I just came here to say that after reading this forum and getting bogged down in damage talk and shadow talk etc I was pretty worried.
I just got the game today and set up my wheel, got all the setting right and bought a premium MX-5 '89...
So first I see a few dodgy shadows and some weird artifacting as the race starts :/
I run into a bunch of cars and get my bearings... then I jostle for position and get some clean air. I charge through a series of corners at high revs, I just lift off the accelerator a bit and the back of the car comes round. The car is responsive, lively... I have this feeling of control and can almost feel all the work that is being done in the software and hardware physics wise...
Suddenly I realize this game is AMAZING... Easily the best racer ever.
Ive played it a while now can see PD has put the effort where it counts. Now the game is just gorgeous to me... Some games might have better looking tracks at times, but in those games you can't FEEL the track beneath you like it's really there.
If you are like I was and concerned, don't be. If you truly love cars and the thrill of driving you will not be disappointed.
P.s. Buy a wheel, no excuses. (oh and I use the analog paddles as accelerate and brake, is that weird? feels natural to me)