rec.autos.simulators

I managed to win the intermediate mode on my 2nd go, but now I'm struggling
bigtime with the Expert mode. I've got the Lancia Integrale and the Audi
Quattro. The latter is so powerful it seems uncontrollable, so I'm using the
former in Expert mode. But I'm still struggling to keep up with the computer
opponents - only on Greece have I been able to set the pace and win the
event outright (although I had to take each stage virtually flat-out to do
so). On New Zealand and Monte Carlo, I've been way off the pace. I cannot
actually place in the top 6 at Monte, in fact, so I'm stuck here.

Looking at the top times on the internet, I see that people have been doing
2'06" on SS1 of New Zealand with a Mitsubishi Lancer. I can only get down to
a 2'22" with the Subaru Impreza, and a 2'19" with the Lancia. These have
been right on the limit for me, so obviously I'm doing something wrong in my
driving.

Control-wise, I'm using the MS FF Wheel and Pedals, which I feel very
comfortable with. Set-up wise, I always use Rear-Bias Braking to make the
car oversteer into the corners, and More Acceleration. Besides that, and the
tyres, I leave the other settings.

I've tried looking on the web for tips, but no sites seem to provide any.
I'd appreciate *any* advice on how I can improve my driving and keep up with
the computer opposition. :-)

Thanks in advance.

Yours,

Rehan Ali

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NOTE: Remove the DEL from the email address before replying.

I drive the Lancer nowadays. And won the championship at Expert level (well,
I have to race the United Kingdom Rally yet, but I'm out of reach of Colin
:-)
Tip: you should take a closer look at your setup. Don't use rear bias
breaking always. And certainly not always more accel (or whatever it is
called really). I never mess with (or even look at!) suspension, brakes and
steering (always standard, what the game tells me). But I do fool around
with the tires (look at the weather!) and the speed setup! Go to
http://www.3dracing.com/cmr You'll find a setup guide there (and some more
links). But you'll have to find your own better settings! My settings are
quit different anyway (as I said, always standard, except for tyres and
speed). And the speed settings have to be chosen for 2 stages at once in
rally's, which is hard sometimes... Also every rally needs another approach.
Corsica I drive flat out on slicks, but Sweden I drive carefully on spikes:
driving slower than I'd like too, but not getting stuck in the snow, makes
we win it everytime.

Hope this helps a little!

Jeroen van Engelenhoven