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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Ferrari announced Ferrari Virtual Academy as available for download on 9 September 2010. That was a historical launch, not confirmation that Ferrari still offers the PC simulator today: current official download availability has not been verified.
What Ferrari Virtual Academy was
Ferrari Virtual Academy was a PC driving simulator built around the Ferrari F10. Ferrari described it as its first online virtual simulator. Its initial release featured the Fiorano circuit, with Mugello and Nürburgring announced for later releases. Ferrari said Scuderia drivers Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa and Giancarlo Fisichella, as well as engineers, collaborated on development. Ferrari’s launch announcement, republished by Racecar Engineering, also claimed 12,000 hours of development by 15 experts and a physics engine calculating at 1,000 Hz; these are launch-material claims, not independently audited measurements.
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What Ferrari said the simulator reproduced
Ferrari said development used authentic F10 data to reproduce aerodynamic effects, tire characteristics, the chassis and suspension, engine, and transmission. It also said the team compared virtual and real F10 telemetry on circuits reproduced by laser scanning. Those statements describe Ferrari’s claims at launch; they do not independently establish the simulator’s fidelity.
Can you still download it from Ferrari?
Current official Ferrari distribution and support are unverified. PCGamingWiki currently marks the official website unavailable and reports that the game required an unofficial server patch after server shutdown. PCGamingWiki’s Ferrari Virtual Academy entry is a secondary reference, not a current Ferrari availability statement.
#1 Best Overall
- The most popular racing wheel on Forza.
- Easy to use: official plug-and-play Xbox racing wheel with USB recognition.
- Works on Xbox Series X/S & XBOX One
- Comprehensive controls for all driving actions, with 9 action buttons, 1 Manettino dial, 1 D-pad, 1 Xbox Guide button and 1 pairing detection LED for Kinect.
- Wheel is 11 inches / 28 cm in diameter — a 7:10 scale replica of the wheel on the real Ferrari 458 Spider sports car.
My Abandonware lists Windows downloads and a patch, but it is an unofficial preservation listing. Its existence does not establish Ferrari authorization, download safety, or that the game will work on a present-day PC.
Launch price and release content
Ferrari Virtual Academy was a paid download at launch. The prices below are the historical prices reported for the 2010 releases, not current offers.
Rank #2
- REALISTIC FERRARI DRIVING EXPERIENCE - Drive like a real race driver with this officially licensed sim racing wheel, inspired by the Ferrari 296 GTB. The 10″ steering wheel with paddle shifters delivers a more immersive driving sim experience than a standard controller, bringing authentic racing feel to your setup.
- SMOOTH, PRECISE CONTROL FOR BETTER LAPS - This gaming steering wheel uses bungee cord technology for smooth resistance and automatic centering, combined with a wider 240° rotation for more precise steering. The result is cleaner lines, better control, and a more engaging race sim experience.
- ADAPTS TO EVERY DRIVER - The Ferrari-inspired Manettino selector lets you switch between three driving profiles, making this sim wheel easy to enjoy for beginners while still rewarding more experienced players. Ideal for solo play or sharing the fun with friends and family.
- EASY SETUP & READY TO DRIVE - Designed for convenience, this gaming wheel installs quickly with a tool-free clamp system for desks and tables up to 1.8″ thick. Just plug and play with no additional software required. A great fit for home setups, bedrooms, or shared spaces.
- COMPLETE WHEEL & PEDAL SET FOR PC & PLAYSTATION – Includes a compact wheel and pedal set with Hall Effect sensor technology for smooth, consistent input. Designed for PC, PS5, and PS4, it delivers a more immersive and controlled driving experience right out of the box.
| Release | Announced circuit content | 2010 launch price |
|---|---|---|
| First release | Fiorano | €14.90 |
| Following releases | Mugello and Nürburgring | €9.90 |
The prices and release details were reproduced in AUSmotive’s 2010 coverage of Ferrari Virtual Academy. They should not be read as evidence of a current purchase option.
Historical PC requirements and controls
The published minimum requirements applied to the original release. They do not confirm compatibility with current Windows versions, hardware, drivers, or peripherals.
Rank #3
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- Comprehensive equipment for all racing situations, with 2 paddle shifters, 9 action buttons, 1 Manettino, 1 D-Pad, 1 Xbox Guide button and 1 pairing detection LED for Kinect.
- 2 red textured rubber grips, inspired by motor sports, ensuring optimum comfort when using the 28 cm diameter, 7/10 replica of the Ferrari 458 Spider's racing wheel.
- Wheelbase featuring Thrustmaster's patented Bungee Cord mechanism, delivering linear resistance for greater comfort and intuitive control.
- With its adjustable steering sensitivity, automatic centering feature and 240 Degree rotation angle, the racing wheel offers unrivalled precision.
- Operating system: Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7.
- Processor: 1.8 GHz or higher on Windows XP; 2.4 GHz or higher on Windows Vista or Windows 7.
- Memory: 1 GB RAM on Windows XP; 2 GB on Windows Vista or Windows 7.
- Graphics: GeForce 6800 GT or ATI 9800 PRO, or better.
- Storage: 1 GB disk space.
- Other: DirectX 9.0c and an internet connection.
- Listed inputs: keyboard, mouse, joypad, joystick, or steering wheel with pedals.
The launch requirements also named Nvidia 3D Vision, TrackIR Enhanced, and Matrox TripleHead2Go. A PC racing wheel with pedals was therefore a supported input category in the historical requirements, but no specific current wheel’s compatibility is established. The specifications were reproduced by AUSmotive.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Competition and prizes at launch
Ferrari described an online leaderboard where users could submit lap times. Its announcement promised weekly Ferrari products for top-ranked drivers and a Maranello visit plus a Ferrari Driver Academy course for the five fastest drivers at the end of the competition. These were historical promotional terms, not an active competition or offer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Immersive Gaming Experience: Perfect for PlayStation 5, PS4 and PC gaming titles, the Driving Force simulates the feeling of driving a real car with precision steering and pressure-sensitive pedals
- Premium Control: The Driving Force feedback racing wheel provides a detailed simulation of driving a real car, with helical gearing delivering smooth, quiet steering and a hand-stitched leather cover
- Customizable Pedals: These pressure-sensitive nonlinear brake pedals provide a responsive, accurate braking feel on a sturdy base - with adjustable pedal faces for finer control
- 900-Degree Rotation: Lock-to-lock rotation of the Driving Force means you can turn the wheel around two and a half times, hand over hand on wide turns - just like a real F1 race car
- Up Your Game: Take your racing simulation to the next level with Driving Force accessories like the Driving Force Shifter or desk and rig mounts
Rank #4
- Experience speed and style with the Hot Wheels RC 1:64 scale Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano remote-control car.
- It has authentic details that are true to the world-famous auto manufacturer and performance that's true to Hot Wheels.
- This remote-control car can race on and off Hot Wheels tracks for open-ended adventures and stunting. (Hot Wheels track sold separately.)
- Hit the booster on the remote to enter loops at full speed or get an extra jolt to be first across the finish line.
- The Hot Wheels RC 1:64 scale Ferrari SF90 operates on a 2.4 GHz frequency to prevent interference when racing other remote-control cars.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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