No you will not be disadvantaged .

MANY of the worlds best wipeout pilots only use the D-Pad,and have done for years.

Pitch is the bitch [sorry but this is so with HD].

That's why some prefer the stick,others PITCH only motion control.

The fastest times are being set by those that have MASTERED Pitch,as getting air at improbable places is whats gives one the edge in doing barrel rolls.

If this seems daunting ,please don't be worried.a quick missile or rocket etc equals the playing field.

The pitch control to the ultimate race times only really comes into effect during Time Trials and Speed Laps.

That takes practice and is a lonesome pursuit