Who guessed we’d all be glued to watching pro racers hitting virtual tracks in this year’s Supercars Eseries? In the midst of the lockdown, the Supercars Eseries has put on quite a show with local stars taking on F1 and IndyCar champions on the best race circuits around the world. Nothing virtual about it – these drivers love to race, whatever the format.

If all this action has you itching to get behind your own wheel in a home-racing cockpit, we’ve got some options to get you racing like a pro (but we can't promise you'll beat them).

You will need a firm table or desk to attach the wheel to, especially as good racing wheels deliver force feedback as the game calculates car movement and grip with uncanny accuracy.

Cheaper setups will often just offer two pedals, with a clutch only arriving as you get into more serious equipment. Very few will include a separate gear shifter either, as basically every wheel now features paddle shifters to keep it simpler and align with the latest in race vehicles.

Be sure to choose a wheel that works with your chosen gaming platform. Almost every setup is compatible with Windows PC games, but if you have a PlayStation or Xbox, check that it supports your system before buying.

Entry: HORI Racing Wheel

This entry model gets you off to the races without costing the earth. You get a basic two-pedal arrangement along with some fun but rudimentary force feedback. You might grow out of this setup if you get really into sim racing, but this is a great stepping stone to find out if you love it or only want to dabble.

Price: $199.95

Enthusiast: Logitech G29 Driving Force

If you want a great quality experience without going absolutely bonkers, the G29 is a solid choice. Built-to-last hardware with dual-motor force feedback, responsive pedals and a sturdy mounting system so it won't slip in the midst of a big race, makes this a mid-range winner.

Price: $499.95

Pro: Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1

The latest and greatest from Fanatec, one of the stand-out makers of racing simulation gear. There's real carbon fibre here, and a direct drive system delivering the smoothest, most powerful and most accurate force feedback you can get. There's F1 buttons and dials as well as LED indicators all over the wheel to really drive like the pros, plus an array of paddles for features like DRS control. No pedals included here. You can add pedals, gear shifters and even handbrakes for off-road racing action.

Price: $2799.95

Champion: Simworx SX02M V2 Pro Motion Simulator

If you want a state-of-the-start simulator like those used by the Shell V-Power Racing Team drivers in the Eseries, you can buy a total setup from a racing specialist like Simworx. Scott McLaughlin and Fabian Coulthard steer pro versions of the Simworx SX02M installed at the team’s Gold Coast headquarters. Scott says it’s the closest thing he’s experienced to driving his Shell V-Power Ford. “The feedback coming though the steering wheel, the way the pedals and gearshift feel genuinely mimics the real thing,” he says.

Price: $25,500+

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