GPL: I got 1:43.06 in a Monza race

Well, not too much to you professionals, but it made me happy: I qualified 14th (of 20), my start wasn't very good, it is difficult with automatic gear shift (the only aid I use). Anyhow, perhaps 5, 6 or 7 cars were behind me in the 'Curva Grande'. I could overtake a couple of them in the first lap. And perhaps 3 more in the next lap. In the lap 3 (out of 5, novice mode) I made a small mistake after the first 'Lesmo' - I was too eager for the next overtake - and I went onto the grass. A couple of cars, perhaps 3, passed me, but I could recover quite fast, and even overtake again 2 cars quite soon. But in the last lap, in my last 'Curva Parabolica', I was again too eager, I thought I could pass yet another car... To the gravel went my way... I still fought my lousy way to the checkered flag. I was the last... But the experience was unbelievable! And I got my best time in Monza (the only I have practice) in a race, in the 'real' situation: 1:43.06. More than 2 seconds better than in the qualify. And I use just the default settings of the car. Somehow GPL seems to be the first real _simulator_ of racing _cars_! Arto

my best for the default setting is 1:32.somehting

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>Well, not too much to you professionals, but it made me happy: >I qualified 14th (of 20), my start wasn't very good, it is >difficult with automatic gear shift (the only aid I use). Anyhow, >perhaps 5, 6 or 7 cars were behind me in the 'Curva Grande'. >I could overtake a couple of them in the first lap. And perhaps 3 >more in the next lap. In the lap 3 (out of 5, novice mode) I made >a small mistake after the first 'Lesmo' - I was too eager for the >next overtake - and I went onto the grass. A couple of cars, >perhaps 3, passed me, but I could recover quite fast, and even >overtake again 2 cars quite soon. But in the last lap, in my last >'Curva Parabolica', I was again too eager, I thought I could pass >yet another car... To the gravel went my way... I still fought my >lousy way to the checkered flag. I was the last... >But the experience was unbelievable! And I got my best time in >Monza (the only I have practice) in a race, in the 'real' situation: >1:43.06. More than 2 seconds better than in the qualify. And I use >just the default settings of the car. >Somehow GPL seems to be the first real _simulator_ of racing _cars_! >Arto

Thanks Arto, I got a real kick out of your message - GPL isn't only about the hotshoes, it's a lot of fun even fighting for 20th place. As far as real racing was concerned I used to look forward to an utterly boring unchallenged drive to first place. In GPL I hate that, and I'd far rather have a total dogfight with someone for last than cruise round unchallenged in first. Cheers! John

> Thanks Arto, I got a real kick out of your message - GPL isn't only > about the hotshoes, it's a lot of fun even fighting for 20th place. As > far as real racing was concerned I used to look forward to an utterly > boring unchallenged drive to first place. In GPL I hate that, and I'd > far rather have a total dogfight with someone for last than cruise > round unchallenged in first. That's excactly, how I see it, too. I reduced the AI to beginners level, I qualified first all the time, and I was bored very quick. So get that AI up again and try to keep up with the backmarkers. Just the scary moments being lapped by Clark is worth the money... I need/ed to be first in POD or NFSIII, but in N2/GPL I can live with 8th... l8er ronny -- Toys'R'Us '99: "So, would you like a hand gun with that action figure, kiddo?" |\ _,,,---,,_ I want to die like my Grandfather, ZZZzz /,`.-'`' -. ;-;;,_ in his sleep. |,4- ) )-,_. ,\ ( `'-' Not like the people in his car, '---''(_/--' `-'\_) screaming their heads off!

Just info for us that are not so horrible good - it seems to be possible to get better: Today I managed to drive a training lap in Monza in time 1:32.27, and I am quite proud of that... Lotus. A bit lowered, gasoline for 8 laps. No help options. Nowadays I enjoy changing the gears by myself. Using cleverly the throttle, brake and gears seems to be the secret. I've got lots to learn yet.. I hope Monza learning will help other tracks, too. I have tried Zanvoort, Silverstone, W Glen a bit, but there seems to be a long way to go... (Not to speak of Monaco, Spa and, well, ... Nurnburgring..., there is no hurry with any additional track pack... ;-) Arto

Arto, Well done on your lap times. Keep persevering. I was where you are a few weeks ago. With plenty of practice, and help from this NG, I am now running Monza at 1.32 with all the 'help' features off and on the full blown GP vehicles. Good luck. PJ

Thanks for the encouragement. I decided a while ago to practice, practice, practice on one track until I could beat the ai. I chose Kyalami. That must have been at least a month ago. I have turned a couple of 1:25:xx laps, but I am havingi a really hard time going faster. I downloaded a setup and replay from Wolfgang somebody's 1:19.xx hotlap. Sometimes I don't see where I'm losing those 6 seconds, but when I see how he constantly drives teetering on the edge I know I can go faster if I keep at it. rob. <snip>