rec.autos.simulators

I am looking for a simulator setup for a friend who is a Formula 1 racer.
Something for him to play with at home, in the off-season and just for fun.
 I am thinking of software + some kind of steering wheel / pedals setup.
He has a laptop (ThinkPad) at home so unfortunately I don't think that a 3D
graphics card is an option.

In a trip to the software store, it seemed that Sierra/Papyrus IndyCar II
and a hardware product called "Formula 2" (steering wheel + pedals) fit the
bill.  IndyCar 2 looked pretty technical (good) and Formula 2 was on the
higher end of the price spectrum (and so I'll assume of the quality
spectrum) and specifically supported Papyrus software.

Does anyone have experience with these products, ideally in conjunction
with one another?  Does anyone have other suggestions to make a reasonably
high quality racing simulator?  Any advice would be much appreciated.

Please email me, as I am seldom on usenet.

Thank you.

Brian Conte

Oh yea, one other thing. Since he races F1, I'd guess his minimum
salary is what, 2 million dollars? (and that would be for some stiff,
like Alberetto) Tell him to buy YOU something.
Michael Schumacher says he likes his dog better than people... And
playing soccer.
Maybe you should buy your bud a dog or a soccer ball.

And tell him to run Damon Hill into the gravel in England next year.
I'd love to see him throw a hissy fit. Heh.

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