What I've noticed is that there are some newcomers who are really excelling, in my opinion. Take Jose, for instance; he was trailing by about 5 to 6 seconds per lap initially, but he has shown consistent improvement with each session. Well done, guys!
I've also noticed that, in general, the Mazda appears to be the best car for pushing its limits. This implies that there's a tendency to overdrive it, applying too much input while driving. In other words, it's relatively easy to catch up to the front runners, but finding those last few tenths of a second is the real challenge.
Achieving high speeds and clocking quick lap times involves various factors, including setup, talent, concentration, driving gear, spatial awareness, and more. However, in my opinion, the most crucial element is track time. Due to time constraints, I don't have the luxury of extensive practice, but fortunately, I'm a quick learner when I like the track.
However, what I'm trying to say: Avoid pushing the car to its limits too early and try not to battling the car through corners. Instead, brake slightly earlier, focus on hitting the apex, and particularly smooth exits from corners, as these will give you the advantage on the upcoming straights and help shave off those precious tenths.
When it comes to the car's setup, it's important to have a good understanding. I recommend that when you have the time, experiment with adjustments on a track you know well. Make a change to your car's settings and feel how it affects its handling and cornering.
If you need assistance with this, feel free to let me know, and I'll do my best to help. I won't provide my specific setup, but I'll assist you in setting up your car to suit your preferences and needs.
greeetzz Andre