onto the base, there’s no play, no flex, and its machined aluminum frame mounted on a metal cage inspires confidence. The 3-mm magnetic paddles offer a crisp, audible click that feels very satisfying under your fingers. The RevLEDs, FlagLEDs, and the small blue telemetry screen let you adjust the FFB directly on the steering wheel—a feature that’s still rare at this price point. One downside for single-seater purists: the lack of rotary encoders, which are often useful for making on-the-fly adjustments during a race.

The CSL Pedal Set in Everyday Use

The included CSL pedal set consists of two pedals (throttle and brake), made of steel, with contactless Hall-effect sensors that are therefore resistant to wear. The brake uses an elastomer that provides progressive resistance, which is surprisingly effective for beginners. The throttle pedal remains smooth with a generous travel. It’s a solid pedal set for getting started, even though the plastic pads can get slippery when wearing socks, and we do wish this version included a load cell. The good news: everything is upgradeable—you can add a third pedal and a load cell kit later.

Compatibility: PC first, Xbox with some restrictions

This bundle is designed for PC, where it really shines. The CSL DD QR2 base can also be used on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, but only with an Xbox-licensed Fanatec steering wheel. A crucial point to keep in mind before purchasing: it is not compatible with any PlayStation console, and there is no way to work around this limitation. If you’re using a PS5, this isn’t the bundle for you. The USB-C connectivity and three-year warranty round out this solid package.

Who it's for, and what we take away from it

We recommend this bundle to PC racers who really want to immerse themselves in F1 and related disciplines, who are ready to fine-tune their FFB, and who view sim racing as a regular activity. For the price, it remains one of the most compelling direct-drive entry-level options compared to Moza or Logitech, with a clear path for upgrading within the Fanatec ecosystem. The Alcantara steering wheel elevates the whole package, the base offers remarkable attention to detail, and really, all that’s missing to check all the boxes is a load cell and a few encoders.