There are several people who run with a controller, and I think one notable example is MisterPost who runs using a controller/mouse, and not a keyboard.

Mostly everyone does use keyboard/mouse though, yeah.

It is worth noting that in order to properly access the replay keys, you either play on keyboard, or you have to rebind them to the mouse/controller with AutoHotkey, because the F1 F2 F3 keys are not rebindable in the options.

Also, the Num4 and Num6 keys for turning the camera left/right (even when mouse is 'locked') are not rebindable either, but they are useful for some optimizations.

So you'd need 5 additional keys rebound somewhere if you don't play on a keyboard, so I would not recommend it.

I would also doubt that the controller provides some sort of advantage over the keyboard, so I think you should get used to the keyboard instead, because it's just a smaller source of problems (the only problem you may have is ghosting, but only if you have a bad keyboard).

you don't need to rebind Num4 or 6, it is mapped to the right analog stick

i only use my keyboard for F1F2F3, for switching radio (only when replay buying from a car in VC), switching cameras in VC (only if i need to do cherry popper) and if i need to hold caplocks while driving for a long time

the only key i rebinded was start to ESC to pause the game

The only advantage i can see, other than comfort and it being easier for me, is analog movement espcialy useful when running in top down view

The analog stick allows running backwards out of garages, too, right? So people should use it for that.