Seems like Forza would be easier to interface with too, example: this guy built a virtual cockpit[0] using VW parts -- the shifter, tach/speedometer all work
A'I' in racing games is already a cracked problem I think (unless you mean forza horizon?).
The AIs in Rfactor2 are even pretty good wheel to wheel on some tracks - definitely a lot better than online rookies who are quick but blind. The only noticeable thing is that they don't learn over the course of a race. They seem to be programmed to make mistakes realistically, i.e. if the car loses grip in the wet they don't lock back onto the track.
[0] - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSEqO_2kdxLtslBK9FLqtxA