GRID Autosport GRID Autosport

Bram Hengeveld · Apr 18, 2014

Things are moving at Codemasters

Michael Watts · Dec 31, 2014

Peter, was able to run some laps with Railer, After chasing the AI in one race after a random start I was able to pull a 1:54.93X out of thin air. Then I backed it up in another race starting from pole running a 1:54.830. I was certain I could only run 1:56's as was about my average fast lap. But when everything goes perfect I can run a "Boothy" lap and surprise myself.
EDIT:
I ran another 5 lapper before getting off and I was able to pick up almost a tenth a lap before finally grabbing a 1:53.968 on my final lap. The more laps I get here the more comfortable the track gets. I'm running a fairly stiff setup and the car is very good right now.

Rob · Dec 31, 2014

Sorry I couldn't join you tonight Railer. Sounds like you and Michael got things squared away though. I'm sure you will both continue to epic battle this season is shaping up to be between you both. I like the oval races because they are such a game changer. Too bad I can't seem to get out front w/o incident in Autosport.

Driving 100 laps at Indy the other day with 16 others in Formula cars was certainly a rush. I came in 2nd in the "remedial lobby" since there were 8 or more who out-quablified me in the upper lobby. If I had to do it all over again, I'd have developed a qualifying setup and a race setup. Just like in real life, they are so much more on the edge in qualifying.

Hopefully will get some seat time here in Spain soon!

Peter Hooper · Dec 31, 2014

Michael Watts said:
Peter, was able to run some laps with Railer, After chasing the AI in one race after a random start I was able to pull a 1:54.93X out of thin air. Then I backed it up in another race starting from pole running a 1:54.830. I was certain I could only run 1:56's as was about my average fast lap. But when everything goes perfect I can run a "Boothy" lap and surprise myself.
EDIT:
I ran another 5 lapper before getting off and I was able to pick up almost a tenth a lap before finally grabbing a 1:53.968 on my final lap. The more laps I get here the more comfortable the track gets. I'm running a fairly stiff setup and the car is very good right now.

1:53.9 wow!! I've a long way to go then lol I might get on for a while later today to see if I can knock a could of seconds off.

When I was able to tune I always went for a stiffer setup as standard, its just much more responsive that way. The defaults are very mushy in comparison but I can't spend the time levelling up any longer so just get on with it out of the box.

Peter Hooper · Dec 31, 2014

Robert Waddell said:
Yea, I thought of that, but I really don't have the time to practice both tracks. But good idea. But really, who doesn't like the rounding curve at China and the massive danger inherent in a fast but risky chicaine? That's what a road course is all about. There are plenty of other "designer tracks" with plenty of runoff and nice flowing curves. In fact, I'd say 80% of them are like that.

Only takes 10 minutes each to have them both down fairly well as they aren't that difficult and they aren't for another 2 months anyway. I enjoyed both tracks but the racing on one is a bit better than the other in my view.

The curve at turn 1 in China is one of my favourites so won't disagree there but there's nothing close to that here and no dangerous chicanes either

One of the things I like about this this track in either layout is the changing surface

Rob · Dec 31, 2014

Peter Hooper said:
Only takes 10 minutes each to have them both down fairly well as they aren't that difficult and they aren't for another 2 months anyway. I enjoyed both tracks but the racing on one is a bit better than the other in my view.

The curve at turn 1 in China is one of my favourites so won't disagree there but there's nothing close to that here and no dangerous chicanes either One of the things I like about this this track in either layout is the changing surface

Agree about the change in surface. Too bad my **** Fanatec can tell no difference.

Have to disagree about the declining radius at the tunnel. It does at least smack of the turn one at China. The other way is just about as boring as it gets. Besides, Barcelona is what yo are looking for if you need a fast street course. Boring too. But pretty. The other way you mention would be a snoozefest, IMO.

Rob · Dec 31, 2014

I'm using a loaner here too Peter. The Audi is the only viable option for me then. And I'm nowhere close to being under 2:00. This one is a write off.

Peter Hooper · Dec 31, 2014

We'll agree to disagree lol. Of the races I ran with AI and not just on my own the better race by far was Al Sourouf or whatever it's called, exciting side by side racing at several places and very difficult to block unlike the other way.

Peter Hooper · Dec 31, 2014

Robert Waddell said:
I'm using a loaner here too Peter. The Audi is the only viable option for me then. And I'm nowhere close to being under 2:00. This one is a write off.

My first few laps were around the 2:01 mark Robert but once I started racing they soon came down. I only ran those two races so I'm sure you will get it down too with a few more laps

Michael Watts · Dec 31, 2014

Peter Hooper said:
My first few laps were around the 2:01 mark Robert but once I started racing they soon came down. I only ran those two races so I'm sure you will get it down too with a few more laps

That's the thing. I couldn't tell you where I picked up the time, but this is definitely one track that seat time will ultimately improve your time as you get more and more comfortable with the track. I started around the 2:01 mark last week, and I've run some laps here and there. But the longer the races the better I get time wise. To me it's kind of a rhythm track.

Peter Hooper · Dec 31, 2014

Michael Watts said:
That's the thing. I couldn't tell you where I picked up the time, but this is definitely one track that seat time will ultimately improve your time as you get more and more comfortable with the track. I started around the 2:01 mark last week, and I've run some laps here and there. But the longer the races the better I get time wise. To me it's kind of a rhythm track.

Exactly right Michael, the time I found came in a race as well and just 10 laps saw me drop from 2:01 to 1:57. I hope another ten laps sees the same improvement

Michael Watts · Dec 31, 2014

@Peter Hooper @Robert Waddell , try the Endurance Challenge this week. I really like that car as a loaner I think we could have a great "loaner" series with that car.

Railer Cantrell · Jan 1, 2015

Peter I ran the BMW around the track and think I got a 1:58 on a lap. Didn't have much of a tune think level 8 at the time. Watts just blew me away with his pace. He's a heck of a driver but that car handles a lot better than the BMW my rear was sliding way too much and Watts would stretch his lead every time.
Now that I did as you said I should drive straight out of the box, I'm back to tuning. I'm sure with tuning you can shave 3 secs. off a lap.

Peter Hooper · Jan 1, 2015

Yeah I agree, that was my worry here that the tuning was likely to make a BIG difference. Over 3 seconds a lap difference is just too much to have any chance of being competitive so I'll look to Robert to give me some fun racing as he said he's running untuned here. I gave up on the levelling up after the first season as it was taking too much time away from actually racing so all my races are untuned and some tracks and cars are a big disadvantage as a result. I'll look forward to a completely level untuned series soon

Rob · Jan 1, 2015

Peter Hooper said:
Yeah I agree, that was my worry here that the tuning was likely to make a BIG difference. Over 3 seconds a lap difference is just too much to have any chance of being competitive so I'll look to Robert to give me some fun racing as he said he's running untuned here. I gave up on the levelling up after the first season as it was taking too much time away from actually racing so all my races are untuned and some tracks and cars are a big disadvantage as a result. I'll look forward to a completely level untuned series soon

Well Mr. co-director, with my vote that makes two of us. It's only fair. This series was meant to minimize the tuning advantage and to some extent I think it does, but there is still an advantage. I cannot deny that. For those of you who can't really tune, it's payback time.

Peter, I'm sure if we put our heads together we can come up with a HUGE and entirely customized series that never allows a tune. Ovals are included because people seem to like them, but the real trick will be road and street. THEN we will see who has the real skills.

In Michael's case, I think he puts in loads of practice, so he deserves the accolades and the bump in points. Most improved by far. My wheel hampers me, but ovals and no tuning would help that also.

My idea is that for each race, the track and the car (same) are run by everyone. Sort of like a spec series but more even.

Michael Watts · Jan 1, 2015

I like that GT Ultimate Series in Endurance. I think we can run that un-tuned as a Loaner and it would be very capable and even fun to drive. If you are curious it is the car in the Endurance Challenge this week. Give it a whirl I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Peter Hooper · Jan 1, 2015

Michael Watts said:
I like that GT Ultimate Series in Endurance. I think we can run that un-tuned as a Loaner and it would be very capable and even fun to drive. If you are curious it is the car in the Endurance Challenge this week. Give it a whirl I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Thanks for the heads up Michael, I haven't done any of the challenges in ages so this will be a good chance to get back into them

Michael Watts · Jan 2, 2015

Yeah, that one is worth a try. I own a couple of the Endurance cars, but that Ultimate is probably the only one that everyone could get on with as a loaner with no tuning. It has good grip and downforce, pretty well balanced. Plus they look cool as hell

. I say we each pick a Livery and run it for a Spec Endurance Series running a Day and Night race. It's really too bad they don't have pitting because I could really drive for about 3 hours a stint.

Peter Hooper · Jan 2, 2015

Sounds great Michael and I would definitely be up for that

Had another run out here last night, practice, 2 quali laps and a 7 lap race. Best I could manage was a 1:56.4 and think that is about as much as I can drag out of the untuned car. Maybe another few tenths but can't see where I can find any more time then that tbh.

Tried a quick tune for a couple of laps too as well and was immediately over a second quicker with scope for probably another second on top of that with a bit more tweaking. The tuned car is just that much more stable through the corners and much easier to hit your marks with. Not sure I could match your 1:53 but would certainly feel more able to have a shot at staying closer to you in the race. As it is you'll be off into the distance a lap or two in so I hope Railer or Robert if he's managed to get levelled up can give you some competition here

AI in for this one? Going to be pretty lonely without them....

Michael Watts · Jan 2, 2015

I ran 20 laps there on Wed and best I could manage was a 1:54.074. If you can get just a basic tune and stiffen the car up you would be good in the quick corners.

Railer Cantrell · Jan 3, 2015

Peter
For edification purposes, I was in the BMW at level 20 and was 3 secs. off pace of Watts.
Watts has super turbo or something. Seriously he has practiced his butt off and now can drive the track. He can race anything and if you see the leaderboards...well let's just say I think he will be in top 5 very soon. Awesome job your doing Watts, keep it up.