The AI is strange. I've noticed that once they get ahead of you, either pass you or just stay ahead after the first corner, it's difficult to reel them in unless you have a large HP advantage.
In clear air the AI can be really fast. If they're behind you they're a lot more cautious until straights. At which point, you can just block 'till the next corner.
In the lvl15 tuned event (in Pro series I think) I'm having a lot of difficulty winning with the 458. I get passed in the straights. But I'm able to catch up in some corners.
Are you guys tuning the cars? or leaving them stock?
I wish qualy was back so I don't always have to work my way out of mid-field