Audi R8 LMS EVO II Laguna Seca HYMO Hot Lap Analysis
Let’s take a look at this hot lap of Laguna Seca in the Audi R8 LMS EVO II driven by HYMO.
The Track
This intricate, demanding circuit can be a challenge to perfect your vehicle setup for. Between the Andretti Hairpin, the Corkscrew, and Rainey Curve, achieving the right balance is no easy task. But don’t worry, HYMO has got you covered, and you can get the exact same setup used in this hot lap video HERE.
Opened in 1957, the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is one of the most iconic racetracks in the world. Having held the IndyCar Monterey Grand Prix 49 times since 1960, the circuit features a variety of steep elevation changes, long winding corners, and blind crests. The track has also been a staple of the IMSA SportsCar Championship since 1957.
Analysis
Let’s use the Track Titan software to compare a community driver to the HYMO driver through Turn 6. The corner in question is a fast left directly leading into a steep uphill straight, so getting a good exit is essential. In this example, the community driver loses 0.439 seconds to the HYMO driver, most of which is lost to getting on the throttle too late.
While it may sound counter-intuitive, the braking for this corner isn’t too important. That’s not to say you don’t need to brake, but braking too early or late shouldn’t hurt your lap time too much assuming you focus on getting a good exit. In this case, the HYMO driver (in light blue) brakes slightly earlier than the community driver. Ordinarily, this wouldn’t matter too much, but in this case, the community driver waits too long before getting back on the throttle. This means that not only are they carrying less speed out of the corner, but also down the next straight. The steep incline of the straight will amplify the effect this has on lap time, as acceleration will be slower. This causes the community driver to lose over half a second before the next braking zone.
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.
Hot Laps Top Tips
Mastering a hot lap is as much about understanding your car as it is about skill. Trusting your vehicle and its grip is crucial. The tires are your only contact with the track, and their grip dictates your car’s performance. Start by feeling the car’s response in different situations - during acceleration, braking, and cornering. This will give you a sense of the grip level and how much the car can handle.
Pushing the limits is part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to go over the limit when you start practising. It’s only by crossing the line that you’ll truly find where it is. Remember, every track and car combination has its unique limit. Your job is to find it, understand it, and use it to your advantage.
Ready to take your track skills to the next level? Sign up for Track Titan today and unlock your full potential on the circuit.
