Ferrari 296 GT3 Imola Hot Lap Analysis

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Let’s take a look at this hot lap of Imola in the Ferrari 296 GT3 driven by HYMO.

The Track

Imola, officially known as the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, is nestled in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Opened in the 1950s, the circuit has been a fixture in international motorsport, hosting a wide array of events, including Formula 1 and GT3 races. The current configuration of the track measures 4.909 kilometres, with 19 challenging turns that weave through the scenic Santerno river valley.

The circuit is characterised by its technical nature, with notable corners such as Tamburello and Variante Alta, where drivers navigate complex chicanes and high-speed bends. Imola's layout is a demanding test of driver endurance and vehicle performance, requiring a well-honed balance of speed and agility to achieve competitive lap times.

Thankfully, 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. The key here is to nail the first left-hander such that you are able to keep the throttle pinned through the right-left onto the straight to follow. The mistake the community driver makes here is when coming out of the right-hander, as they run too wide to make the final left possible flat out because the corner becomes too tight. They try to keep it flat but it is not the right decision as they run off track onto the dirt/gravel. The overall loss is over 0.2s.

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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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Sim Racing Top Tips

The axle width, also known as track width, of a car in GT3 racing and sim racing platforms like Assetto Corsa Competizione, refers to the distance between the left and right wheels on an axle. Adjusting the track width can significantly impact a car's handling and performance characteristics:

1. Wider Axle Width: Increasing the track width, i.e., setting the wheels further apart, can improve stability, especially in high-speed corners, by lowering the car's effective lateral weight transfer proportion. This can make the car more planted, but it might also lead to increased tyre wear.
2. Narrower Axle Width: A narrower setup can yield benefits in terms of reduced drag and potentially quicker response in tight, twisty sections of a track. However, it can also make the car less stable, particularly at high speeds, and may reduce cornering grip.

In GT3 cars, the manipulation of axle width is often subject to series regulations, and teams must work within these parameters to find the optimal setup for their car. In sim racing, players can experiment with these settings in the garage to find a balance that suits their driving style and the specific demands of each track, including Imola's diverse range of corners and straights. Correctly setting the axle width is a crucial aspect of tuning a car's handling to maximise performance and lap times.

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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