Simulator can only be started by "launch rfactor" application

So I moved to steam. It ran the first time.

Now I get the above message after, every attempt, a long wait for auto subscribing to workshop items which starts from scratch each time.

Am I doing something wrong? I don't need this nonsense when spare time is at such a premium.

Restarting PC has no effect. After sync I am just left with the rfactor2 screen, click the helmet icon and then the message again.

 

Do you cancel the workshop-synchro and download each time?

 

Are you logged onto Steam? Do you have Steam in online mode? Make sure you start the game directly from the Steam library.

 

Yes I am starting through steam and steam is online mode.

I haven't cancelled workshop-synchro.