Video

Honda Civic Type R vs. Type R: When real races virtual, who wins?

IndyCar's Graham Rahal races The SLAP Train at Road Atlanta

This one's for the armchair Alonsos. How close is a real, metal 2018 Civic Type R compared to its digital representation in Forza Motorsport 7? How closely does a virtual Road Atlanta match the actual racetrack? Can a skilled driver beat another, while one of them drives a real car and the other plays a videogame?

In R vs R, Honda has pitched IndyCar driver Graham Rahal against pro gamer Peter "the SLAPtrain" Jeakins. In this very entertaining short video, both drive the Civic Type R that's closest to their profession, and the lap times come close. Very close. But you'll have to watch the above clip to see just how well the drivers are matched.

One of the most interesting things about the clip is that Rahal isn't just driving against a pre-set time — his Civic is fitted with a "mixed-reality" windshield, giving him the ability to see a "ghost" version of Jeakins' virtual Civic on the track — just like you would see one in a video game, in real time. But like Rahal says, "In simulation, you don't have fear. In real life you do." Wise words.

Related Video:

Share This Photo X