Mark,
Very interesting. A few years ago I used the PlayStation to learn the Nurburgring. By that, I meant that I learned the sequence of corners.
I've driven Spa Francochamps many times, albeit from driving road cars. I find the PS3 GT6 very annoying on both because they aren't quite right, in particular when you can use the physics of the cars compression to increase grip to maximise turn in (Eau Rouge and Pflanzgarten).
I was in awe of Seb Loeb when he did that race.
I'm not Loeb, who is clearly a master, but I'm just looking for something better. The PS3/GT6 is good, and you start to think you are there, but then it lets you down.
Aricus