Improving your driving in sim racing can be hard. Much like in real motorsport, nothing can substitute seat time, and practice is the key word that keeps getting mentioned whenever beginners ask how they can get better behind the virtual wheel. There is no universal way of doing this, however, as there are different preferences regarding company during practice sessions.
With team-based endurance races being among the most popular forms of events in sim racing today, taking to the track together to figure out a setup, techniques and certain lines for the car you are going to be racing should be a given. Drivers are going to spend up to 24 hours together for endurance events, after all - but practicing with teammates or friends can have its benefits for sprint races as well.
Of course, this can also mean a downside: Some drivers can concentrate better when there is nothing in the background to distract them. The engine noise and occasional Crew Chief message is enough for them, so they may prefer practicing at least without being in a voice chat. Others might prefer to have the track to themselves and practice alone for that reason, enabling them to learn the ins and outs of a track better.
With team-based endurance races being among the most popular forms of events in sim racing today, taking to the track together to figure out a setup, techniques and certain lines for the car you are going to be racing should be a given. Drivers are going to spend up to 24 hours together for endurance events, after all - but practicing with teammates or friends can have its benefits for sprint races as well.
Upsides & Downsides of Team Practice
Different minds can think of different solutions or advice on how to overcome problems with the car or setup. The collective experiences of a group of drivers usually helps those that are not as experienced or slower than the rest to become quicker, which in turn helps team efforts - or make for tighter competition in leagues or other sprint events. Additionally, it can be just plain fun to chat with friends or friendly drivers during practice.Of course, this can also mean a downside: Some drivers can concentrate better when there is nothing in the background to distract them. The engine noise and occasional Crew Chief message is enough for them, so they may prefer practicing at least without being in a voice chat. Others might prefer to have the track to themselves and practice alone for that reason, enabling them to learn the ins and outs of a track better.