Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 Kyalami Hot Lap Analysis

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

The Track

Kyalami Circuit, positioned in the heart of Midrand, South Africa, stands as an illustrious motorsport haven, having captivated the passions of racing aficionados worldwide. Its rich heritage, tracing its roots back to its inauguration in 1961, has firmly entrenched Kyalami as a formidable and visually striking racetrack, graced by numerous iconic events and races over the years. Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the South African landscape, this circuit has transcended its physical boundaries to embody motorsport excellence. Its allure extends far and wide, beckoning top-tier drivers and teams from diverse racing disciplines, making it an undeniable gem within the realm of motorsport.

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 Segment 2. In this segment the community driver has their initial braking nailed. The mistake they make is that they allow their minimum speed to drop well below that of the reference. The reason for the difference is that the reference actually picks up part throttle well before the apex, something that is not traditionally taught. This acts to stabilise the area around the apex to avoid sudden longitudinal loads by flattening the speed curve but also stops the speed dropping as low in the mid-corner. This enables mid-corner speed boosts of up to 0.1s in this case.

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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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Track Titan Top Tips

Understanding the importance of aerodynamics in both real and sim racing can significantly enhance your performance on the track. Aerodynamics primarily concerns how the air flows over and around your car, affecting speed, handling, and fuel efficiency. In high-speed racing, aerodynamic downforce is crucial. It pushes the car onto the track, increasing tyre grip and allowing higher cornering speeds without losing control.

In sim racing, aerodynamics is simulated with remarkable accuracy in high-fidelity games, making your understanding and setup adjustments just as crucial as in real-life racing. Adjusting components like spoilers, diffusers, and wings can drastically alter your car's behaviour on the track. A more aggressive aerodynamic setup might mean more downforce, resulting in better cornering speeds but at the expense of higher fuel consumption and reduced top speed due to increased drag.

Remember, the optimal aerodynamic setup varies from track to track. Tracks with long straights may benefit from a lower downforce setup to maximise top speed, while twisty, turning tracks might favour higher downforce for better corner stability. Experimenting with different setups in your sim racing practice sessions can give you insights into how aerodynamics affect car behaviour, knowledge that's just as applicable in the real world.

Balancing aerodynamics is about compromise and finding the right setup for your driving style and the specific demands of each track. Mastery of this can lead to significant improvements in your lap times, both virtually and in real life.

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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