The Field of View (FOV) in Assetto Corsa Competizione is often regarded as just a visual setting. But can it actually impact the game physics? To answer this question, I decided to test two distinct sessions, each consisting of two laps on the Paul Ricard circuit, driving the BMW M4 GT3. With the help of MOTEC data analysis, let’s see if adjusting the FOV has a real effect on the car’s behavior on track.
First session: Optimized FOV for full control
The first session started with my customized FOV, the one I’ve fine-tuned over time to achieve the best balance between visual comfort and control. As I launched the car onto the track, everything felt perfectly aligned from the first lap. The Signes corner was taken smoothly, and every turn felt effortless. The sensations were excellent.
On the second lap, I pushed the car a bit more, still feeling fully confident. I maintained control despite the rising tire temperatures, and the time dropped to 1:57.375 I felt completely connected to the car, as if every movement of the wheel was perfectly translated into motion by the car. This precision led me to believe that my FOV plays a larger role than one might think.
FOV for a single screen: 56°
- Height 2.7
- Lateral 0.0
- Distance -37.1
- FOV 56°
- Pitch 5.4°
MOTEC analysis: FOV impacts more than just visuals
After these two laps, I dived into the data provided by MOTEC. And the results confirmed my feeling: my customized FOV influences not only how I see the track but also how the car behaves. The suspension travel was more consistent, and the distribution of forces on the tires was better controlled. This FOV allowed me to anticipate the car’s movements better and more easily read the information the game was transmitting.
Second session: Back to the default FOV
After a short break, I decided to return to the track for a second session, this time with the default FOV. The goal was to directly compare the sensations and performance with the first session. As I set off for two more laps, I immediately felt things were off. I felt less precise, as if I could no longer judge distances correctly.
On the second lap, things didn’t improve. Mistakes started piling up—braking too early here, missing an apex there. My connection with the car seemed altered, and my lap times suffered. It was clear that the default FOV was affecting my performance. I finished the session with times far below my first test, and the sensations were far less satisfying.
MOTEC reveals significant differences
Once again, I turned to MOTEC for data analysis. The results were clear: the default FOV had clearly disrupted the car’s dynamics. The suspension travel was different, despite using the exact same setup as in the first session. The forces on the tires were less evenly distributed, which affected my ability to manage the car through the corners. This test demonstrates that the FOV influences more than just the view; it has a direct impact on how the car interacts with the track.
Conclusion: A well-adjusted FOV influences physics
After these two test sessions, it’s clear that the FOV is not just about adjusting how the player sees the track. A customized FOV not only improves visibility but also enhances the understanding and management of the car’s physics. This setting is crucial for optimal performance in Assetto Corsa Competizione.
If you’ve never adjusted your Field of View, now might be the time. As shown by the results obtained with MOTEC, a personalized FOV can truly change the way you drive and give you a significant advantage on the track.
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