Why is Fanatec associated with GT7?

To this day, GT should not be calling itself "the real driving simulator" when ACC and even PCars are better on console.

There's such a huge following of GT with racing comps, streams, etc. but it's not a complete sim game.

I'm wondering if it is actually popular with sim racers?

It's great using the controller but if I'm jumping on my sim, I'm not playing GT.

Curious as to more experienced people's thoughts.