Right now, it’s the revival of Fanatec with its sim-racing range. This operation began several months ago with the launch of new mid-range Direct Drive bases: the ClubSport DD and DD+, developing 12 and 15 nm of torque respectively. This was followed by the launch of other products such as steering wheels, a handbrake and 2 cockpits.

For chassis, Fanatec had started positioning itself at the entry-level for novices looking for a product that isn’t too expensive, but still offers good performance. And given that the ClubSport range is for experienced riders, Fanatec is concerned with the latter, as it is very popular.

Since the manufacturer passed under the Corsair umbrella a few months ago, Fanatec is expanding its catalog with a brand-new chassis, the ClubSport GT Cockpit. In what follows, we’re going to try it out as a rig and see what it has to offer in relation to the competition, which is rather tough in its segment.

Chassis main and technical features

• 50mm-diameter tubular steel structure
• GT, F1 and rally driving positions, depending on bucket settings
• Pass-through tubes for invisible cable management
• Compatible with the entire Fanatec ecosystem, as well as that of other brands
• Several brackets available for shifter, handbrake, screen, PC, etc.
• Tool-free adjustment of tub, crankset and base brackets
• Chassis delivered completely disassembled, but easy to install
• Available in black and white, as is the Fanatec tub.

Chassis design

Let’s start with the design of this GT Cockpit. To put it simply: its tubular structure makes it a real eye-catcher. Available in two colors, the GT Cockpit boasts a sleek silhouette inspired by the cage hoops of racing cars.

You can have it in black and white, or all-black. For the first option, some elements are in black, notably the base and pedalboard brackets. The base features the Fanatec logo and yellow pass-through keys.

Another element I must mention is the pass-through tubes. These are 50 mm in diameter, and Fanatec uses them to pass cables for the various equipment that will be installed on the chassis. The result is a clean build, with little visible wiring.

And for those with a keen eye and a good memory, Fanatec’s GT Cockpit bears a striking resemblance to the Corsair Cockpit. Corsair Cockpit. Well, it does; they’re identical. Corsair had developed this chassis before the Fanatec takeover, and the GT Cockpit subsequently found its way into the German brand’s catalog.

Customized assembly

As you’d expect with a product like this, the GT Cockpit can be assembled on your own, as it comes disassembled. Unlike Simlab’s solutions, where you have to select the deck to receive the DD bases, Fanatec uses a standard bottom or side mount.

Assembly of the GT Cockpit is easy in absolute terms, largely due to the fact that the instructions are detailed and very well explained in the assembly guide. For the record, this is in digital format, so you’ll need a smartphone or PC to assemble the GT Cockpit.

Fanatec also offers optional accessories, such as brackets for keyboard, shifter, handbrake, etc., which integrate perfectly with this chassis.

Cockpit manufacture and finishing

The ClubSport GT Cockpit uses steel for its entire structure, giving it a very high level of rigidity. Tubes are 50 mm in diameter, and are used throughout the structure, with steel plate reinforcements.

The build quality is excellent, and I have to say, you wouldn’t expect anything less from Fanatec. All the parts that make up this chassis fit together perfectly once the cockpit is assembled. And I can’t say enough about the finish, which is also excellent. All the tubes, or rather their edges, are cut without sharp edges, which is very practical when assembling the cockpit to avoid injury. Once again, this is Fanatec, and the quality is always there.

Chassis adjustment

This chassis is mainly designed for GT with its driving position. But Fanatec, thanks to its bucket slides, allows us to use this cockpit for other motorsport disciplines, such as rallying or F1.

The chassis plates and decks are adjustable without tools, and you can change their inclination and spacing too. Fanatec has integrated a Vesa-type monitor mount that can accommodate screens ranging from 32 to 49 inches in ultra-wide, which is frankly very large, but handy if you don’t want to have a 3-screen setup.

You also have the option of adjusting the distance between the screen and you, thanks to its integrated sliding support. All in all, the GT Cockpit is a highly adjustable chassis that adapts easily to all riders.

Sensations during play

As I’ve already mentioned, it’s very easy to equip the GT Cockpit with sim-racing peripherals. Whether it’s the base, the pedals, the bucket or even the screen and PC/console, it’s all easy to fit, and there’s certainly no shortage of space.

Once you’ve equipped yourself with your peripherals, and found the right driving position, it’s time to tackle the various tracks on Assetto Corsa. First of all, I’d like to point out that the sim-racing peripherals are solidly mounted to the chassis, even with a tool-free system. The base, the pedals or even the bucket, nothing will move during the race, whatever your driving style or aggressiveness.

The GT Cockpit proved to be very stable during the race, and very comfortable too. I did notice one interesting point I must say, and that’s the vibrations that propagate through the structure if you have a pedalboard with haptic feedback. It was pleasant, and I don’t think it’s the result of poor design, as Fanatec has a keen eye.

Another point is the driving position. The seat is very low in the GT Cockpit, bordering on the floor. The F1 bucket configuration isn’t ultra-immersive, admittedly, but it does the trick for a driver wishing to tame the hair of a single-seater. For me, it goes a long way. The GT Cockpit is a superb chassis that breathes new life into a highly competitive segment.

Chassis compatibility

This chassis is naturally compatible with all Fanatec sim-racing products and equipment. What’s more, the German brand emphasizes that the GT Cockpit will accommodate most third-party equipment, i.e. that of other brands, whether for bases, pedals or bucket seats. Just make sure you have the right slides for the seat.

The GT Cockpit also incorporates a Vesa monitor mount that can accommodate screens up to 49″ ultra-wide. It’s really not bad at all, and comes as standard with the chassis, something you don’t necessarily find with the competition.

Value for money

The GT Cockpit is priced at €915, with availability from January 30. Note that Fanatec’s GT Cockpit Seat is also on sale on the brand’s website for €340, with the same availability. The value for money of this cockpit is good as far as I’m concerned, lining up perfectly with what the competition from Simlab, Next Level Racing and Playseat is offering.

My verdict on Fanatec’s Gt Cockpit

If you’re looking for a very handsome, superbly finished and extremely solid chassis, and with a competitive price tag, the GT Cockpit is the perfect candidate for that. Or at least you can put it in the top 5 of all possible products.

Fanatec is well on the way to reclaiming its sim-racing title for the consumer market, and the GT Cockpit plays an important role in this mission. It’s a chassis I highly recommend, especially if your ecosystem is Fanatec.