A direct-drive system designed for Earth

This Ready2Race isn’t just another generic bundle. By choosing the CSL Elite WRC steering wheel as its centerpiece, Fanatec embraces a distinct rally identity, with a round rim and an Alcantara grip that make all the difference as soon as you tackle a special stage. Rounding out the package are the 5 Nm version of the CSL DD base and the CSL pedals—a cohesive trio that transforms the experience from a wheel that merely simulates driving to one that truly conveys the sensation. It’s this shift to direct drive that justifies the bundle, and you feel it immediately, from the very first turn of the wheel.

The CSL DD database: the real selling point

At the heart of the package is the CSL DD base, connected to the steering wheel via the new QR2 quick-release mechanism, which is stiffer and has no perceptible play. With 5 Nm of torque, it’s not excessive, but the feedback surprised us with its finesse. The direct drive eliminates belts and gears, so even the slightest loss of traction in the drivetrain is clearly felt in your hands, without the vagueness found in entry-level steering wheels. The base unit remains fast, quiet, and perfectly smooth, with a passively cooled housing that eliminates the need for a fan. For a motivated beginner or an intermediate driver, these 5 Nm are more than enough to get a feel for the car. And if you later decide to beef up the system, the Boost Kit 180 boosts torque to 8 Nm without changing the base unit.

The WRC steering wheel: a grip designed for rallying

The CSL Elite WRC is what really sets this package apart. Its genuine Alcantara cover provides a generous grip—thicker and more reassuring than on previous models. When you’re stringing together counter-steers on a rough track, your hands don’t slip—and that’s exactly what you expect from a rally steering wheel. The 300-mm diameter and perfectly round shape are just right for dirt tracks, yet remain versatile for GT or touring car racing. The brushed aluminum spokes and reinforced back give a solid feel, without the flex found on cheap rims. The Snapdome metal paddles click crisply and feel light under your fingers, making them comfortable even during long sessions. At the top of the rim, the RevStripe and three-digit display show RPM and some telemetry data at a glance.

CSL Pedals: A Solid Foundation

The included CSL pedal set consists of two pedals—throttle and brake—and can be upgraded to three pedals using a kit sold separately. It is primarily made of metal and feels solid underfoot. The brake doesn’t rely on a simple spring but on a PU foam damper that stiffens the travel and provides welcome progressive feedback. Once calibrated, it allows you to control the locking threshold with much greater consistency than a traditional linear brake. The contactless Hall effect sensors, on both the accelerator and the brake, ensure precise measurement that remains wear-free over time. Our main complaint is the plastic footpads, which are a bit slippery when wearing socks, but the modular design—with lateral adjustments and adjustable height—more than makes up for this minor issue.

What It's Really Like Behind the Wheel

On a dirt stage, the whole setup really comes into its own. At the entrance to a fast turn, the steering wheel alerts you the moment the front end starts to slide wide, and the Alcantara helps you keep a firm grip on the rim while making corrections. Under braking, the PU damper provides a distinct hard spot that makes it easier to feel the brakes lock up under your foot. The 5 Nm of torque won’t tear your arms off, but it conveys enough feedback to let you drive proactively rather than reactively. On the tarmac, in GT mode, the same precision is evident in reading grip and weight transfer. After several hours straight, the lightness of the paddles and the smoothness of the base prevent fatigue, which is a real strength for drivers racing back-to-back heats.

Settings, Ecosystem, and Compatibility

In terms of adjustments, the Fanatec ecosystem lets you adjust overall force, filtering, linearity, friction, and sensitivity, with a simplified menu for beginners and an advanced menu for fine-tuning. The steering wheel’s display also lets you change certain settings without taking your hands off the wheel. A crucial point to check before purchasing: this bundle is designed for Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, as well as PC, thanks to the Xbox electronics built into the steering wheel. However, it is not compatible with any PlayStation consoles—a common pitfall to keep in mind. The base is compatible with all Fanatec QR2 steering wheels and pedals, leaving the door wide open for future upgrades.

Our verdict

This Ready2Race WRC checks the most important box for anyone who wants to get off to a solid start in direct drive without having to buy everything all over again in six months. The CSL DD base unit remains the gold standard for entry-level setups, the WRC steering wheel offers an excellent balance between rally and road driving, and the pedals provide a solid foundation. It’s a cohesive, scalable package designed to help you improve—as long as you’re playing on Xbox or PC.