Help needed improving lap times.

[Germinator]

Hi

AC is my first sim racing game that I've actually grown fond of, because of the DX11 graphics and realism. I've not put much time into racing sims before so this is all new territory. I've read advice from various forums, videos, websites etc on how to race online but putting it into practise doesn't give me the lap times compared to others, which leaves me slightly frustrated as I want to be atleast a tiny bit competitive when multiplayer arrives.

For the past few days I have been racing with the MP4-12C-GT3 on Monza 1966, so I can get accustomed to a single track and car whilst learning the nuances on how to race "correctly". I find the MP4-GT3 very easy to drive hence why it's my favourite car of choice.

Can someone please explain where I am losing time and what I should be doing to improve from the video below?

I know that it is probably braking where I am losing my time and I should start by approaching the corner slowly and finding what point I can get on the gas and how much I can give when I see the corner exit apex.

I'm just finding it difficult knowing:
1. Where I need to brake.
2. How much pressure I need to apply to the brake to slow down as quickly as possible. Whilst carrying the "correct" speed into the corner and letting inertia/momentum carry the car around without loosing grip or skidding too much-melting the tyres.
3. Getting on the gas at the point that gives the best exit

It's all very technical and challenging. If I can get anywhere near 1:26-1:27 I'l be very happy. The fastest lap time set on Rivali is 1:24(x)

- Skip to 1:50 time Index for start of hot lap.
- I have all assists off except Auto shift (I do NOT use my paddles whilst driving atm) and throttle and blip. Stability is at 0%
- Controller, T500RS with Mr Basher's brake mod.

Thanks

 

[JerseyDriverSS]

Hi

AC is my first sim racing game that I've actually grown fond of, because of the DX11 graphics and realism. I've not put much time into racing sims before so this is all new territory. I've read advice from various forums, videos, websites etc on how to race online but putting it into practise doesn't give me the lap times compared to others, which leaves me slightly frustrated as I want to be atleast a tiny bit competitive when multiplayer arrives.

For the past few days I have been racing with the MP4-12C-GT3 on Monza 1966, so I can get accustomed to a single track and car whilst learning the nuances on how to race "correctly". I find the MP4-GT3 very easy to drive hence why it's my favourite car of choice.

Can someone please explain where I am losing time and what I should be doing to improve from the video below?

I know that it is probably braking where I am losing my time and I should start by approaching the corner slowly and finding what point I can get on the gas and how much I can give when I see the corner exit apex.

I'm just finding it difficult knowing:
1. Where I need to brake.
2. How much pressure I need to apply to the brake to slow down as quickly as possible. Whilst carrying the "correct" speed into the corner and letting inertia/momentum carry the car around without loosing grip or skidding too much-melting the tyres.
3. Getting on the gas at the point that gives the best exit

It's all very technical and challenging. If I can get anywhere near 1:26-1:27 I'l be very happy. The fastest lap time set on Rivali is 1:24(x)

- Skip to 1:50 time Index for start of hot lap.
- I have all assists off except Auto shift (I do NOT use my paddles whilst driving atm) and throttle and blip. Stability is at 0%
- Controller, T500RS with Mr Basher's brake mod.

Thanks

Theres really only one simple answer and its practice. Lots and lots of it. Everyone has a different driving style so i could tell you one thing, someone else could do things completely different that works for them.

One piece of advice that i think everyone should agree is be as smooth as you can with your throttle inputs. Dont use the gas like an on off switch.

And after watching that video ditch the automatic is killing you on corner exits.

 

[MindsMirror]

If I were you I would try to learn the modern Monza track first. It might be better because there are rumble strips, distance markers, and not as wide roads, so it is more clear where you should be, and easier to judge break and turn in points and apexes. There aren't any slow sections on the '66 track, so it might be better to learn the modern version so you can get used to the chicanes as well.

Try turning on driving line, even if it's just for a few laps to learn the lines for the track and then turn it back off. I agree also with turning off automatic. If you select gears manually, you can learn how fast each corner is by remembering what gear you should be in and judge your speed by RPM. When you use automatic you probably won't be paying as much attention to those things so it might be more difficult to judge speed. It doesn't take too long to get used to paddle shifting.

You may also want to use ABS. I didn't see you having any problem with locking up in your video, but maybe that means you could have been braking harder. You don't even have to rely on it, just use it to prevent locking up if you make a mistake. I use it but always try to get the right brake pressure anyway so I'm not just stomping on the pedal and letting the ABS work it out.

 

[GTsimms]

I can tell you that with tracks, it is a really good idea to pay attention to the rumble strips like at Mugello. Ex: 1st turn left side rumble strip starts hit the brakes and when the right side starts for the inside of the corner lift off brakes. If you are hitting the rumble strips you are normally taking a good line. Just gotta watch they can help, but if too much it can be bad for lap times and like the above practice. Which, I am learning some new things with Assetto Corsa.

 

[Germinator]

Thanks for the tips, re: using paddles instead of automatic, I'm getting the same lap times and taking the 2nd, 3rd and last corner in 4th gear. I'm at my wits end trying to get into even latte 1:29.

 

[Bigbazz]

I noticed from watching your video a few small things.

1. Automatic gears : Unless you can learn to use manual you're going to struggle, in some cars more than others. I noticed that your revs were dipping pretty low before the gear changed meaning you had less turn in on corner entry and much less power to get out of it, not only that but you're not benefitting from any engine braking at all as a result. Learning to use manual gears will make you faster.

2. You're not using the whole track, we aim to make the track as straight as possible by taking as wide a line as possible in order to increase cornering speed, or we choose a racing line to increase the corner exit speed (so that the speed down the straight will make up for the time lost in the corner).

3. Slightly jerky movements at times, you want to be at the point where everything is always flowing, never be at the point where your tires are sliding from understeer and then suddenly regaining grip with harsh movements. I saw you have a few jerky moments where the tires are suddenly regaining after you lost momentum. Being smooth with your movements will help you with this.


Still though, you're on to a good start so keep at it. Take a look at these 2 videos


This is a gold time achievement lap around old Monza, it's in the old Lotus but you can still get an idea of what I mean by using the most of the track to maximise your speed via a good racing line, though the start is a little messy it's still fast.



And this is a video I'd recommend everyone to watch, it helped me a lot and this is the perfect point for you to learn some fundimentals!

 

[Germinator]

Thanks Bigbazz you've given me food for thought.

re: engine breaking.

What is the correct way to do this? Is it just the case of:
- applying 50% brake and then downshifting before making the turn?

I'm guessing there is probably more to do.

 

[HKS racer]

👍 Bigbazz, interesting.

 

[Germinator]

Just to keep the thread up to date, I can now "see" where I am going wrong.

One thing I've noticed is that the pro drivers will drive at an inch of their life and whilst I "think" I am driving correct, you all make it all too easy and incredibly smooth.

Someone from the AC forums made this video for me. Trying to break from bad habits is going to be a challenge.