Following the hands-on photos on VirtualR and VVV Automotive’s unboxing video, now the guys at InsideSimRacing.tv have made their first experience with Thrustmaster’s brand new Ferrari Formula One rim for the T500 RS.

The video below shows Shaun Cole unboxing and explaining the unit, the video also covers the wheel installation process and a first glimpse of the complete unit.

The Ferrari Formula One rim will be available both as add-on for the T500 RS starting in a few days and selling for 149€. In late October, the “Integral” edition with wheel base and pedals will be available as well, it has not been confirmed whether Thrustmaster will also be offering the current T500 RS GT wheel as add-on option for the Integral buyers.

Thrustmaster provided VirtualR with their upcoming Ferrari Formula One wheel rim for the T500 RS.

As you can see, the big Ferrari button in the middle and the rotary switches surrounding it are not functional as it was hinted by the button layout images. The wheel does come with two working rotary encoders at the top though (labeled DIF IN & CHRG), the full list of features can be found here.

A week ago, Thrustmaster unveiled their officially Ferrari-licensed Formula One rim for the T500 RS wheel at the Italian Grand Prix.

The wheel rim is a close replica of Ferrari’s current Formula One wheel, featuring most of the wheel’s buttons and features but lacking a working display, rev meter & dials.

The rim will be available as add-on for the T500 RS for those who already own Thrustmaster’s critically acclaimed upper market wheel or combined with the base for new customers.

While the product has not yet been officially announced and the store date and technical details are still unknown, Thrustmaster has released three button layout previews of the new wheel. The PC & Playstation 3 modes offer 17 different button modes, an advanced mode on the PC allows to map 29 functions to the wheel.

The Ferrari Formula One rim will sell for 149€, stay tuned for the official announcement in the near future. VirtualR will of course be having a review of the wheel rim in due time.