F1 arcade is a racing experience on motion simulators in a unique venue setting. The venue in St Pauls London is the first of its kind and is an amazing concept for F1 and Sim racing fans.
With food and drinks on offer the experience helps to draw in a wider audience. Whether its occasions with friends, family or work do’s, F1 arcade is open to all to enjoy the experience.
What’s even more impressive is the state of the art equipment in use. Amazingly 60 yes 60! high end motion simulators have been installed for racers to get fully immersed in the action.
In this article we’ll take an in depth look at the unique experience and whether you should head down for visit.
Background
F1 arcade has been brought to the market by entrepreneur Adam Brenan. Adam is also the developer of other similar concepts such as Puttshack and Fight Club. The team behind F1 Arcade worked in conjunction with F1 to provide as close to life experience as possible.
F1 Arcade Locations
The first F1 arcade to be built is in the epicentre of one of Londons business districts, St Pauls. It is a great location and the venue is fitting for the district where money is swirling in the ether. The brand has announced a venue to open up in Birmingham.
With F1’s increasing popularity in the United States Boston will be the first to open up stateside with a further five to open up across the pond over the next five years.
Full Motion simulators
This is where the real adrenaline kicks in. The venue has 60 state of the art full motion simulators. Each one equipped with a Vesaro V-Zero full motion seat, Moza GS GT steering wheel, Hueksenveld pedals, Moza R16 wheel base, and two large Asus Rog screens, one mounted on top of the other (one for viewership and one acting as your field of view).
The simulator offers incredible immersion, feeling all the bumps, cambers and conditions of the road surface. The greater level you pick the more aggressive the motion in the seat and feedback from the steering wheel.
Racing Simulation
Many will be surprised that the actual racing simulation being used is not the official F1 title from code masters and EA. Surprise for some, may also be a relief as the F1 title is a mixture between a sim and arcade and leans more towards the casual racer rather than hardcore sim racers.
F1 arcade uses the racing simulation rFactor 2 and implements the F1 licence for the official names and likeness from tracks to cars and drivers.
Being a realistic racing sim you definitely get as close to the likeness of driving an F1 car more likely than the official F1 title. By F1 arcade using rFactor as the sim that gives some indication as to the Official F1 games standing when it comes to true realism with the on track driving.
How the racing works at F1 Arcade
There are two ways to experience racing at the F1 arcade. Firstly there is the Team racing. Here groups will compete against one another with the winners being the one who accumulates the most points. These are perfect for work do’s or large group occasions. The other raingg mode is the head to head, where you and a small group of friends can compete against one another. There are two options in this mode from three races lasting 30 mins or competing in five races for 45 mins.
There a five skill levels, which include rookie, casual, semi pro and elite. The higher the skill the more aids that will be disabled. For example racing lines, abs and assisted braking at rookie level then full manual gears and all other aids removed at the elite level.
Layout
Amongst a variety of different sections the most spectacular is the 40ft cocktail bar. The bar offers a hug variety of drinks including your favourite cocktails. This is one place where drinking and driving has no limits.
The venue features an lower and upper level with the 60 full motion simulators distributed across both floors. F1 arcade offers a private room function with 8 simulators inside. A private bar is also inside and guests get to have an amazing view with St Pauls Cathedral in the background. The venue also facilities for some semi private areas should you wish to have this option.
Watch some real life racing at F1 Arcade
F1 Arcade hosts what is known as watch parties. Attendees can watch live action from the race weekend which includes qualifying and the race itself. As part of the fanfare people can participate in competitions, quizzes and prizes up for grabs.
Conclusion
Whether you a die hard fan, casual follower or have no interest in F1 the F1 arcade is a great experience for all. With excellent decor food and drink on offer there’s enough to go around to have a great time. The star of the show goes to the racing. Its incredibly fun and engaging. The various skill level means that everyone can get to grips with the racing even as an extreme beginner. However where F1 really hits the heights is on the more difficult levels. If you’re a true sim racer then you’ll be in heaven and like us here you’ll be wanting to go back for more.