It's just fake.
Proper racing algorithms are vital to a sim (Gran Turismo), I guess it boils down to whether you want a proper sim or an arcade racing game.
Even with the bugs, the game is still immensely fun. For the first release of the series I think it's a decent effort, sure it needs work on being patched, but it's good fun still, with all the Aids off, it's a brilliant challenge. I'll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed DIRT2. Online will probably be what I spend most of the time on, and that will easily fill the gap for when the inevitable patch comes out.
Yes, 2K Sports is just doing this with NBA 2K11. NBA 2K10 was by most measures one of the best basketball games ever and 2K11 is on course to possibly win a best sports game of the year award.If they sold a perfect game though, would anyone ever by the sequel to it?