At Motorsportler Eng

When your own basement becomes a race track

Philipp Eng on his simulator.(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

Motor racing driver Philipp Eng can prepare perfectly for upcoming races within his own four walls. The Salzburg native has already spent many hours on his simulator. The "Krone" paid the BMW driver a visit and took a closer look at the 34-year-old's "work tool". 

I spent five to six hours a day in the basement during the coronavirus period." Philipp Eng has a "toy" in his basement that many men would probably like to have. A racing simulator costing over 10,000 euros. The motor sportsman invited the "Krone" to his home and showed them his high-tech tool. The "machine" is located in a room with numerous helmets hanging on the wall. Before the man from Salzburg gets started, he puts on gloves and the right footwear. "That way I can simulate a real race as well as possible."

The 34-year-old can switch between all the race tracks around the world in a matter of seconds. "My next event in the North American IMSA series will be at Sebring in March. With my simulator, I can already drive the track and prepare perfectly for it," says Eng. Every race track has been laser-scanned, so even the smallest bump can be seen on the screen.

The "Krone" visited Philipp Eng.(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

Training for the eyes
For him, a home simulator is essential for a professional racing driver. "You get a good impression of how the car drives. It's good training for your ability to concentrate. And it's a huge strain on the eyes," he says, seeing only advantages.

The BMW driver, who is competing in the "GT World Challenge Europe" again this year alongside the IMSA series, got his first simulator in 2005, but of course it couldn't be compared with today's equipment. Eng remembers: "Back then, I didn't have a normal racing driver's seat, just a desk chair."

The steering wheel is extremely important on the simulator.(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

There are now even motorsport drivers who earn their money by racing on simulators. "I've often taken part in the so-called SIM races. The level is incredible. There are also some drivers who got into real racing via e-sports."

After the "lesson" on the simulator, the "Krone" notices another "machine" before saying goodbye. Because Eng was not satisfied with the one device in his basement, he recently bought another simulator. Not for driving, however, but for flying. "I'm interested in aviation. I've already had two taster flights at the airport and am considering whether I should do some training."