AC | Formula Alpha 2026

Description

VRC Formula Alpha™ 2026

The VRC Formula Alpha™ 2026 represents the culmination of years of experience developing top-tier open-wheel race cars for the original Assetto Corsa. Built around the latest generation of technical regulations, it combines cutting-edge vehicle systems, advanced hybrid technology, and authentic race engineering into one highly sophisticated simulation.

Note: The Pro Version requires Custom Shaders Patch (CSP) v0.3.0-preview542 (Build ID 4077) or newer. The latest version is PAID and can not be obtained for free. Click here to purchase it.

Developed using extensive real-world research, technical documentation, telemetry analysis, and feedback from professional racing personnel, the Formula Alpha™ 2026 delivers an authentic driving experience that can be enjoyed by sim racers of every skill level while still providing the depth and complexity expected by experienced drivers and aspiring race engineers.

Success on track depends on more than just driving talent. Only a well-balanced car setup, efficient energy management, and the correct configuration for each circuit will unlock the full performance potential of the Formula Alpha™ 2026.

The Formula Alpha™ 2026 introduces numerous new systems and features. Some are immediately visible, while others are waiting to be discovered:

• Completely new 2026-spec 3D model developed from the official regulation boxes
• Authentic 2026 hybrid power unit simulation
• Advanced battery management system with Super Clipping strategy
• Introduction of the new Straight Mode (SM)
• Release of the all new Virtual Racing Cars® Track Zone Editor
• Fully integrated setup menu within the new CSP UI
• Intuitive visualized setup menu graphs
• Authentic 2026-spec power unit sound
• Selectable TV broadcast and driver onboard audio mix
• Fully modeled power unit thermal simulation
• Extended online and replay telemetry with visual tire wear and temperature indicators
• Realistic gearbox operation with button-activated Neutral and Reverse
• Multiple onboard and cinematic camera views, including gyro and helmet cameras
• Adjustable tire sidewall striping and authentic tire blanket temperatures for slicks, intermediates, and wet tires
• Regulated energy flow limits for realistic hybrid deployment and energy management

A very special thanks to our sponsors Greywolf Technologies, Trackmonstr, Rodina Nutrition Science,  STMEDIA.US, topsplitters, Nena Café and 3DClouds!

A very special thanks to our clients and customers Haas F1 Group, SEAN BULL DESIGN and Test&Training international!

A very special thank you to "ACFever" with his telemetry tool, Assetto Corsa Telemetrick. Download his app now!

© 2026 VRC Virtual Racing Cars LLC. All rights reserved. Virtual Racing Cars® is a registered trademark of VRC Virtual Racing Cars LLC. Formula Alpha™ and all associated names are trademarks of VRC Virtual Racing Cars LLC.

Car Installation

Installing a Mod for Assetto Corsa

Extended Controls

In 2023, we developed the "EXTENDED CONTROLS" application, designed for the effortless assignment of keybindings for various additional functionalities, such as Engine Maps, Pedal Maps, Brake Migration Settings, and more, all while on the move. This app has become a standard tool used by other modding teams and is included by default in the CSP App Shelf.

To set up the "EXTENDED CONTROLS" app, follow these steps:

1. Ensure CSP is up-to-date. The app is now part of the CSP App Shelf, so no manual installation is required.
2. Open the in-game UI apps menu and locate the "App Shelf."
3. Find VRC's Extended Controls app in the App Shelf and click on it.

• When prompted to install the app, click "Install."

• Once installed, the Extended Controls app will appear alongside other UI apps.

This integration ensures automatic updates, providing you with the latest features and fixes without additional effort.

Manual

Click the picture to access the manual.

Version History

V1.1 (2026/10/03):

Features/Changes

• SimHub dashboard.
• New ERS intra-lap adaptation implemented.
• New custom downshift protection.
• New macarena wing selection to Settings/Cosmetics tab, syncs with replay and online.
• New Anti-Clip boost button behavior option to ERS Strategies.
• New custom Fuel tab that also fixes the localization issue with hiding the AC Fuel tab. Featuring a switch from fuel load being in Liters, to kg.
• Decreased minimum ERS boost ramp up value.
• Added tyre display temp offset.
• New, reduced max power is now adhered to when filling ES while super-clipping, the ICE will need to continue to run at that reduced power level until a proper lift.
• Added brake temps to replay stream.
• Added simple version of TC for KBM players.
• Added hover hints for Brake Shaper and Deployment mapper to inform people of its context menu.
• Added MGU-K live trace to telemetrick file.
• Added helitape to replay/online.
• ES default charge set to 50%.
• Moved clutch button to Critical tab since it needs to be bound if no clutch pedal/paddle is bound. (Helps avoid the screen/leds blipping launch mode).
• AI now have an outlap mode that is able to be set.

Fixes

• Added filter so launch mode doesn't flash when above 10kmh.
• Fixed VRCAS issue with tyre compounds when restricted setups reduce compound count.
• Force setup tabs to be hidden earlier in the loading process.
• Further improved custom animation behavior.
• F6 camera no longer defaults to gyro enabled.
• Ensure FER/HAA both work for assigning FER wheel in ext_config.ini.
• Removed camera shake from some F6 cameras.
• Fixed missing suspension geometry in Aero tab Geometry Shot.
• Fix for Halo transparency issue.
• Fixed compound medium color not being respected in replays.
• Fixed a bunch of misc. replay related issues.
• Fixed 360 cam look direction being reversed.
• Fixed ICE still being able to provide torque while in the stalled state.
• Fixed telemetrick channels being lost on session reload.
• Fix tyre wear textures causing slow script during a stint. Now only applies to player car.

Physics

• Tyres update.
• Updated torque map.

Model/Animations

• Added Subtance Painter template.
• Fixed AM STW sticker z-fighting.
• Changed AO in order to include DRS anim options (please re-export skins).
• 2 new rear wing actuation animation variants added.
• Added new Red/Orange livery.

Setups

• Included all Power Unit fixed setups for the current calendar to date, for online racing servers.
• Updated optional setups to be better examples of how setups can be utilized.

V1.0 (2026/06/09):

• Release version.