Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 Oulton Park Hot Lap Analysis
Let’s take a look at this hot lap of Oulton Park in the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 driven by HYMO.
The Track
Oulton Park, with its undulating landscape and picturesque setting, is a jewel in the crown of British motorsport. Tucked away in the Cheshire countryside, this circuit is renowned for its natural beauty and challenging, technical layout. Spanning 4.307 kilometres in its full configuration, Oulton Park combines rapid straights with intricate sequences of corners, demanding precision and bravery in equal measure.
Opened in 1953, the circuit has retained much of its original character, despite safety-driven modifications. Iconic sections like the Cascades corner, the high-speed Island Bend, and the challenging Druids corner provide a stern test for drivers, rewarding those with a perfect blend of finesse and courage. The track's elevation changes add an extra layer of complexity, making it a favourite among drivers seeking a visceral racing experience. Oulton Park's blend of stunning scenery and thrilling racing action creates a unique atmosphere, ensuring that each event, whether it be a high-profile touring car championship or a local club race, is imbued with a sense of occasion and excitement.
Good news for you, the HYMO setup used in this hot lap video is available for you to try HERE.
Track Techniques
Driving well at Oulton Park, a renowned and challenging racing circuit in Cheshire, England, requires a nuanced understanding of its unique layout, corners, and elevation changes. The circuit is known for its narrow track, undulating terrain, and a mix of high-speed and technical sections. Here are some tips and strategies for mastering Oulton Park:
Learn the Track Layout: Familiarise yourself with the circuit's layout, including corner names like Old Hall, Cascades, and Druids. Knowing the sequence of corners and the character of each section helps in planning your braking points, turn-in points, and acceleration zones.
Braking and Turn-in for Key Corners:
Old Hall Corner (Turn 1): A fast, right-handed corner. It's crucial to get a good exit as it leads onto the Avenue, a downhill straight. Brake just before the crest, turn in late, and aim to get on the power early.
Cascades (Turn 3): A left-hander that requires a smooth approach. Carry speed into the corner, but be mindful of the exit as it leads onto Lakeside, a high-speed section.
Shell Oils Corner (Turn 6): A banked hairpin. Use the banking to carry more speed through the corner, but be cautious with the throttle to avoid understeer on exit.
Brittens Chicane (Turn 8 and 9): Requires hard braking and precise turn-in. Focus on hitting the apexes and maintaining momentum without compromising the exit onto Hill Top.
Manage Elevation Changes: Oulton Park's undulating terrain can affect car balance and grip. In sections like Clay Hill and Druids, work with the elevation changes, using them to load the car correctly and maintain traction.
Balance Aggression with Precision: The narrow nature of the track demands precision. While aggression is necessary, especially in qualifying, maintaining control and avoiding off-track excursions is crucial due to the limited runoff areas.
Focus on Exit Speeds: Several sections of Oulton Park lead onto long straights or fast sections. Prioritise corner exits at Old Hall, Cascades, and Lodge to ensure you're carrying maximum speed onto the following straights.
Optimise Gear Selection: Due to the varying corner speeds, choosing the right gear is essential to maintain momentum. Be mindful of gear selection, especially in technical sections like the Chicanes and Druids, to ensure you're in the power band.
Racecraft: Oulton Park's narrow layout makes overtaking challenging. Plan your moves carefully, especially in areas like Lodge Corner or into Old Hall, where overtaking opportunities are more viable.
Mental and Physical Preparation: The technical nature of the track demands high levels of concentration and fitness. Stay focused throughout the race, and be prepared for the physical demands, especially on your neck and arms due to the high-speed corners and heavy braking zones.
Test and Tune: Use practice sessions to test different setups. Oulton Park's variety of corners means finding a balanced setup that offers stability, grip, and good traction is key.
Mastering Oulton Park is about respecting its challenges and understanding the rhythm of the track. It's a circuit that rewards bravery and precision but also punishes mistakes harshly. With practice and a thoughtful approach, you can improve your performance and enjoy the thrill of driving this iconic circuit.
You can analyse every other turn in the Track Titan platform; see reference lap here.
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Track Titan Top Tips
Optimising the aerodynamic balance of your vehicle, whether in a simulated environment or on an actual racetrack, is an intricate dance of physics and finesse. Aerodynamics, often referred to as 'aero', primarily concerns the way air moves around your vehicle. In racing, the primary focus lies in managing two conflicting forces: downforce and drag. Downforce presses your car onto the track, enhancing tyre grip and thus, cornering speeds. However, it's a double-edged sword, as more downforce usually means more drag, reducing top speed on straights. Striking the perfect balance is crucial. For instance, circuits with numerous tight corners (like Monaco in Formula 1) necessitate a setup favouring downforce for better cornering, while tracks with long straights (like Monza) require a low-drag setup to maximise top speed. The beauty of sim racing is the ability to experiment with these settings without the physical costs, providing an excellent platform for understanding and mastering the subtleties of aerodynamic balance. However, translating these principles to real-world racing requires a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics and track characteristics, emphasising the symbiotic relationship between virtual and tangible racing
Don't know what you can do to go faster? Use the HYMO hotlap to find out.
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