rF2: Circuit de la Sarthe (Le Mans) Released & rF2 Updated

[Paul Jeffrey]

Studio 397 have released their beautiful laser scanned Circuit de la Sarthe for rFactor 2.

One of the most iconic tracks in world motorsport, this weekend has seen the 87th running of the Le Mans 24 Hour race in France - the centrepiece event of the sportscar racing calendar and the season finale of the 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship season.

To mark the big event in style, Studio 397 have released their latest DLC for rFactor 2 - the laser scanned 2018 version of the famous Le Mans circuit!

Available to purchase now from the rFactor 2 Steam Store page for 10.99 eu, the new track is once again an impressive creation from Studio 397 - continuing the recent very high quality track standards achieved by the Dutch development studio.

rF2 Le Mans: Check out our test drive and Marcel Offermans interview HERE.

Alongside the new track comes a brand new update for rFactor 2, one that brings a number of fixes and improvements to the simulation as Studio 397 continue work towards refining and updating this highly regarded simulation. To catch up on the latest changes, check out the new build update notes below...

rF2 Update Notes:

With the track release comes a new build too. As always we advise people to update their dedicated servers and game clients. In fact, Le Mans requires this new build.

rFactor 2 version: 1.1112
Steam Build IDs: 3921932 (client), 3921933 (dedicated server)

Changes:

• Improved performance logging to be faster and give more information.
  
• Fixed skewed driver labels on triple screen multi-view (cockpit and track-side full-screen cams).
  
• Removed aggressive threading as it’s not that helpful.
  
• Improved timing to help avoid stutters and real-time freezes.
  
• Improvements on materials and lighting.
  
• Implemented all new ‘digital flags’ – for ‘Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans’.

Here's what Studio 397 have to say about the new release:

Just a few weeks ago, in our latest roadmap, we announced that Le Mans was coming to rFactor 2. Now, on the weekend that the 2019 edition of this famous 24h race is held, as the real cars pass the checkered flag after yet another memorable race, the racing won’t stop! We are proud to announce the release of the Le Mans 24h track, available immediately!

For those of you who can’t wait, here’s the link to the store, where you can buy your copy of the track right now and start driving!

Background
The story of the creation of this iconic track goes all the way back to the days when Studio 397 was founded, almost three years ago now. I guess, when we chose the name of our company we already showed our intention.

Being new to the game obviously meant that we had to first introduce ourselves to the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and build a relationship with them. Such things always take time. Over the first two years, we met regularly, explained our ideas and plans, and listened to their feedback. In that same time period, we also entered into discussions with various other tracks and car manufacturers and showed that we were serious about making rFactor 2 the most realistic racing simulation for everybody who enjoys the experience of driving race cars. All these things led to a licensing agreement, roughly a year ago, that all parties were happy with.

Just in time too for doing a laser scan of the 2018 track, as obviously Le Mans only exists in this configuration for a couple of weeks a year. With the license in place and the scan in our possession, production work started a little over half a year ago, with us balancing our track team resources at the time between three big tracks, the Nürburgring, already in production at that time after we announced it at SimRacing Expo last year, Monaco and Le Mans.

As with Sebring, our goal was to create the most realistic model of Le Mans possible for any consumer-oriented racing simulation available. By pairing our highly accurate physics with a very detailed road mesh, we have recreated the track in a way that makes you feel every bump and curb out there.

Graphically, we have used our latest shaders on this track. Improvements to our lighting model and materials are still in full swing. So whilst you will find this track already looks gorgeous, it is safe to say we will do an update once everything is finalized later in the year, and we will provide a more in-depth update on this process in one of our upcoming roadmaps.

For more from the world of rFactor 2, head over to the RaceDepartment rFactor 2 sub forum and connect with your fellow rF2 fans today!

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[Enoneado]

Im not entirely sure you " have" to pay\buy it. Unless of course theres a guy with a gun to your head.

You dont want to pay it....dont.

i won't pay, but that is not the question, the question is if AC and other studios can offer more with less prize... RF2 will have less buyers, simple and logical, is the market, i didn't invent the capitalist system.

 

[Ceterum Censeo]

I also want a realistic drivetrain simulation!
But that has nothing to do with Circuit de la Sarthe...

 

[falster]

i won't pay, but that is not the question, the question is if AC and other studios can offer more with less prize... RF2 will have less buyers, simple and logical, is the market, i didn't invent the capitalist system.

Youre entitled to that opinion of course. Not sure theres a question in there but....

But i dont imagine its the case. People will buy. Pro ably all of them. I do. I seem to be in the minkrity of people who have the ability to enjoy what i need from various sims whilst at the same time not feeling indignant because im not personally catered to.

Thats sarcasm, im sure its much more than a minority.

 

[Enoneado]

What complete version of rF2?

all RF2 with DLC'S during next years... maybe iracing will be less expensive, LOL

 

[Bonehead]

I'm enjoying this track very much.I noticed that in the 24 Hrs. race and also in the RF2 release, that there are white arrows in the center of the track at several places. Could someone explain what they indicate and whether or not use are used on roads in France? I live in the USA and have never seen this before. Thanks.

 

[Enoneado]

Youre entitled to that opinion of course.

But i dont imagine its the case.

Only Iracing has the tracks more expensive, 15$ for track...

 

[falster]

Probably normal road markings. We have them in uk too. They indicate various different things

 

[falster]

Only Iracing has the tracks more expensive, 15$ for track...

Mate , seriously. Were going nowhere.



You dont like it great. Youve said.

Have a good day

Edit; or dont have a good day. Someone disagreed so they dont want you to. Not very nice is it? Its the usual "disagree" nosher group again

 

[Enoneado]

Mate , seriously. Were going nowhere.



You dont like it great. Youve said.

Have a good day

what's the matter with you, we are only arguing about this kind of marketing, is healthy... maybe if they put 30€ of prize for track you will pay again, is the difference between a fanboy and a normal gamer. The game is good, but you must pay the prize according the logical prize of the competitors and the market, and this is not logical. you have AC ultimate edition for very less prize than all the content of RF2 and AC has a lot of more content, mods, licenses, laser scanned tracks, multiplayer... ok, FFB of RF2 is better, but, guy, compare in global terms... i like so much RF2 and i bought all the DLC's except karting an formula E, but is enough.

 

[Case_]

So some first impressions (but I couldn't drive it right now, so I had to just watch AI do some laps):

- 11 euro is certainly on the expensive side for me, but the track looks really nice at least. I expect it drives just as well (can't wait to try it later today).
- A classic rF2 problem - find the bloody track in the list. I mean...I know it's officially called Circuit de La Sarthe. But your first instinct is to look under L, as in Le Mans. Especially since you have to watch the track being downloaded and installed when you launch the game, and it's called "Le Mans 2018" there, not "Circuit de la Sarthe". Also confusing is the fact that the game seemed to install version 1.0 of said track, but the Circuit de La Sarthe is at version 1.01 in-game. All this makes you needlessly confused about whether you're actually loading the correct track.
- Loading the track with only 6 AI LMP3 cars took well over a minute. From an SSD. OC Ryzen 2600, 16 gigs of RAM. Again, not looking forward to Nordschleife in this regard. Ouch.
- Probably will be considered a nitpick, but...rF2 really needs to do something about the shadows LOD. Looking at the sharp shadow detail transition pop up a few meters in front of the car in the pits or on the Armco alongside the track is incredibly annoying. (And higher frequency reflections would be nice as well. Yes, none of this is crucial for racing. But if/when you do notice it, it drags the visuals of the game and of such nicely done track down for seemingly little reason.)

But yeah, like I said, can't wait to finally drive it myself.

 

[Peter Stokman]

https://www.racedepartment.com/downloads/tor-poznań.6118/

Read that posdt That aint laserscanned

 

[Peter Stokman]

However, people have right to criticize. rF2 has become undoubtedly expensive. When ACC was released people were arguing that there is no content in that sim for the price compared to some other sims, yet it contains 10+1 laser scanned tracks for potentially 25 Euros in the early access.

Never heard of Iracing i suppose / You make a great PERFECT SIM for us and distribute it for Free

 

[RichardHessels]

So some first impressions (but I couldn't drive it right now, so I had to just watch AI do some laps):

- 11 euro is certainly on the expensive side for me, but the track looks really nice at least. I expect it drives just as well (can't wait to try it later today).
- A classic rF2 problem - find the bloody track in the list. I mean...I know it's officially called Circuit de La Sarthe. But your first instinct is to look under L, as in Le Mans. Especially since you have to watch the track being downloaded and installed when you launch the game, and it's called "Le Mans 2018" there, not "Circuit de la Sarthe". Also confusing is the fact that the game seemed to install version 1.0 of said track, but the Circuit de La Sarthe is at version 1.01 in-game. All this makes you needlessly confused about whether you're actually loading the correct track.
- Loading the track with only 6 AI LMP3 cars took well over a minute. From an SSD. OC Ryzen 2600, 16 gigs of RAM. Again, not looking forward to Nordschleife in this regard. Ouch.
- Probably will be considered a nitpick, but...rF2 really needs to do something about the shadows LOD. Looking at the sharp shadow detail transition pop up a few meters in front of the car in the pits or on the Armco alongside the track is incredibly annoying. (And higher frequency reflections would be nice as well. Yes, none of this is crucial for racing. But if/when you do notice it, it drags the visuals of the game and of such nicely done track down for seemingly little reason.)

But yeah, like I said, can't wait to finally drive it myself.

Loading a 1.8gb content just for the track, double that with a bunch of cars. all files verified before the thing takes off. WHen you dont change the graphic settings all the time, second time you it loads goes faster.

 

[Jayblue]

For me the sim racing market place is reaching saturation point. I appreciate that the cost and work involved in creating this laser scanned version is high and that in isolation the track may well be worth the asking price. However it isn't in isolation and there are many competing products around - I simply cannot afford to buy them all and also do not have the time to use them enough to get real value for my money.

So I'm left asking which games offer me the chance to experience them at a sensible cost/time ratio if i want to commit to using many of the sims at the same time. Alternatively I could commit to one or two at a much higher investment price. Personally I prefer the former so I buy in to games like ACC, Dirt Rally, Automobilista and the F1 series. RF2 is a mighty fine sim but personally the wait for the new UI and the variation in quality between the older and new content really put me off.

 

[falster]

what's the matter with you, we are only arguing about this kind of marketing, is healthy... maybe if they put 30€ of prize for track you will pay again, is the difference between a fanboy and a normal gamer. The game is good, but you must pay the prize according the logical prize of the competitors and the market, and this is not logical. you have AC ultimate edition for very less prize than all the content of RF2 and AC has a lot of more content, mods, licenses, laser scanned tracks, multiplayer... ok, FFB of RF2 is better, but, guy, compare in global terms... i like so much RF2 and i bought all the DLC's except karting an formula E, but is enough.

Theres nothing " the matter" with me.

Im just not interested. You said your bit i said mine and now theres nothing more to say.

youre like that ex that doesnt get the message

 

[bporion]

17$ !!! cmon !

 

[RichardHessels]

For me the sim racing market place is reaching saturation point. I appreciate that the cost and work involved in creating this laser scanned version is high and that in isolation the track may well be worth the asking price. However it isn't in isolation and there are many competing products around - I simply cannot afford to buy them all and also do not have the time to use them enough to get real value for my money.

So I'm left asking which games offer me the chance to experience them at a sensible cost/time ratio if i want to commit to using many of the sims at the same time. Alternatively I could commit to one or two at a much higher investment price. Personally I prefer the former so I buy in to games like ACC, Dirt Rally, Automobilista and the F1 series. RF2 is a mighty fine sim but personally the wait for the new UI and the variation in quality between the older and new content really put me off.

That's your choice, nobody needs to buy anything. Just for sake of having it.
Remember rF2 is a niche market already and the license costs were probably really high compared to other less popular tracks. So offcourse that exclusive content is more expensive.
Took my kids to a really dull movie this afternoon, waiting till the movie was finished (IMDB rating of 5 ) and spend 40 euros. Rather spend € 10,99 on this. (thats $ 405.878 Zimbabwe Dollars).

 

[Peter Koslowski]

What, not Nordschleife, no 3D grass, old UI, loading time like ever, still no clue real drivers or not, ... I'll buy it anyway, because it's just super good! Unfortunately I miss 3 Cent on my Paysafecard. Who gives me his almost empty Penny - Paysafenumber (name on Steam: Tikal Sport). Then I can still today! The FFB at the updated GT3 cars is fantastic!!!

 

[Case_]

that there are white arrows in the center of the track at several places. Could someone explain what they indicate and whether or not use are used on roads in France? I live in the USA and have never seen this before.

You mean these?

https://www.google.com/maps/@47.951...4!1sdNVAveHDeADLOkabGtR5Lg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

That's just standard road signs, telling you that you should finish your overtaking and get back to your lane as the broken line will be turning solid soon (as can be seen here as well). You don't have this in the US? This is pretty much a standard thing all across Europe in my experience.

Loading a 1.8gb content just for the track, double that with a bunch of cars. all files verified before the thing takes off. WHen you dont change the graphic settings all the time, second time you it loads goes faster.

I am familiar with how loading tracks works in rF2. And honestly, while it loads a bit faster afterwards, it doesn't load *that* much faster.

 

[falster]

What, not Nordschleife, no 3D grass, old UI, loading time like ever, still no clue real drivers or not, ... I'll buy it anyway, because it's just super good! Unfortunately I miss 3 Cent on my Paysafecard. Who gives me his almost empty Penny - Paysafenumber (name on Steam: Tikal Sport). Then I can still today! The FFB at the updated GT3 cars is fantastic!!!

Begging? Classy