: 1.) Is the difference in my lap times between sessions solely to do
: with the greater fuel load caried in the race,or is there something
: to be gained by using separate qualifying/race set-ups.If so,what,
: as I feel I might be missing something.
Your lap times during practice should match your race times (with
similar fuel loads). More fuel does seem to slow the car down and
affects handling to a degree. You've got to remember that with a
heavier fuel load you are putting more stress on your tires. By the
time your fuel load comes down to qualifying or practice levels, your
tires are worn.
Also GP2 seems to "simulate" engine modifications for qualifying. If
you notice, you will reach a much higher top speed on the straights than
is possible in any other session.
: 2.) Does the team that you drive for affect the performance of the car
: when using 1994 levels.I currently drive for Sauber.(I know this
: sounds like a feeble excuse for poor performance,but I am desperate)
:
Different cars do not appear to make a difference in performance.
However, it seems that the jury is still out about reliability. I tend
towards driving for one of the more pitiful teams. This leaves all of
the strong performers out on the track for competition.
: 3.) I currently have steering help on. Does this hamper performance in
: any way?(I hope not as I find it very difficult without it)
It depends on what you are using for your "controller". If it's via
keyboard forget about turning off steering help. However, if it's via
steering wheel, yes it can hamper your performance. With steering help
on, you are forced to take the "ideal" line even if it doesn't match
your driving style. If you miss the approach to a high speed corner and
try to compensate by altering the line, steering help won't let you.
: Any comments or helpful suggestions will be much appreciated as I cannot
: bear to see the leading cars disappear into the distance time and time again
Practice Practice Practice. Don't take too many big steps at a time.
Before you start playing with your setup, make sure that you are doing
consistant lap times. Make a small adjustment and go back out to the
track. Again, don't be tempted to make changes until you are once again
making consitant times. A small change in your car's setup can
drastically alter the way the course most be attacked. Trust me, it
will soon come to you. If you are a pure rookie the learning curves are
real steep. But, it's worth it once you reach your first plateau.
Performance driving tip of the day: Drive ahead! Before you reach your
braking point, visualize braking at that point. Before you even begin
your turn visualize where you want the car to be after you finish the
turn. If you can do this consitantly through a whole lap, you will see
a hefty increase in your overall performance. This is the toughest thing
for me to do. I kick myself everytime I stop doing it. Because sure
enough, my times start to drop and I start making mistakes.
One more free tip: Work on consitancy and smoothness. Get this down
and the speed will come naturally.
--
**************************** Michael E. Carver *************************
Upside out, or inside down...False alarm the only game in town.
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