Are you playing on a CRT? I've heard good things about CRTs for gaming, lately.
I do run widescreen with GTR2, the Steam version, 1.1 patch, etc. all give me widescreen resolutions right out of the box.
You can't access widescreen resolutions with your GTR2?
While 4:3 displays was the norm end of 2006 when gtr2 was released it is no way developed soly for none wide screens.
I think you are handicapping yourself driving wise by not using a widescreen for gtr2 when you got one.
It is so much easier to find the line through corners with a wiser display mode.
You do have to move the seat back to enjoy 21:9 at least but that option is a easy edit.
Or use Gtr233 10y patch as it is already made for you.
I use a 34" Ultrawide 21:9 and no way I would go to even 16:9.
Often run gtr2 and GTL in my VR headset just to get the wider FOV.