rFactor 2 Updated, New DX11 Content Added and Substantial F2 Improvements

[Paul Jeffrey]

Studio 397 have released a new update for rFactor 2 that adds a rather considerable list of improvements to the Formula Two car as well as bringing new content to DX11 standards.

Some of you have probably already noted the change log and intention to update to DX11 in the recent rFactor 2 Development Roadmap post released yesterday, and true to their word the development studio have come good on the release and updated both the Brazilian Grand Prix hosting Sao Paulo circuit to the latest DX11 standards as well as bringing a massive and rather impressive list of enhancements to the now rather old Formula Two car, a machine often criticised when it released very early in the life of rFactor 2 (under the guidance of Image Space Incorporated).

21st June 2017 rFactor 2 Update

Track

• São Paulo 2013

Car

• Formula 2 2012

Formula 2 2012 Physics changelog:

• Full CPM tyre upgrade.
• AI improvements to help launch on race starts.
• AI now take longer to warm up tyres.
• AI correlation tweaks to slightly decrease grip.
• Added RCD / talent file.
• AI tweaks to make them faster overall.
• Lower initial tyre temperatures and more pressure buildup.
• Softened front ARB.
• More damping in suspension components.
• Minor tyre tweaks to include more damping.
• Correction to low downforce package to add stability.
• Added optional caster upgrade to help increase the cornering forces in the FFB.
• Reduced flatspot intensity on front tyres.
• Softened steering slightly.
• Low-end torque slightly increased.
• Corrected unsprung inertia.
• New engine throttle map.
• Softened chassis.
• Improved inertia.
• Lowered max brake force.
• Set default brake pressure to realistic typical usage.
• Rear ARB increased to be bit stiffer and better match the data.
• Reduced fuel consumption by appropriately 20%, this should give more plausible fuel consumption figures.
• Slightly less dirty air in the slip-steam (in particular, less understeer so you can follow a tiny bit closer).
• Front ARB now displays stiffness to make it clearer.
• Wheel rate correction.
• Added chassis flex.
• Added new steering system.
• Softened shifts, this should make up-shifts more harmonious especially in mid-corner.

With the release of the F2 and Sao Paulo now completed, Studio 397 have now gone a long way towards bringing the vast majority of first party car and track content to the latest DX11 standards. You can see a full list of the latest build release official content below:

Tracks

• Silverstone 2012
• Mores 2013
• Indianapolis 2013
• Nola Motorsports Park 2016
• AtlantaMP 2014
• TobanRP 2016
  
• MillsMetro 2011
• Portugal 2009
• Palm Beach 2012
• Malaysia 2007
• Monte Carlo 1966
• Quebec Super Kart 2011
• São Paulo 2013

Cars

• StockCar 2015
• Howston G4 1968
• Howston G6 1968
• Indycar Dallara DW12 2014
• Nissan GT500 2013
• USF2000 2016
• AC Cobra 427SC 1967
• Chevrolet Camaro GT3 2012
• Corvette C6R GT2 2009
• Kart Cup
• Honda Civic BTCC 2013
• Formula Renault 3.5
• Renault Clio Cup 2010
• Brabham BT20 1966
• Howston Dissenter 1974
• Panoz Roadster 1999
• Nissan GTR 2011
• Formula 2 2012

rFactor 2 is a racing simulation created by Image Space Incorporated and continued development undertaken by Studio 397. The sim is available to purchase from Steam now.

For more rFactor 2 goodness you really do need to check out our rFactor 2 sub forum here at RaceDepartment. If you want a great place to hang with sim racing fans, catch up on the latest news articles and engage in some pretty special league and club racing events held on a regular basis, then pop over and come make yourself at home!

Have you tried the new rF2 Formula Two car yet? What do you think of the changes produced by Studio 397? How does the car now rank in comparison to the "best" rFactor 2 has to offer? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

[Jockey]

Have you tried the new rF2 Formula Two car yet?
Yes
What do you think of the changes produced by Studio 397?
It feels right.
How does the car now rank in comparison to the "best" rFactor 2 has to offer?
It's close or I dare to say that it's even better than USF2000 now.

 

[Angelo dos Santos]

I wonder if the historic F3s (Eve and Spark), will get any love from Studio 397.

 

[Deleted member 130869]

The tires still crown but the higher caster option is much better for FFB than the standard one.

 

[modmad]

Nothing really stands out graphics are nice but the content needs to improve same old boring race cars only the mods will make this game shine the tracks are mostly for NASCAR so will wait for something better from AC or Automobilista.

 

[VirtuaIceMan]

I'm waiting for the Marussia/Formula ISI cars, as I'm prepping a comparison of every PC F1 game ever (already taken screenshots of 103 games!)

 

[Jayblue]

With all the graphics settings maxed out and PP on the high setting Sau Paulo looks great, got to be one of the best virtual renditions of the circuit in any sim around. The F2 car now feels right to drive and the AI provide a very entertaining race.

Some screenshots:

 

[Ulises Valido Gonzalez]

please custom championshiop tool

 

[tlsmikey]

What PP and settings are you guys using in VR?

I opted out of the beta initially because it was so buggy and bad. Just got back in and oh my....it's come a long ways.

 

[Stig Bidstrup]

Esses at Le Mans 67 Beta 0,50 By Woochoo.

 

[kimbo]

the F2 is fantastic, feels awesome in my g27, i can `t imagine how it feel in a direct drive wheel, pure perfection.

 

[Deleted member 130869]

With all the graphics settings maxed out and PP on the high setting Sau Paulo looks great, got to be one of the best virtual renditions of the circuit in any sim around. The F2 car now feels right to drive and the AI provide a very entertaining race.

I'm sorry but especially when it's overcast or rainy, it highlights the opposite. There are reasons for that since the source is from Game Stock Car. You should try Atlanta Motorsports Park.

 

[Alex Townsend]

I'm sorry but especially when it's overcast or rainy, it highlights the opposite. There are reasons for that since the source is from Game Stock Car. You should try Atlanta Motorsports Park.

So the Sao Paulo track is from GSC is that confirmed?
Does that mean S397 and Reiza are working together sharing IP between studios?
Not questioning your comment or sources, just genuinely curious.

 

[MarcG]

VR Performance improved especially at Race Starts with this recent Build, Medium/High settings with 29 AI (Enduracers mod) at a few different tracks is a breeze on my not so high spec PC, so this area is improving very nicely.

Have you tried the new rF2 Formula Two car yet? - Yes

What do you think of the changes produced by Studio 397? - Never drove the original that much so can't comment

How does the car now rank in comparison to the "best" rFactor 2 has to offer? - What, the Boxmaster?!

 

[AriesJ]

I just tried the F2 2012.
Wow~
It's very FUN to drive and compete with AI.
The handling and tire physics are as good as always.
And I think the AIs are improved too.
The ways AIs start from grids, maneuver in straight and against player in the corner are cleverer and more natural.
In last race, I think they just tried to pushed me(slowly come to me but no contact) when me and AI were side by side before the entry of corner. lol
Now, I can't wait to see the new UI!!! This waiting is killing me.

 

[gianlucaP]

--

 

[alexSchmurtz]

So the Sao Paulo track is from GSC is that confirmed?
Does that mean S397 and Reiza are working together sharing IP between studios?
Not questioning your comment or sources, just genuinely curious.

I don't remember well the details, but Reiza did convert his track for rF2, with ISI at that time: http://www.virtualr.net/sao-paulo-rfactor-2-released
I think it was when ISI was trying to get more content into the game; the 3PA was part of the process.
Not sure it will bring anything more than this track. At least it is not a new cooperation.

 

[Davy Jones]

Esses at Le Mans 67 Beta 0,50 By Woochoo.


View attachment 197883

Is this in the Steam Workshop and is it DX11 compatible? I'm running the beta only and a bit confused on which content to try other than S397's own (e.g. in the Workshop) which has now been updated.

 

[Alex Townsend]

Anyway, I rarely answer the questions posed at the end of these terrific articles, sorry Paul

Have you tried the new rF2 Formula Two car yet?
Yes, I managed to throw it around Silverstone and Sao Paulo with some AI which was a LOT of fun.

What do you think of the changes produced by Studio 397?
The changes made by this team have been nothing short of amazing, DX11 has brought the title bang up to date and it's now one of the better looking titles out there but also has the best FFB and feel to the cars imho.

How does the car now rank in comparison to the "best" rFactor 2 has to offer?
This is a little more of a tough question.
For official content, I really like driving the USF2000, Chevy GT3 and Nissan GT500 cars
For third party content, Enduracers is pretty much constantly on as I'm a bit of an Aston fan so enjoying a lot of GT and LMP2 action lately. AI is just so good on this title.
But to answer I used to quite like the Formula 2 car before the updates, now it's just mega!

 

[Davy Jones]

Enduracers is pretty much constantly on as I'm a bit of an Aston fan so enjoying a lot of GT and LMP2 action lately.

With the current/old DX9 I had tons of mods installed Enduracers, Simtek, UnitedRacingDesign (URD is payware, they updated their DTM 2012/13 mods for DX11) along with several tracks including the 90s Le Mans as it was the only one I could find. I removed all except S397's own as part of a clean install as I wasn't sure what if anything is still safe/recommended to use and with the old UI it's almost impossible to keep track of what content you have added, especially if you leave the game for a while and come back... Any thoughts/advice on what to use with DX11?

Side note: I'm using the Le Mans mod for AC and with the LMP1 cars (with hybrid implemented) it's great but I sort of would prefer the have the same in rF2...