Even if you managed to connect a Xbox or PS4/5 controller (using "DS4Windows") , you can still run into trouble with the Race/Time Trial modes - while taking off using the game controller worked for me with free flight and other Entertainment modes, it didn't work with Time Trial.

So here's the solution: Press keys "S", "D", "Cursor up", "Cursor left" simultaneously - takeoff!

Additional hint: If you cannot control the gimbal with your controller, map two controller keys (e. g. D-Pad up/down) using "DS4Windows" to the keys "R" and "F". This way, you don't get smooth gimbal movements, but at least you're able to turn the gimbal up and down using your controller.

Thanks for sharing.

|Press keys "S", "D", "Cursor up", "Cursor left" simultaneously - takeoff!
    It didn't work for me.
    By "Cursor up", "Cursor left", do you mean "arrow up" and "arrow left" of the keyboard? If yes, then it didn't work.

    And thanks a lot for the gimbal idea.