I tried with no assists either on the pad before i got my wheel. I could manage ok but with TC off i found it impossible and frustrating to the point where i had to put it back to medium at least. I want to race and have fun not pull my hair out.
Id say if you are getting a wheel next week, then just play as you were all along with the pad until your wheel arrives, Then start off without assists with that, because its only gona be frustrating for sure. Hope you have some good racing with your new wheel,,, the game came alive for me when i started with a wheel