Should I even bother with Sport Mode at this rate?

[VFOURMAX1]

The idea is to set a fast lap and try different lines because you know there is still time there. Looking at a top player may help but most likely they are way beyond.

There is a reason that they are way beyond or faster and many times it is because they are more knowledgeable, experienced efficient racers.

Watching replays does not mean you need to watch a guy turning top 10 leader board times but generally watching someone that normally is running near the front will generally suggest that this driver has a good racing foundation to build or learn from.

Nobody would expect that someone just starting to learn will duplicate the fast guys times but the goal is to show improvement and get better.

You could watch the guy running 10th but as far as trusting that what I was trying to duplicate would be correct and the best option as I advance my own skills I would still rather watch the guy that consistently runs near the pointed end of the spear.

Again they are not consistently running those top positions because they are doing it incorrectly.

Getting better and learning where you may be making mistakes from a source that could be considered experienced, knowledgeable and fast to begin with will usually trump a hit and miss from trying to improve from your own hit and miss laps when you really have no clue as to what or where you are messing up and need to improve.

 

[MikeTheHockeyFan]

It feels like I rarely gain any positions above my qualifying position, and I've only won a single race. I've never been on pole, and idk how I'm meant to manage stuff like whether I'm dive-bombing or not when it feels like every race is always so chaotic and I can only give so many things my already-divided attention. At this rate, it'll probably be years before I make much progress towards the trophies for wins/poles, let alone have any skills worth an iota in FIA points. Why should I even bother? My DR is decreasing, and soon I won't even be a B-rank anymore. Even if I came in P1 in the FIA races, I wouldn't even get 1k points. And that's if I didn't get disconnected when I tried to qualify for the Makers' race tonight.

EDIT: Here's my profile, FWIW.

This is racing.

One winner out of a field of 16 or 20 or 40 cars.

To win is something special, not something you grind over and over. Perhaps this is the result of the change in game design for Sport.

In the old days, GT used to be the classic offline racing game power fantasy that you could win every race and gold every achieve,ent.

If you want a game like that I’d suggest a non esport focused title or arcade racing game.

 

[kilesa4568]

Problem is, the game isn't at any point designed like an actual racing experience.
In racing you can't win them all, but the game literally tasks you with winning everything. Every event/stage in the game has a bronze/silver or gold check-mark next to it.

It has cars and tracks that you have to use in races to earn those tough achievements. Definitely designed as a racing experience first.

The sad fact is the better players earn them reasonably quickly while we win them eventually. I reckon it'll take me two years or more. I'm in no rush.

 

[baldgye]

It has cars and tracks that you have to use in races to earn those tough achievements. Definitely designed as a racing experience first.

The sad fact is the better players earn them reasonably quickly while we win them eventually. I reckon it'll take me two years or more. I'm in no rush.

That’s not the issue, the issue is that ‘winning’ in GT Sport is literal.

You can have a fantastic race, not win, but still be the ‘best’ driver on the day. Also the single player stuff ignores driving standards and qualifying. Which, are honestly the most important aspects of Sport mode.

 

[MIE1992]

Thanks for the kind, encouraging, and educational words, everyone. I'll look into the various resources that've been posted, and try to keep a bit of a cooler head - just do my best, overall.

 

[WheelmanSteve]

Here's what counts as a "win":
1. Gain a position (or 2 or more...)
2. No penalties. (Clean race? Even better!)
3. "Blue" SR.
What I find frustrating is the degree to which 2 and 3 are out of my hands...

 

[DJCarlos]

Did OK today in the MR2 daily - qualified fourth and finished fourth, and it was a fun old race.

What's the site I've seen a few people link to , where you can track your stats? Not the GT profile, it's something else...?

 

[Haitauer]

As said here before, Sport mode is not about winning. Its actually a career mode. Finishing above your grid and most importantly above your racing number, which tells your DR ranking among others in that very race, is the goal. That way gaining points and advancing in dr.

Remember you might have very different scenarios. If you have a hot qualifying lap you might be #5 at grid but race number #14. There you are fine even if loose few spots. Then you might qualify/ match to grid #15 and see #3 on your door - and your f.. ed..

But this way you can enjoy finishing 6th if you pass cars #2 and #3 in progress.. 👍 Or finishing #13 if you have #18 on your door.

 

[kilesa4568]

That’s not the issue, the issue is that ‘winning’ in GT Sport is literal.

You can have a fantastic race, not win, but still be the ‘best’ driver on the day. Also the single player stuff ignores driving standards and qualifying. Which, are honestly the most important aspects of Sport mode.[/QUOTE]

It's a racing game. The idea is to try and win knowing there's always someone quicker (and slower) than you. You're never guaranteed those wins/poles so what's the point of getting hung up on them?.

I can't say anything about dirty drivers. I just try and endure them but I'd say they were a minority. Plenty of people making mistakes and people's instant red mist kicking things off.

I can't imagine how single player would address qualifying though. Against AI? You may as well put the player on pole and scrap the qualifying as you'd have to be pretty bad to go slower.

 

[baldgye]

@kilesa4568 the problem with the ‘best driver wins’ mentality is that promotes dirty driving and dive bombing, especially as Sport mode races tend to be sprint races

 

[Satomiblood]

Here's what counts as a "win":
1. Gain a position (or 2 or more...)
2. No penalties. (Clean race? Even better!)
3. "Blue" SR.
What I find frustrating is the degree to which 2 and 3 are out of my hands...

Yeah, I go into each Sport Mode race and think to myself, "Okay, let's see if I'm able to climb up a few spots and let's see if I can do that without getting a single penalty."

 

[kilesa4568]

@kilesa4568 the problem with the ‘best driver wins’ mentality is that promotes dirty driving and dive bombing, especially as Sport mode races tend to be sprint races

I don't think every dive or punt is related to the achievements.

What can I say, online is tough but you can still find some good racing. I did 700 miles (may have been more...) in Gr1 and 3 on Le Mans weekend and loved every minute, even the crashes. It's racing. Who know's what will happen?

 

[Sander 001]

My main issue with the racing itself is far too artificially static. Meaning there’s very little in the way of unpredictability and any X factor.

There’s some tire wear and that’s pretty much it. Beyond the novice levels the drivers are experienced and nobody’s going to be suddenly lapping 3 seconds faster and turn a race on its head.

There should be far more variables and changing conditions especially concerning temperatures. Brakes, tires, track, engine, weather temperatures can have a huge effect on the outcome of a race.

 

[baldgye]

I don't think every dive or punt is related to the achievements.

What can I say, online is tough but you can still find some good racing. I did 700 miles (may have been more...) in Gr1 and 3 on Le Mans weekend and loved every minute, even the crashes. It's racing. Who know's what will happen?

I don’t disagree you can find great racing online. The problem is that a lot of people see victory as the only way to win, and it can produce silly results

 

[Macboyilija]

That is the main reason why T1 is almost always chaos. The fun is gone, the win is the goal. Some minor tweaks can easily change this again and make it worthwile for everyone. Not allowing to take over the first 2 corners for example.

 

[Quakebass]

I haven't won a race in maybe 5 months, but I still have an absolute blast having close races and battles against other players, whether it's a fight for 3rd or 15th. I think the point of Sport Mode has been to facilitate this kind of close racing, and while lately PD have made a few mistakes in their recent changes, it's largely been doing the job.

 

[TheGeologist]

Some minor tweaks can easily change this again and make it worthwile for everyone. Not allowing to take over the first 2 corners for example.

Are you kidding me?

 

[kilesa4568]

If people started to give the benefit of a doubt on any contact it would go a long way to improving things. It starts with tit for tat and usually ends up with a crash. People need to factor in the possibility of a mistake or inexperience before reacting with the "I owe you one" mentality. You see that so many times. It's madness.

When the casuals start moving on it should settle a bit. Hopefully...

 

[Macboyilija]

Are you kidding me?

Dead serious. Most chaos is at first corner. So if you prohibit taking over first corner a lot of chaos will be gone. Then focus will be on second corner. Still some chaos, but not as much since 2nd corner is mostly further away and the cars will be widespread already. Faster guys are gone and the field is more spreadout. I dont see why this cannot be done. I think it will solve 90% of the most common frustrations.

Dont forget: the frustration by trying to pass some people along the way is sometimes caused by the fact that they have past you in the first corners while they are slower than you but they think they can win the race in the first corners. The fact that you out-qualified them and thus probably are a bit faster is not on their mind. So these kind of people dont let themselves get passed easily causing some frustration on both sides. So while you think this is a race-incident a lot of times it is not. It is the result of showing no respect in the first corners and the field not being spread as it should be after the first lap.

Again: my idea will solve these “incidents” and the system will just function better.

 

[Oswald07]

Pick the race and track that you know your good at. See what car the top tens are driving. Work on you time trials for about 30mins 10 laps. Then watch a hot lap from the top tens. Then do a couple more hot laps before entering a race. Accept that your gonna get dive bombed first corner, just stay cool. No dirty stuff. Just keep it clean and consistent. Try for top 5 but don't drive beyond your ability. You will get faster.

 

[Ofuscor]

Dead serious. Most chaos is at first corner. So if you prohibit taking over first corner a lot of chaos will be gone. Then focus will be on second corner. Still some chaos, but not as much since 2nd corner is mostly further away and the cars will be widespread already. Faster guys are gone and the field is more spreadout. I dont see why this cannot be done. I think it will solve 90% of the most common frustrations.

Dont forget: the frustration by trying to pass some people along the way is sometimes caused by the fact that they have past you in the first corners while they are slower than you but they think they can win the race in the first corners. The fact that you out-qualified them and thus probably are a bit faster is not on their mind. So these kind of people dont let themselves get passed easily causing some frustration on both sides. So while you think this is a race-incident a lot of times it is not. It is the result of showing no respect in the first corners and the field not being spread as it should be after the first lap.

Again: my idea will solve these “incidents” and the system will just function better.

Sorry, but it is crazy talk. What you propouse is no longer racing. Yesterday I had pole for over 2 seconds first corner someone makes slight contact twice on turn one destabilizing my car. No penalties handed, yet my exit speed got ruined he overtook me. On turn 2 I returned the favor. Turn 3 he didn't have the pace to keep up.

A part of racing is keeping it cool under pressure. It is a psychological side that often gets neglected. It is not about who is fastest. When evenly matched it is about who can put up with the pressure better and focus.

 

[Veinz]

That is the main reason why T1 is almost always chaos. The fun is gone, the win is the goal. Some minor tweaks can easily change this again and make it worthwile for everyone. Not allowing to take over the first 2 corners for example.

That is not racing, if they made changes like that I would stop playing this game.

 

[Veinz]

If people started to give the benefit of a doubt on any contact it would go a long way to improving things. It starts with tit for tat and usually ends up with a crash. People need to factor in the possibility of a mistake or inexperience before reacting with the "I owe you one" mentality. You see that so many times. It's madness.

When the casuals start moving on it should settle a bit. Hopefully...

Showing even just a little bit a courtesy goes a long way with 99% of other players.

 

[Jamie Bbbbb]

Dead serious. Most chaos is at first corner. So if you prohibit taking over first corner a lot of chaos will be gone. Then focus will be on second corner. Still some chaos, but not as much since 2nd corner is mostly further away and the cars will be widespread already. Faster guys are gone and the field is more spreadout. I dont see why this cannot be done. I think it will solve 90% of the most common frustrations.

Dont forget: the frustration by trying to pass some people along the way is sometimes caused by the fact that they have past you in the first corners while they are slower than you but they think they can win the race in the first corners. The fact that you out-qualified them and thus probably are a bit faster is not on their mind. So these kind of people dont let themselves get passed easily causing some frustration on both sides. So while you think this is a race-incident a lot of times it is not. It is the result of showing no respect in the first corners and the field not being spread as it should be after the first lap.

Again: my idea will solve these “incidents” and the system will just function better.

Your idea would ruin the game.

 

[DriftMethod]

Dead serious. Most chaos is at first corner. So if you prohibit taking over first corner a lot of chaos will be gone. Then focus will be on second corner. Still some chaos, but not as much since 2nd corner is mostly further away and the cars will be widespread already. Faster guys are gone and the field is more spreadout. I dont see why this cannot be done. I think it will solve 90% of the most common frustrations.

Dont forget: the frustration by trying to pass some people along the way is sometimes caused by the fact that they have past you in the first corners while they are slower than you but they think they can win the race in the first corners. The fact that you out-qualified them and thus probably are a bit faster is not on their mind. So these kind of people dont let themselves get passed easily causing some frustration on both sides. So while you think this is a race-incident a lot of times it is not. It is the result of showing no respect in the first corners and the field not being spread as it should be after the first lap.

Again: my idea will solve these “incidents” and the system will just function better.

How would they even prohibit overtaking in the first two corners? I haven't seen much love about the "yellow flag no passing" that's in the game now. It really would create more problems than it's worth. Leader could treat it like an F1 safety car restart and drive super slow to try to catch people off guard before rocketing away out of the slower turn. What would happen if someone goes off track or spins in first couple of corners? Can people slam on the brakes to create penalties for drivers behind? I'm sure there are other issues that I'm not even thinking of.

A far simpler solution is to increase the gaps between cars at the start of a race. Not saying I am advocating for this to be done, but probably a better idea than adding a no pass zone to start a race.

 

[Veinz]

Might as well just ghost all the cars for the entire race if you really want no contact, because it wouldn’t work only doing it in turn 1 and 2. It would just lead to further chaos as the cars un-ghost themselves while still being close together.


Or imagine the game yellow flagging the race until turn 2 and handing out penalties for all illegal passes and contacts. Turn 3 would be just as chaotic, if not worse than what T1 would be. It would be pure madness, especially on a track like Nurb GP.

 

[Macboyilija]

I understand all the criticism and agree fully with all you. Fact is that we have had major problems with the chaos in most T1 because of lack of race etiquette. PD should have had video’s about the first corners and also training can easily be done in some missions with practicing start and 1st corners. It is PD who is the problem here by wanting good race etiquette but total lack of any training. I did not say I like my idea. But thought of it as a simple solution. It is not difficult to accomplish this.

But if people do not like it of course we should not advocate this. I agree that its better to cure the cause.

 

[DriftMethod]

I understand all the criticism and agree fully with all you. Fact is that we have had major problems with the chaos in most T1 because of lack of race etiquette. PD should have had video’s about the first corners and also training can easily be done in some missions with practicing start and 1st corners. It is PD who is the problem here by wanting good race etiquette but total lack of any training. I did not say I like my idea. But thought of it as a simple solution. It is not difficult to accomplish this.

But if people do not like it of course we should not advocate this. I agree that its better to cure the cause.

That's a big issue for online racing with no consequences. Although the start of F1 races generally have incidents and often end up with drivers out of the race within 15 seconds or so. Like it or not, crashes at the start are a part of racing.

Another option is turning up the damage and making it permanent for that race (or having to pit and losing time while your car is being repaired) as well as the amount of damage being directly connected to SR points loss. Yes, it would suck to have your race completely ruined by someone else, but it would force people to drive clean or end up with severely lowered DR/SR and ultimately moved to a lower room in the next race. I'm sure a lot of people will hate this idea too, but at least it's closer to reality.

 

[Satomiblood]

Perhaps the other thing that's bored me about the Dailies, specifically A, is the fact that there's no freedom for customization. We can't use our own liveries. We can't even use tunes that make the cars drivable. I'm okay with putting power and weight limits on cars (or locking them to their stock values), but we should be able to adjust everything else to our liking while still keeping things honest. There are some really nice tuning setups that I'd like to use in Sport Mode that would enhance my overall playing experience. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in that sentiment.

 

[Sven Jurgens]

Starting at the back, the chaos already starts at T -1. Plenty penalty signs are already flashing before cars even pass the starting line. Perhaps having rolling starts under yellow flag, that is no passing, is not a bad idea. However in standing starts some people stall and I have seen trolls start in reverse (luckily those get ghosted) so definitely not there. However every 5 races or less there's at least one person not paying attention and running off the track at rolling start, or isn't even there as there car rolls into the wall.

So, no, no passing at the start would be a bad idea. Instead triple penalties for the first 2 corners and no time scrubbing in the first lap. Just as in a construction zones fines are doubled, penalties should be doubled or tripled for shenanigans in T1. x3 in T-1, x2 in T1, no penalty serving in lap 1. That might improve the first lap chaos a bit.

Also no scrubbing penalties in the last lap and x2 penalties for the final corner.