Jann Mardenborough Ultimate Gaming Set Up

You could still do it off an ironing board and have the pedals rested up against some chest of drawers – I think people still do that… But you have to have a wheel and pedals.

Can you imagine Lewis Hamilton saying that? Thought not.

Since winning Nissan’s GT Academy title in 2011, gamer-turned-proper racing driver Jann Mardenborough has become an LMP1 driver – piloting the top level of cars that compete in the World Endurance Championship – and has driven at Le Mans, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the 24 Hours of Spa, British GT, Formula 3 and GP3.

He is a genuine pioneer – traditionalists, look away now…

Jann Mardenborough's ideal gaming set up — Jann Mardenborough at home, July 2015
© Mei Lewis/Mission Photographic

“I never knew that karting really existed,” admits Jann. “I knew you could do indoor karting but I never knew you could kart outdoors! I didn’t know what Rotax was – I was 15 the first time I experienced outdoor karting.

“I do remember one time looking around on the internet for chassis and lawnmower engines to have a summer project – but we have no garage where I live, so that was quickly out of the window!”

So, like millions of men and women, boys and girls across the globe, Jann got familiar with the original Gran Turismo on PlayStation 1. In his cosy attic bedroom in the Cardiff suburb of Ely, he quenched his thirst for cars and racing via a virtual domain.

When Gran Turismo 3 came out, the 11-year-old Jann spent his entire summer holiday rinsing the career mode. By the age of 16, and with karting still off the cards, Jann was spending his evenings racing against close friends and distant strangers in online racing forums.

“There was a bunch of about 10 of us who used to race every weekend on the different circuits at about 9pm on Sundays – so it was just after Top Gear. We’d all rush upstairs, microphones on, talk about Top Gear, then race.

I loved it, but then I had to be up at 7am for school so 10.30pm was the limit – if we didn’t finish the race by then the internet was off.

“So, I did that for a bit, then GT Academy happened.”

Everyone in motorsport needs a story and you’d be forgiven for thinking Jann’s rise to a works Nissan drive is the stuff of comic book lore.

Prior to beating 90,000 gamers to the 2011 GT Academy, Jann saved up some cash, built his own seating rig and, as the racing bug bit harder, it was soon time to throw away his trusty joypad.

“I needed a steering wheel to get more enjoyment out of it,” continues Jann, “I spent a decent amount of money – about £350 I think – and bought a Fanatec Turbo S wheel which was probably the best wheel and pedals combo you could get that worked on all consoles and PC at the time.

“As soon as I got that, I loved it and I started to enjoy the gaming more – it took it to the next level.”

Jann, along with inaugural GT Academy winner Lucas Ordóñez, have proved the gamer-to-racer path is a viable route into professional motorsport. Despite Jann doing the real thing in cars he once could have only driven in pixelated form, there’s a genuine look of dreamy-eyed longing when asked about his his ideal gaming set-up.

“I wouldn’t have a pod that moved but I’d have one that vibrates – I’d have a Buttkicker that vibrates! I’m not too sure what pedals to have, but at the moment I have pretty good Fanatec Clubsport V2 aluminium pedals. I’ve been told that Assestto Corsa is the game to have on PC in terms of physics, so I’d go with that.

I’d have a three-screen set up

“Fanatec do this awesome chrome, tubular frame with a proper Cobra seat – I think it's about £1600. I’d have that. And I’d run my Xbox, PlayStation and PC all hooked up to play it in mega high definition."

I’d have to spend just under £10,000 if money was no object

Jann Mardenborough’s top tips for building a super-sweet home racing set-up

Wheels and pedals, approximate cost: £200

"To get the maximum amount of enjoyment out of a racing game you have to have a wheel and pedals. Prices aren’t so crazy – you can get a Logitech G25 for less than £200 and it’s probably still the best wheel for the PlayStation.

"I think the best value for money wheel and pedals you can get currently is an old G25 – the pedals have proper springs in them and a decent feel and the steering wheel is mega as well. A lot of quick people use that wheel still."

Frame, approximate cost: £150

"If you can afford to buy a frame, I’m sure you can pick them up for under £200. But if not, you can modify an ironing board and put the pedals against something solid. Or you can even Velcro them to the floor.

"If you want to get a bit creative like me, I built my own for under £150. There are a lot of design layouts online."

Seat, approximate cost: £20

"You can pick up a seat from a scrapyard – I got an Alfa Romeo red leather seat from a scrapyard for £20, so there are cheap ways to do it if you can spend some time making it yourself. It’s yours then, it looks cool and it will last."

Display, approximate cost: £300

"I wouldn’t have a projector because the quality isn’t quite there."

Total approximate cost for a banging home racing gamer set-up: £670

Read more about Jann's journey from gamer to pro racer below.

Jann Mardenborough’s perfect gaming set-up

Jann Mardenborough’s top tips for building a super-sweet home racing set-up

How to be a GT Academy champion