Guys, do not get too hung up on lap times. A lap set in practice or qualy means nothing when the race starts. It's consistency that wins races, not speed. Stick to your limits rather than trying to go as fast as the aliens, otherwise you risk ending your race buried in a wall.
Well said,
Most simracers appreciate good track behaviour over lap times. Consistent simracers will pace at an 2:00,xxx average here. Going from 1;59's to 2:01's during the race. Quick BMW drivers may hit a high 1:57 on a perfect lap during qualify. My fastest time ever with a 407 is a 1:58,7. My last qualify time two days ago on this track was a 1:59,3 with 20l and some minor mistakes.
Most starting racers will go for the fastest car available top speed wise and fail to see the importance of stability. (Wing is your friend) Top speed in the race series comes at a prize when looking at the physics of the cars, the rear end appears to be less stable due to the position of the centre of gravity. (this is actually a feature that the aliens appreciate but it takes some time the master the skill of catching your rear when driving on the edge).
Top speed wise the BMW 320si E90 Seq and Volvo S60 are the fastest cars on track. The Peugeot 407 is on of the most stable but it's performance specifications are less favourable compared to the other models and this results in a lower than average top speed. I drive it anyway because I like it's stability = consistency over a race stint and some other goodies it brings. Between aliens in Honda's BMW's and Cruze's it's not a winning car but it will bring you home with a good result.
Getting experience driving fast among others is the key to win races and to prevent disaster. Overtaking by out-braking into your opponents racing line wile entering a corner when you are half a car length behind, ends up in tears 90% of the attempts. Using your opponent as a wall in the process is simply not done. This kind of action happened to me about three times last race and costed me quite some positions as I was punted of track every time in the process. (When I feel a out braking manoeuvre is imminent behind I will always brake on my mark and try to pull a "fly-bye" hoping he will overshoot but for some kamikaze out there that simply won't work. They will deliver their deadly payload like a heat seeking missile counting on your hospitality while being a moving wall...)
Brake on fixed marks you feel comfortable with and try to corner smoothly, slow in and fast out. Your are more likely to gain a position fast out of a corner overtaking via your opponents slipstream on a straight, claiming your position when getting along side, braking into the next corner. Success rate 90%. and with mutual respect for each-others position on track it can be done without contact and people flying of track. If you don't think you can make it don't try it...
Give each other some room and only change your line once to defend the next corner. Know when you've lost a battle. Settle down behind and find "his" weak spot next lap or try to trick him into a mistake instead of dive bombing your opponent at the next available opportunity.., game on!
Happy racing from an average racer in a underdog car.
