Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 Nürburgring Hot Lap Analysis

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

The Track

Nestled in the verdant Eifel Mountains, the Nürburgring GP circuit is a beacon of motorsport history and engineering prowess. Unlike its notorious sibling, the Nordschleife, the GP track offers a modern racing experience, yet it still demands the utmost skill and respect from drivers. Constructed in the early 1980s, the circuit has undergone several transformations to enhance safety and competition, resulting in its current 5.148-kilometre layout. The track presents a challenging mix of high-speed straights, demanding corners, and elevation changes, providing a comprehensive test of a car's performance and a driver's dexterity. Its most iconic section, the Schumacher S, named after the legendary Michael Schumacher, epitomises the circuit's dynamic nature. The Nürburgring GP track is not just a racing venue; it's a crucible where racing legends are forged and engineering limits are tested, making every lap an enthralling saga of speed and precision.

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 6. The racing line taken by the community driver represents a V-Line with a double apex whereas the reference has a more traditional parabolic line. The two lines can be beneficial in different scenarios and the following should be considered:

1. Car Characteristics: Cars with strong braking and acceleration capabilities but less lateral grip may benefit more from a V line approach. This allows the car to maximise its acceleration and braking while minimising the time spent in the corner, where its lack of lateral grip is a disadvantage.
2. Corner Type: Tighter corners with a sharper angle often favour a V line approach. The sharper entry and exit allow the driver to navigate the corner more efficiently.
3. Traffic and Overtaking: In races, the V line can be a strategic choice for overtaking or defending, as it allows the driver to take a different line from their competitors, potentially creating opportunities to pass or to prevent being overtaken.
4. Tyre and Brake Wear: The V line can be more demanding on the brakes and rear tyres due to the hard braking and sharp acceleration. Drivers need to consider the condition of their vehicle and the length of the race.

In this case the community driver does not benefit from the V-line on exit as they are unable to get on the throttle early enough to negate the lost time through the mid-corner. They lose 0.15s through the famous hairpin.

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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

When setting up your car for a race, one crucial aspect to consider is the alignment of your wheels, specifically the camber settings. Camber refers to the angle of the wheels in relation to the ground. If the top of the wheel leans away from the car, it's called positive camber; if it leans towards the car, it's negative. Negative camber is typically preferred in racing as it maximises the contact patch of the tyres during cornering, thereby improving grip. However, too much negative camber can lead to decreased stability in straight lines and increased tyre wear. It's a delicate balance and depends heavily on the specific track and driving style. For instance, a track with many high-speed corners may benefit from more negative camber. In sim racing, this setup can be tweaked easily between sessions, allowing drivers to find the optimum setting without the physical wear and cost associated with real-life testing.

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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