Modern sims ask you to do a lot while driving: pit strategy, brake bias, traction control, engine maps, headlights, wipers, radio, black box pages, camera changes, and more. Fanatec’s button modules and wheels can cover a lot of that—but most drivers still end up adding a “control zone” with extra buttons or a Stream Deck.
This guide shows how to build a control zone that is fast, clean, and comfortable, without turning your rig into a spaghetti of mounts and cables.
What a good control zone does
- Reduces cognitive load: you always know where a function is.
- Reduces hand travel: fewer long reaches, less steering disruption.
- Stays consistent across games: one layout works in iRacing, ACC, Forza, rally, etc.
Step 1: decide what must be on the wheel
Put “driving critical” functions on the wheel first:
- Look left/right/back
- Flash headlights
- Wipers
- Brake bias (if you change it often)
- Traction control / ABS adjustments (if your sim uses them)
Fanatec wheels can cover many of these. The point is not to cram everything onto the rim—it’s to keep critical functions within your thumbs.
Step 2: decide what belongs off-wheel
Put “workflow” functions off-wheel:
- Pit macros
- Black box navigation
- Voice chat push-to-talk
- Replay controls
- Setup changes and tuning tools
A Stream Deck or button box is perfect here. If you want a deep dive on layouts and bindings, read: Stream Deck and button box setup for sim racing.
Step 3: mount it where your hands naturally go
Your rig determines whether a control zone feels “pro” or annoying. A modular aluminium cockpit makes this easy because you can position and re-position without drilling.
Practical mounting options on SIMGASM rigs:
- Core side mounting arm for a clean side-mounted control panel.
- Apex side mounting arm if you want extra stiffness for heavier button boxes.
- keyboard swivel mount and mouse tray so your cockpit is usable even for long setup sessions.
If you are adding multiple devices, cockpit cable routing becomes part of usability. SIMGASM Sport simulator and SIMGASM Pro simulator are designed for clean builds with internal routing and lots of mounting surface.
Step 4: standardize your layout across sims
Pick 6–10 functions and keep them consistent. For example:
- Top left row: pit menu and pit confirm
- Top right row: black box pages
- Middle: traction control and ABS
- Bottom: camera, replay, voice chat
The actual mapping depends on the sim, but the habit stays the same. That is how control zones make you faster: fewer mistakes, less distraction.
Monitor placement matters more than you think
If your monitor shakes, your brain works harder. A stable monitor solution is part of the control zone. Consider Apex freestanding triple monitor stand for a freestanding setup, or Apex integrated triple monitor stand if you prefer an all-in-one footprint. Use the VESA bracket set 75/100/200 to make alignment easier.
Continue reading
- Fanatec cable management
- Fanatec tuning menu explained
- iRacing pit macros and Stream Deck guide
- Triple monitor alignment problems solved
- iRacing endurance racing guide
More Fanatec guides
- Fanatec sim racing setup hub: rigs, mounts and game settings
- Fanatec shifter and handbrake mounting: rally and drift layouts on profile rigs
- Forza Horizon 6 Fanatec wheel settings: baselines that feel natural
- Fanatec load cell braking: seat position, pedal spacing and consistency
- Fanatec upgrade path: go from CSL DD to ClubSport or Podium without rebuilding
