Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 Laguna Seca Hot Lap Analysis

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

The Track

Laguna Seca, officially known as WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, is a renowned motorsports facility located in Monterey County, California, USA. Nestled within the picturesque landscape of the Monterey Peninsula, Laguna Seca has earned its place as one of the most iconic and challenging race circuits in North America. The track's history dates back to 1957, and it has since become a mecca for motorsports enthusiasts, attracting both professional and amateur racers alike. With its legendary Corkscrew turn, dramatic elevation changes, and a rich racing heritage, Laguna Seca is a celebrated destination for motorsport events, including MotoGP and various car racing series, where drivers and riders test their skills on this exhilarating and demanding track. Beyond its racing heritage, the facility also hosts a variety of events, making it a vibrant hub for motorsports and automotive culture enthusiasts from around the world.

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 4. Getting a good exit up the hill towards the Corkscrew is critical for lap time at Laguna. In this case the community driver fails at this task because they go wide at the apex. The result of this is clear in the data. The line causes the community driver to delay the throttle on exit, leading to a 5-10kph exit speed reduction. This stacks up to a 0.2s time loss by the end of the segment.

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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

In sim racing, mastering the art of braking is essential, but it's an area often overlooked. Many focus on throttle control or steering techniques, but the way you brake can significantly influence your lap times and overall control of the vehicle.

One tip is to understand the concept of trail braking. This technique involves carrying the brakes into the corner, beyond the initial braking point. Instead of releasing the brake fully before turning, you gradually ease off the brake as you turn into the corner. This helps in transferring the weight of the car towards the front, increasing the front tyres' grip and allowing for a tighter turn. It's a delicate balance, though. Overdo it, and you risk locking up the front tyres or destabilising the car.

In sim racing, you can practice this technique without the physical feedback you'd get in a real car. Pay close attention to the in-game telemetry and the visual cues from the game. Feeling the grip through your steering wheel (if you're using a force feedback wheel) is also crucial. It can tell you a lot about what the car is doing and how close you are to losing traction.

Remember, every car and track combination might require a different approach to trail braking. Experiment with different braking pressures and learn how the car behaves. Over time, you'll develop a sense of how much you can push it in each scenario.

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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