Sim racing enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to, as Fanatec, a brand under Corsair and a leader in sim racing hardware, recently unveiled the next evolution of its flagship Podium Series at this year’s SimRacing Expo. The company showcased prototypes of two highly anticipated pieces of gear: the new Podium DD direct drive wheel base and the long-awaited Podium Pedals.
This reveal gives us a glimpse at hardware in the final stages of development and testing, demonstrating Fanatec’s commitment to transparency with its community.
Fanatec Podium DD Wheel Base
Set to take the place of the popular Podium Wheel Base DD2, the new Podium DD is Fanatec’s next-generation flagship direct drive system. It builds upon the success of the acclaimed ClubSport DD and ClubSport DD+ with some seriously impressive upgrades.
The new base boasts a whopping 25 Nm of genuine holding torque, which is a significant figure for sim racing. It features revised electronics and an internal and external structure that is all-aluminium. This robust construction should mean it can handle everything you throw at it.
Much like the ClubSport DD, the Podium DD incorporates FullForce technology, which is Fanatec’s high-fidelity force feedback protocol. However, thanks to its broader dynamic range and stronger internal build, the Podium DD is engineered to deliver even finer detail and clarity from the FullForce effects.
Fanatec Podium Pedals
Moving on to the footwork, the Podium Pedals are an all-new precision pedal set developed with the help of professional drivers. The highlight here is the inclusion of a forged aluminium brake pedal, a claimed industry first. This design is said to provide ultimate strength and precision when combined with its mighty 200 kg load cell.
Key features of the pedals include:
- Forged aluminium brake pedal for superior strength and precision.
- 200 kg load cell for high-fidelity braking force.
- Innovative elastomer compression control system to ensure components stay within safe stress limits.
Fanatec also confirmed that a special Podium Pedals Formula variant will be available. This option comes as a 2-pedal set and features carbon fibre faces and heel cups, perfect for those focused on open-wheel racing.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Fanatec’s stand at the SimRacing Expo wasn’t just about their new hardware; it was also a hub for exciting collaborations shaping the future of sim racing. Kunos Simulazioni chose Fanatec’s stage to reveal their latest game, Assetto Corsa Rally.
Additionally, the stand played host to the Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing team, with drivers Sebastian Job and Jarno Opmeer meeting fans and offering insights into the elite level of competition. Trophi.ai was also present, demonstrating its growing integration with the Fanatec App.
Fanatec’s hardware commitment extended beyond its own space, as it also provided sim racing hardware for the pre-release demonstration of the upcoming Project Motor Racing game at GIANTS Software’s exhibition area, and latest projects from iRacing Studios were featured at the Fanatec stand.
What We Think
The launch of the Podium DD and Podium Pedals signals a major move for Fanatec in the high-end sim racing market. The 25 Nm torque from the DD wheel base and the forged aluminium brake pedal with a 200 kg load cell on the pedals are serious specifications.
While we’re yet to get our hands on them, the company’s focus on using robust materials and increasing the fidelity of its force feedback with the enhanced FullForce technology suggests these products will be aimed squarely at the most discerning and competitive sim racers. We expect these to feel every bit as premium as their predecessors, if not more so.
Availability and Warranty
Both the Fanatec Podium DD and Podium Pedals are currently scheduled to launch in Q1 2026.
The products will be supported by the standard Fanatec 3-year warranty in all regions.
Pricing and Tell Me More
As is often the case with initial reveals, the specific pricing for both the Podium DD and Podium Pedals will be announced closer to the release date.
We’ll be sure to bring you more details and a full review as soon as we can get our hands on this next-generation Fanatec hardware!
