PAYING $1,388 for an F1 grandstand ticket will give you the bragging rights for being among racing's elite: but that's a fleeting experience.
Use that same amount for a more permanent F1 drive - virtually.
From arcade simulators to console racing games and leather racing wheels that come with a gear shift and pedal controllers to an adjustable chassis - there are tools aplenty that let you recreate the experience of being in a race car in your living room.
For those who want to simply experience the thrill of taking corners and crossing the finish line, there is always the arcade that charges from $1 for a spin in its race simulators.
Popular games like Daytona USA and Ferrari F355 Challenge have been around in the arcades for the last decade.
With about 120 race machines in 12 Timezone outlets across the island - from Bukit Panjang Plaza to Parkway Parade - the machines are evergreen, drawing fans of all ages.
It has been popular among racing fans even before the F1,' says Stephen Price, general manager of Timezone, although he notes that the upcoming F1 race has stoked more fervour.
Depending on the configuration in the arcades, each system can have between four and six competing players. The advantage of playing in the arcade is the thrill of one upmanship against players who are just an arm's length away.
In case you are interested, Timezone sells used machines for between US$5,000 (S$7,150) and US$20,000, depending on the game.
Says racing fan Mohammad Zamfer, 19, who spends about $15 on each of his twice-weekly visit to the arcades: 'It's the tension and excitement you get from racing with your friends. You can't get it elsewhere.'
If you feel ready to graduate, however, there are non-traditional F1 racing games to go for, such as Initial D and Midnight Maximum.
Keen on a more permanent experience? Consider listening to the engine purr in your living room.
Game developers of computer and consoles like the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 already offer realistic racing games like the Forza Motorsports and Grand Turismo series.
There are also the likes of Grid and Richard Burns Rally, which are a mixture of arcade action with a dash of realism.
There are also racing wheel peripherals to accompany the games, providing more enhanced gameplay compared to the traditional button controllers.
Retailers are seeing an increase in demand for both in recent months.
'This has been due in part to F1 and a rise in good simulator games like Grand Turismo 5,' says Woo Liang Meng, 53, owner of Tec-Drome gaming shop in Sim Lim Square.
He has sold over 60 of the high-end Logitech G25 wheel, which costs $529 each, in the past year.
The bulk of it was in recent months and there were occasions where he ran out of stock.
Recently, the demand has been for a driving cockpit or chassis to complete the virtual immersion. These adjustable seats mirror the angles of those in race cars and allow players to mount racing wheels and even flat-screen television screens on them.
They do not come cheap. Prices start from $400 and the high-end ones even come with built-in speakers in the back rest for surround sound.
Liang Meng has five units of the $699 Rinoseat cockpits arriving soon and all have been snapped up.
Product manager P.H. Ho, 32, who just got his $700 obutto car seat last week, sums up the importance of getting a cockpit: 'The ergonomics and comfort of the seat is important. It helps you live your virtual dream.'
For the best virtual F1 experience, here are three must-haves to start you off.
Simulation games
Top of the line:
Forza Motorsports 2
for Xbox 360 (left and below)
$69.90
Grand Turismo 5 Prologue
for PS3
$68
Both feature 3D car models of the real deals from Japanese, American and European companies and customisable car parts. However, for any race fan out there, it is the road that matters.
While Grand Turismo 5 Prologue features four real-life tracks such as the Fuji Speedway, Forza has 10, ranging from the British Grand Prix's Silverstone to Italy's Mugello circuits.
Budget alternative:
Ferrari Challenge
$79.90
Another realistic race car game, this is for the Ferrari fans as all cars here hail from the Italian car giant.
Be warned though - Ferrari sports cars are total speed freaks, so new gamers must be swift learners or be thrown off by demanding controls.
Driving wheels
Top of the line:
Logitech G25 (right)
$529
Compatible with the computer, PlayStation 2 and PS3 game consoles, the three-piece kit comes with force-feedback and a leather grip wheel. Factor in the weighted steering, six-speed gears and metal pedals and this feels nothing like the other cheaper plastic versions made for the casual gamer.
Budget alternative:
Thrustmaster Ferrari GT Experience (right)
$99
Also built for the PC, PS2 and PS3, this licensed product from Thrustmaster, a maker of replica controllers, offers the tight control of high-end wheels. As a wheels-and-pedal set though, it doesn't offer the freedom to change gears.
Cockpits
Top of the line:
D-Box GP Pro-200 (right)
US$15,000
It has got the works in replicating a racing experience - hydraulic suspension to move the cockpit which allows you to shift while making turns, tactile feedback during acceleration and 5.1 sound with built-in speakers. The only thing missing here is the smell of burning rubber.
Budget alternative:
Rinoseat Revolution - G25 Edition (right)
$699
Even without the speakers and hydraulics, the Rinoseat has adjustable seats plus front and floor tables to provide the best comfort for drivers of any build. The best thing is, you never have to wear a seat belt in this driver's seat.
For details on D-Box and Rinoseat, visit www.d-box.com and www.rinoseats.com. The other items listed are sold at retailers like game shops, Challenger Superstore and Best Denki.
This article first appeared in The Straits Times Digital Life on September 24, 2008.
