Unlike handbrakes that are used in road cars, handbrakes in sim racing are built like fly-off handbrakes that are commonly used in rallying and drifting. Fly-off handbrakes return to their original position after application, which is due to their main purpose of locking up the rear axle. This technique is especially useful for tight turns or to get the car into a sidewards motion. Handbrakes in sim racing normally use load cells, but high-priced alternatives that use hydraulics can also be found. Both types of construction enable the driver to easily control the force applied to the rear axle and therefore to control the car’s rear end.

(Symbol image: Fanatec Clubsport Handbremse V1.5)