I don't even understand this thread. The r3e game engine is free, and if you just want to drive the 'ring you can purchase solely the track and one car. Actual cost - prob sub 10euros? How is that expensive? They have lots of bundles to get started but the entire game and ALL content is like 40-50 euros, if you buy VRP points first. How is that dearer than a playstation or xbox game or even any other sim? (granted several are cheaper since its a long time since launch) however R3E gets fresh content regularly.
I've had R3E for probably a year, and spent more time playing it than almost any other game I own.
Compared to IRacing, for instance, it's not even on the same league for cost...