Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 Donington Park Hot Lap Analysis

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Let’s take a look at this hot lap of Donington Park in the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 driven by HYMO.

The Track

Donington Park, located near Castle Donington in Leicestershire, England, is a circuit with a rich motorsport legacy. Initially opening its gates to racing in 1931, the track has witnessed a multitude of significant motorsport moments. The current layout stretches 4.020 kilometres and features a complex mix of high-speed sections and technical corners, demanding adept car control and strategic precision.

The circuit is notably home to the Donington Park round of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). This event is a highlight in the UK racing calendar, where the challenging nature of Donington Park, with its fast, flowing layout and elevation changes, provides a thrilling backdrop for the fiercely competitive touring car battles.

Good news for you, the HYMO setup used in this hot lap video is available for you to try HERE.

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Analysis

The analysis below uses the Track Titan platform to compare a HYMO reference hotlap in blue to one of the Track Titan community drivers through an entire lap. The key thing we notice here is that the community driver is losing out in the hairpin corners. Improving performance in hairpin turns requires a combination of precise braking, accurate turn-in, and controlled acceleration. Begin by approaching the hairpin with an outside line, braking smoothly and progressively to transfer weight to the front tyres for better grip. As you near the turn, shift down to the appropriate gear. Turn in smoothly, aiming for a late apex to straighten the exit as much as possible, which allows for earlier and more aggressive acceleration. Managing throttle application is crucial; too much can lead to understeer or oversteer, so feed the power gently to maintain traction. Consistent practice, coupled with a focus on these techniques, will lead to improved performance through hairpins, both in real-world racing and sim racing environments like Assetto Corsa Competizione.

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You can analyse every other turn in the Track Titan platform; see reference lap here.
You can also take it to the next level and compare it against your own driving, just sign up to Track Titan for FREE today here.

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Sim Racing Top Tips

In GT3 racing and sim racing, the positioning of ballast weight in the car is a strategic element affecting vehicle dynamics. Ballast weight is used to meet minimum weight regulations or to adjust the car's balance and handling characteristics. The position of the ballast can significantly influence the car's weight distribution, and consequently, its performance:

Front Ballast: Placing ballast towards the front of the car can increase front tyre grip, potentially improving turn-in and stability under braking. However, it may also lead to increased understeer, particularly in mid-corner and exit phases.

Rear Ballast: Positioning ballast towards the rear generally enhances rear tyre grip, which can aid in traction out of corners and improve stability during high-speed cornering. This setup, though, might induce oversteer, especially in lower-speed corners and under heavy braking.

Centre Ballast: Centrally located ballast helps maintain a balanced weight distribution, crucial for overall handling neutrality. It ensures that neither the front nor the rear is overly favoured, providing a stable and predictable platform during various dynamic conditions.

In both real-world racing at venues like Donington Park and in virtual racing environments, understanding and optimising the impact of ballast weight positioning is key to tailoring the car's behaviour to a driver's preferences and the specific demands of each circuit.

Don't know what you can do to go faster? Use the HYMO hotlap to find out.

To see full lap analysis of your own driving, you can sign up to Track Titan for FREE today here.

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