F1 racing game/simulation for PC, recommendations?

[this_is_gav]

But to try and deny that the game engine for the simbin titles and rfactor are anything other than very good is just plain wrong. There is nothing that doesn't require subscription that can match simbins games and rfactor is easily the next on the list. There is simply no racing sim that can compare without subscription
With all the Driving aids off the simbin titles are anything but 'arcadey'

NR2003 wipes the floor in every aspect of physics. It's far more sophisticated, though obviously doesn't have the open flexibility. There are a couple of good mods for it too - ones which aren't primarily oval-based, like the excellent (though flawed in some aspects) GTP mod.

I did state rF was very good... just not in comparison to some alternatives if you're looking at the simulation aspects of it. It's hardly bad... just not aimed at quite the same people. If you want a recent F1 mod then it and GP4 are currently the only choices, and will probably remain so until Codemasters give up exclusive rights.

[j.o.s.h.1408]

well if your in no rush for a f1 mod, maybe you can wiat for rfactor 2 to come out and hope that maybe F1 2010 mod of some sort comes out for that?

http://rfactor2.org/

[Emirzan]

Well I had a bit of a PC/internet problem and as such have been offline for a few days, all sorted now and the wealth of replies here made for good reading.

I shall try both the F1 mod for GTR evolution and rFactor and it's various mods when I get some time off from work! Might find Grand Prix legends too, but as of yet I'm not a serious sim racer, just wanted a bit of casual F1 based fun

[this_is_gav]

I shall try both the F1 mod for GTR evolution and rFactor and it's various mods when I get some time off from work! Might find Grand Prix legends too, but as of yet I'm not a serious sim racer, just wanted a bit of casual F1 based fun

Pretty much your only choice. GP4 I still just about prefer over the rF F1 mods, but it takes ages to set up for a recent season.

GPL isn't really for those who want a bit of fun. It's massively rewarding when you get it right - way ahead of any other sim - but equally it'll have you banging your head off of the nearest wall if you get into it. Stupidly addictive though, even in its 11th year. Still got a strong online presence too, and one which covers all abilities. There's a demo here, which includes the patches for Direct3D and OpenGL and overhauls the age old textures.