Does time of day affect track conditions?

[Gordy749]

just wondering if I can make a track harder by changing conditions. Ie if it’s cloudy is the track less grippy?

 

[AlexDB9]

In general I haven't noticed such thing, but in particular the misty Nordschleife seems to have a bit of a more slippery road surface, or it just might be my mind playing tricks.

 

[Nando deBem]

I don’t think it actually matters. I’m faster at some settings, but I know it’s related to lighting and shades in the right spots. More visual marks for me to think about braking and accelerating. Not necessarily the fine weather at noon.

 

[Brzlav]

I am quite sure there are minor grip differences depending on TOD. After all, GTS also simulates the effect of tire temperatures, even though it doesn't show those to us.
I have also noticed that Top 10 times in daily races are different in different TOD with same car/track combinations (even though the effect isn't as big as for exampe in iRacing).

 

[Nando deBem]

Maybe they added it. I used to play a lot, I used to get some top 10, and they didn’t vary at all. But it’s been a while...

 

[vvise]

I believe so, yes.

 

[Gordy749]

That makes sense. I’ve been practicing for the manufacturers’ challenge race yesterday but in the entry practice I found I was struggling for grip and it wasn’t the middle of the day.

 

[LeGeNd-1]

Even though it doesn't show it in the game, I believe TOD affects track temperature and grip (and to a lesser extent air resistance). Back in GT6 at SSRX I experimented with different TOD with top speed testing. The difference between coolest and hottest temp is around 2-3 km/h (hot air = less dense = higher top speed).