GT Academy 2011 - General Discussion

[Synwraith]

GT ACADEMY 2011 - GENERAL DISCUSSION​

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Please use this thread for all general discussion related to the GT Academy 2011 time trial and subsequent competition. This can include discussion about driving tips, laptimes, technical discussion, observations, issues etc. However, we do of course expect more specific threads to appear in this forum regarding more particular features of the competition.

We respectfully request that this thread not be used as a channel to express understandable disappointment regarding the exclusion of some countries and regions from GT Academy 2011. That issue has been addressed in as detailed a fashion as it's going to be by the GT Academy team here. We can only echo their message that it is unfortunate that not all regions previously featured could be accommodated on this occasion, and we also share your hopes that in the future all regions will have an opportunity to take part in GT Academy.

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All the best
Maz

 

[Sphinx]

So the warm up begins. 👍

I would just like to echo Maz's comments about posting your dissatisfaction regarding the exclusion of some countries and regions for this event. Please save any such comments for elsewhere. 👍

Good luck everyone. 👍 👍

 

[Tidgney]

Anybody got any idea about which Nissan it is?? Wouldn't mind some early practice around some of the more balanced circuits ^^.

 

[Capp96100]

Anybody got any idea about which Nissan it is?? Wouldn't mind some early practice around some of the more balanced circuits ^^.

Nissan 350z tuned or/and nissan GT-R accademy 2009!

 

[superdan]

Cannot wait.
Does anyone know how I can change my account so it has a British flag instead of an American one? Really don't want to make a new account.

 

[MarkWebber]

I was told from zocker16 (an academy finalist in 2008 and 2010) that previous finalists are ineligible for this year's competition. Zocker received an email from Sony regarding this. Pretty dissapointing in my opinion.

 

[TwinturboCH]

I was told from zocker16 (an academy finalist in 2008 and 2010) that previous finalists are ineligible for this year's competition. Zocker received an email from Sony regarding this. Pretty dissapointing in my opinion.

It's not surprising really when you think about it.
I heard from someone who deals with RJN that it was due to the Nissan team (and the mentors) that ran it saying that none of last years finalists was good enough to go on to race for real, hence none of them are eligible to compete again as they consider it a better proposition to have an entirely new bunch of finalists. Not sure of the reason for excluding the '08 competitors though.

That said, it could just be that they think it makes better t.v to have all new faces.

Either way, I feel bad for all the guys who were hoping to get another crack at it and won't get the chance

 

[Ingram]

I was told from zocker16 (an academy finalist in 2008 and 2010) that previous finalists are ineligible for this year's competition. Zocker received an email from Sony regarding this. Pretty dissapointing in my opinion.

Yeah, I've heard this too, though I haven't personally received any message myself yet. It seems a shame if this is the case, and rather unfair. If the point of the contest is to find a worthy racing driver from the best drivers of the game, it seems counter-productive to remove so many of those who have proven to be the best.

I had a frankly pathetic level of track time in cars/karts (a lifetime sum total of four hours max?) before last year's academy, and I would like to think that the experience I gained would have a huge benefit on how I could have performed this time around. It is no coincidence that two of the best from the 2010 academy, Jordan (winner) and Marco (final four) were very talented Karters, and that Luca competed in the 2008 Academy.

If they want different faces, the fact of the matter is that it was incredibly difficult to reach the international final last year, so there would be a strong chance that many of us from last year's final may not even reach Silverstone anyway. The fairest thing to do would be to at the very least give us all a chance to earn our places again.

 

[Timppaq]

I was told from zocker16 (an academy finalist in 2008 and 2010) that previous finalists are ineligible for this year's competition. Zocker received an email from Sony regarding this. Pretty dissapointing in my opinion.

I understand the dissapointment, but it seems only logical to me. This really will make the opportunity a "once in a lifetime" chance.. Thinking about the big picture and their point of view it's very reasonable thing to do. Luckily Dan, you have made it already ( 👍 ) and had a chance so there's not much lost for you, in my mind.

So, Zocker then will be the only man ever to be there (Silverstone) twice?

 

[PrudentBear]

I hadn't heard about the exclusion of previous finalists but can also appreciate the thinking behind it. I was in two minds whether to enter this year anyway, partly for this reason. If I wasn't good enough last time, it's very unlikely I'd be good enough this time, being a year older and without having furthered my track/karting experience. Knowing this, would I really want to take a place at Silverstone, possibly depriving someone with more potential of a chance? I know if I was younger my feelings would be different and understand others will rightly feel they still have more to give (Alex is a perfect example) and may well have improved since last year. Luca also proved emphatically last year that you can be successful on your second attempt.

Saying this, qualifying for the Silverstone final is a very difficult thing to do and there are absolutely no guarantees that any of the previous finalists would make it again anyway. It's probably possible to confidently predict a few of the national finalists but the finals themselves are incredibly difficult to win. The level of competition is extremely high and the pressure intense - a totally different feeling to racing online. As we saw last year, all sorts of factors can affect the outcome on the day and luck is certainly one of them. This makes going to Silverstone a once in a lifetime thing in my mind.

If Steffen or Giacomo made it a third time they might name corners on the Stowe circuit after them.

Good luck all, the experience is well worth the effort. 👍

 

[MarkWebber]

I understand the dissapointment, but it seems only logical to me. This really will make the opportunity a "once in a lifetime" chance.. Thinking about the big picture and their point of view it's very reasonable thing to do. Luckily Dan, you have made it already ( 👍 ) and had a chance so there's not much lost for you, in my mind.

So, Zocker then will be the only man ever to be there (Silverstone) twice?

I think the rule should be modified so that you can have 2 cracks at it, I think this is a reasonable compromise and gives previous finalists the benifit of the doubt for maybe not reaching their potential last time.

3 people have reached Silverstone twice- Zocker, Luca, and I believe another Italian who made it to the top 8 in 2010, cheers!

 

[Timppaq]

I think the rule should be modified so that you can have 2 cracks at it, I think this is a reasonable compromise and gives previous finalists the benifit of the doubt for maybe not reaching their potential last time.

3 people have reached Silverstone twice- Zocker, Luca, and I believe another Italian who made it to the top 8 in 2010, cheers!

I very much would like it to be unlimited tries 👍

But if I were paying the fun, one time would be all I'd give for anyone..

 

[Small_Fryz]

Good luck to all those who will race again!! 👍

Will be following closely and praying my country gets included too

 

[TwinturboCH]

Yeah, I've heard this too, though I haven't personally received any message myself yet. It seems a shame if this is the case, and rather unfair. If the point of the contest is to find a worthy racing driver from the best drivers of the game, it seems counter-productive to remove so many of those who have proven to be the best.

I had a frankly pathetic level of track time in cars/karts (a lifetime sum total of four hours max?) before last year's academy, and I would like to think that the experience I gained would have a huge benefit on how I could have performed this time around. It is no coincidence that two of the best from the 2010 academy, Jordan (winner) and Marco (final four) were very talented Karters, and that Luca competed in the 2008 Academy.

If they want different faces, the fact of the matter is that it was incredibly difficult to reach the international final last year, so there would be a strong chance that many of us from last year's final may not even reach Silverstone anyway. The fairest thing to do would be to at the very least give us all a chance to earn our places again.

Yes, but what you are forgetting is that the team involved have MANY MANY years of experience bringing out talent in young drivers, I think they are fairly well placed to be able to tell if someone 'has what it takes'. I know it sounds harsh, but you won't have come on so much in a year that you can suddenly become a racing driver. If they don't think anyone was up to the task, that's their decision and, in this case, they are the pro's who know what they are doing. Being a professional racing driver is INCREDBLY demanding and 99.9% of people just don't have what it takes. It's a sad fact of any sport.

 

[zocker_16]

It´s official no 2008 and 2010 Silverstone finalists can compete this year
For me it even looks like there won´t be a chance in future Academys.
Realy bad for young drivers like me or Marco Calvo.
I was 18 at the first episode, have had my driving lizence for 6 months and never drove a Go-Kart before the Academy started. I was very happy to make it into the Top 14. I learned a lot in Silverstone and i think it helped a bit at the 2nd Academy.
But 5 days Silverstone training experience is nothing compared to the 20 years of Go-Karting, track days ever month or non professional Rallyevents other competitors made before.

Lets hope we´ll get our chance at the next Academy or another competition with different sponsor.


PS: Anybody else got an invitation to the national finals to give some mediainterviews and tips to the finalists?

 

[Ingram]

I do agree with you John, it does make sense to allow others a chance, but I guess that I am selfish in wanting another chance for myself (quite justifiably so.) I have put my success in GT competitions down a stubborn refusal to be beaten and a strong self belief. So I hope it makes sense that I still believe that given such a golden opportunity as the GT Academy, I could become a racing driver. I will always maintain that all I lacked last year is experience. I would still love to find my way into motorsport, it just looks like I will need to find another way into it.

Knowing that I can't enter this year only got me down for a matter of hours, frankly. Gran Turismo competitions have given me many great experiences (and goodies) so all I can ever be is hugely grateful

Yes, but what you are forgetting is that the team involved have MANY MANY years of experience bringing out talent in young drivers, I think they are fairly well placed to be able to tell if someone 'has what it takes'. I know it sounds harsh, but you won't have come on so much in a year that you can suddenly become a racing driver. If they don't think anyone was up to the task, that's their decision and, in this case, they are the pro's who know what they are doing. Being a professional racing driver is INCREDBLY demanding and 99.9% of people just don't have what it takes. It's a sad fact of any sport.

My point was that Luca Lorenzini, on his second attempt at the Academy, nearly won the whole thing, so it is entirely plausible for Steffen, Marco (Calvo), myself or indeed anyone else to improve enough in a year to become a contender. But thanks for speaking on behalf of RJN and everyone else involved, particularly when at no point did I question their ability to spot talent...

 

[Dessy182]

What are your thoughts on the merging of regions, meaning that there will be only 6 (bi-)national finals and 12 Silverstone finalists overall?

France and Switzerland are together. Last year that would have meant only 4 Swiss would have been in that top 20 if they were merged.

The same goes for Ireland and UK. No one from Ireland would have made it to the national final. My time would have been 37th on the UK boards and I was 2nd overall in Ireland. Finalist Dan Collins was way way outside any competitive times and yet he managed to make it to the final 4 at Silverstone.

In a way I suppose it's good though - it will make people work much harder to get time(s) that will see them through.

Personally I think the organizers don't expect anyone from Ireland to mix it up with the UK guys and therefore they won't have to pay for a few flights to send any Irish to that national final which would obviously be in England. Thoughts?

 

[Tidgney]

Nissan 350z tuned or/and nissan GT-R accademy 2009!

Cheers very much appreciated!!! .

 

[Dapper]

3 people have reached Silverstone twice- Zocker, Luca, and I believe another Italian who made it to the top 8 in 2010, cheers!

I think there are 2 factors to consider. First, those 3 not making it to the driver seat for the team is a big factor. They don't want to invest in people who aren't going to cut it. Second, more people equals more exposure.

I am indifferent right now, I just want one shot! But maybe 2 shots would be nice, too.

 

[TwinturboCH]

My point was that Luca Lorenzini, on his second attempt at the Academy, nearly won the whole thing, so it is entirely plausible for Steffen, Marco (Calvo), myself or indeed anyone else to improve enough in a year to become a contender. But thanks for speaking on behalf of RJN and everyone else involved, particularly when at no point did I question their ability to spot talent...

Why the attitude? I never said it was right, I said it was easy to see why they've done it. Personally I think it's wrong, but my point was that they know more than me and therefore I'm not going to slate the decision. You might well have the talent, but if they don't think you do, unforunately, theirs is the only opinion that matters.

 

[Timppaq]

Go Jordan!!

..and Maz too

 

[Synwraith]

Go Jordan!!

..and Maz too

Eagle-eyed indeed, damn you for posting it

I have also added a post introducing the Academy Facebook blog "The Racing Line":
https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?p=4930264#post4930264

All the best
Maz

 

[Giagua]

I heard from someone who deals with RJN that it was due to the Nissan team (and the mentors) that ran it saying that none of last years finalists was good enough to go on to race for real

Who did you speak with? Why Jordan and me are not enough good to race?

Regards

Luca Lorenzini

 

[Louie_Schumii]

Who did you speak with? Why Jordan and me are not enough good to race?

Regards

Luca Lorenzini

Nice to see some familiar names logging on the forum

So has it actually been confirmed 100% that the Silverstone Finalists from 2008 and 2010 will not be able to take part in the next Academy?

 

[TwinturboCH]

Who did you speak with? Why Jordan and me are not enough good to race?

Regards

Luca Lorenzini

They never gave me details, and frankly I doubt they knew them themselves, it was only one of the teams' suppliers (a good friend of mine, so I trust him). To get the real reasons, you'd have to ask Rob Barff and the other instructors/mentors, as they were the ones advising the team.

To be honest, from my experience, it's probably more to do with PR and having new faces than anything, so I wouldn't take it personally if I were you.

 

[Giagua]

They never gave me details, and frankly I doubt they knew them themselves, it was only one of the teams' suppliers (a good friend of mine, so I trust him). To get the real reasons, you'd have to ask Rob Barff and the other instructors/mentors, as they were the ones advising the team.

To be honest, from my experience, it's probably more to do with PR and having new faces than anything, so I wouldn't take it personally if I were you.

If you don't want someone to take it personally, don't quote him.

 

[nMd_pRo]

Just a question, I belive you can answer me, if the gt academy says that 18 competitors will be eligible to go to silverstone, ant there are only 8(I belive) regions, how is it going to be done, will some of those regions have priority over others or are they going to chose 2 winners from each region?

 

[TwinturboCH]

If you don't want someone to take it personally, don't quote him.

He asked me a direct question, I'm giving him a direct answer. What I meant was, don't take personal offence at the generalisations made by the guys involved in GTA.

 

[markyboy92]

Been waiting for this for just over 12 months! lol
Suprised that prevoius silverstone entrants aren't aloud to re-enter but then again i understand why (although im sure there immensly dissapointed - i would be).
Starts in 5 days and i still have no wheel! think ill be off the pace to start with as last time i turned a wheel was at brands hatch in feburary i think but really looking forward to it.

 

[Synwraith]

My blurb about Update 1.07 is added to the FB page now and to the News/Announcements thread in this forum 👍
http://www.facebook.com/notes/gt-ac...sential-to-enter-gt-academy/10150200602308504

All the best
Maz