IS1 Season 6: Calm Before The Storm

Will Barnes
Jul 19, 2015
3 min read

As International Sim Action Motorsport moves to a simulation, IS1 really is entering "a new era".

As ISAM moves to a new simulator, IS1 really is entering "a new era".

After a short break IS1 is back, this time on rFactor 2 for what is set to be a thrilling season of racing. With a new simulation there comes a host of new drivers and teams, so let's take a look at how the grid is shaping up for the season opener in Bahrain.

Force Canada 1. Joe Ethier #45 2. Marcos Riffel #30 Sim Sport Martini Racing 1. Tom Alcock #44 2. Ricardo Martins #7 Relentless 1. Miles Wheway #23 2. Will Barnes #3 ISR ZERO Sim Racing 1. Tyler Nyerges #16 2. Mike van Aalst #733 ZERO Academy Racing 1. Daniel #97 2. Josh Cresswell #98 Squire Motorsports 1. Ron Squire #38 2. Jack Ellis #27 MRT (Macedonian Racing Team) 1. Lorenzo De Ciutiis? #10 2. Ted Enston #8 OnWheelsTV 1.Tim Brendel 2.

Along with new teams and drivers, new partners emerge including InsideSimRacing, OnWheelsTV and TATech Solutions Ltd. to name a few. In addition to this, new tracks make their way onto the IS1 calendar, which can be seen below.

For the first time after 5 seasons, Bahrain will host the season opener, replacing the Toban Grand Prix.

With the first race a mere 7 days away, what can we expect in Bahrain?

Tyres, tyres and more tyres... tyred yet?

A new tyre model on rFactor 2 will surely challenge the drivers, with mistakes such as lockups and spins being even more costly, potentially destroying a stint and indeed the race. Bahrain is notoriously difficult on cars, the fact that it is situated in the sandy deserts makes it challenging enough but to add to this, tyre degradation and brake wear will be a crucial factor in the race.

NEW DAMAGE MODEL

Unlike rFactor 1, cars can not simply ride side by side with their wheels inside their opponent's. Wheelbanging may be a common sight as the drivers adapt from the dated rFactor 1 physics.

Drag Reduction System (DRS)

For the first time ever in IS1, the league will use the controversial Drag Reduction System, allowing cars within a second of the car in front to open their rear wing and gain a speed advantage (weather permitting after 3 laps). With modern Formula One cars producing a lot of turblulent air, this may bunch the pack upconsiderably.

WHO TO WATCH FOR IN BAHRAIN:

Joe Ethier #45

Once again, Joe Ethier will pilot the #45 Force Canada machine. The Canadian has always been strong in IS1, and this season in the F03 should be no exception.

Daniel Calvo #97

One of the frontrunners in ISE, Daniel certainly seems to be competitive, but only time will tell if he is able to convert his pace in the Formula E league to pace in a F1 car in a completely different simulator.

Tyler Nyerges #16

Opting to retire from IS1 for a short period, Tyler returned in style in the penultimate race of season 5, taking the win at Monaco after Will Barnes car broke down on the first lap and Joe Ethier cracked under pressure. It's been a long time since the Aussie last drove on rFactor 2, and it doesn't look as if he's going to be able to get much practice under his belt before round 1. Will he be a contender for victory?

Tim Brendel #42

Originally not listed to start, Tim Brendel has made a shock comeback to the league after finally finding a way to run rFactor 2 at a decent framerate. Tim is yet to race in IS1 with his Logitech G27 wheel, will he be able to fight for the win? Or will his PC fail him?