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(ToshRD Creation ©2004-2005)
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FAQ Version 1.06
January 03, 2005
Toshi Tozawa, author (ToshRD)
swtoshi(at)gmail(dot)com
Notes :
The game being used for this FAQ is the Japanese version.
Information and specifications may not be the same as other versions.
_____________________________
\_________________________________________________
VERSION HISTORY _________________________________________________
_____________________________/
1.00 - Original FAQ created.
1.01 - Neoseeker.com added to authorized websites.
1.02 - Fixed some minor mistakes.
1.03 - Updated "Time Attack! Lap Time Reference" section.
1.04 - Updated "In-Game Features" section. Updated "Credits" section.
1.05 - Added a bit more to "About the Game" section. Fixed some mistakes.
1.06 - Minor updates here and there.
_____________________________
\_________________________________________________
LEGAL / DISCLAIMER _________________________________________________
_____________________________/
All logos, trademarks, and company names are copyrighted to the original
owners. This FAQ may be not be used in part or whole in any way, shape, or form
without prior consent from the original creator and may not be edited in any
way from its original form. This FAQ also may not be used on any other web site
other than listed, in part or in whole under any circumstances. Websites listed
shall only post this FAQ in unedited form. Any person(s) or website caught
using this FAQ improperly are punishable by copyright laws. You may only use
this FAQ for personal private use and may not distribute it in any way, whether
it be for profit or not. If you have any questions regarding the use of this
FAQ, please email me.
---------------------
| AUTHORIZED WEBSITES |
---------------------
1. http://www.gamefaqs.com
2. http://www.neoseeker.com
3. http://faqs.ign.com/
After my hard work on my FAQ's, CheatCC.com has decided to steal my FAQ's (as
well as other people's) and have ignored my requests to remove them. So do me
a favor and don't visit that site - it's filled with pop-ups and spyware
anyway. If you see this FAQ on any other site, please notify me.
COPYRIGHT ©2004-2005, Toshi Tozawa, author.
_____________________________
\_________________________________________________
CONTENTS _________________________________________________
_____________________________/
To skip to a specific section in the FAQ, copy and paste the Key # for that
particular section. Press Ctrl+F to bring out the "Find" box, paste the section
Key # (without the parentheses), and click "Find Next".
SECTION NAME KEY #
01. About the Game (.01Z)
02. Game Features (.02Z)
a. Game Modes (.03Z)
1. Arcade Mode (.04Z)
2. Grand Prix Mode (.05Z)
3. Career Mode (.06Z)
4. 2 Player Mode (.07Z)
b. In-Game Features (.08Z)
1. Balance (.09Z)
2. Traction Control (.10Z)
3. Flags (.11Z)
4. Pit Stops (.12Z)
5. Customize (.13Z)
6. Check Engine Lights (.14Z)
7. Replays (.15Z)
03. Track Listing (.16Z)
04. Driver Listing (.17Z)
05. Driving Basics (.18Z)
a. Introduction (.19Z)
b. Positioning (.20Z)
c. Braking (.21Z)
d. Cornering (.22Z)
e. Acceleration (.23Z)
f. Track Recognition (.24Z)
06. F1 Car Analysis (.25Z)
07. Track Analysis (.26Z)
08. Time Attack! Lap Time Reference (.27Z)
09. Credits (.28Z)
_____________________________ _______
\________________________________________/ |
01. ABOUT THE GAME ________________________________________ (.01Z) |
_____________________________/ \_______|
Formula 1 2004 is yet another great game that has not been introduced into the
States. If F1 racing interests you in any way, this is a great game to play
during the off season. Obviously I have never driven a real F1 car so I can't
say whether the game is realistic or not, but compared to other racing games,
there is a noticeable difference in game play regarding the car's acceleration,
braking, handling, and top end speed.
The game is officially licensed by Formula One and the FIA so all the details
and specifications are as accurate as you can get. All 10 teams are available
in the game (such as Ferrari, BAR-Honda, Williams-BMW, Toyota Panasonic, to
name a few) as well as the 2 drivers for each team. It even features the brand
new track in Shanghai, China.
The game itself has the usual modes of play, such as Arcade and Simulation. It
also features a Career Mode where you can start off from the bottom of the
barrel to becoming the top driver for one of the top teams. Controls take a
bit of getting use to, but once you get it down and actually understand how
these mid-engine style cars handle, it shouldn't be too difficult.
_____________________________ _______
\________________________________________/ |
02. GAME FEATURES ________________________________________ (.02Z) |
_____________________________/ \_______|
This section is just a basic summary of what the game offers. I don't go over
everything -- and the things I do cover, I don't go into much detail. If you
play the games a few times, it should be pretty easy to understand most of
what the game offers. The following is all in the manual but I've simplified
it (if possible) and added some comments about the different features. Even if
you have the Japanese version of the game, it's not difficult to understand
the main concepts.
_______________________
/ /
/ a. GAME MODES / (.03Z)
/______________________/
===========
1. ARCADE MODE (.04Z)
===========
In this mode, all of the car's potential is maxed out, i.e. the car will have
excellent acceleration, top speed, and handling no matter which car you choose.
No adjustments to the car can be made such as brake balance and traction
control. This mode also has a bar that indicates damage to the car. If you hit
another car, hit the wall, or go off the track really badly, the damage bar
will go up. When you've reached the maximum damage, your car will malfunction
and you'll lose the race. This mode has you race 3 laps (default) and also
features an upbeat soundtrack during racing.
*WARNING* Playing this mode too much may result in a longer time getting
accustomed to the more realistic handling characteristics found in the Grand
Prix Mode.
===============
2. GRAND PRIX MODE (.05Z)
===============
In this mode, the cars are simulated more realistically. Within this mode, you
can select a Custom Race, Single Weekend, World Championship, Time Attack, and
Test Drive, or Turn Battle. A custom race is basically the same as the arcade
mode, but with more realistic handling characteristics. Single Weekend
simulates one weekend of a World Championship. You're able to drive two Friday
and Saturday practice sessions, as well as Qualifying sessions -- then you get
to race (3 laps default). In the World Championship mode, you race through all
the tracks with the same setup as Single weekend (3 laps default), i.e.
practice/qualifying sessions. Just so you know, it's not mandatory to race the
practice/qualifying sessions. You can just bypass them. Time Attack is pretty
self-explanatory. Pick a team, a driver, and a track. In one session you get 10
laps and try to set your fastest time. Test Drive is what it sounds like. A
good way to get familiar with the tracks and the different cars. Turn Battle is
pretty fun to play in the 2P Grand Prix Mode. Each person does a qualification
lap. Then, the person who achieved the better time drives first, full screen,
in the Grand Prix. After driving a portion of the track, the 2P gets to drive.
Whenever there is a switch; the computer drives the other person's car. There
is a nice little transition to the player switch which doesn't affect the pace
of the race (you have to use the same controller). This is a fun way to pass
the time by with some friends.
Things to note in this mode : if you crash, parts of your car can actually
break. If a part of the front wing comes off or the whole nose comes off,
handling will be severely reduced! You do gain top end speed though. If a wheel
comes off or if the car becomes undrivable in any way, you'll lose the race.
Also, depending on if you have "flags" set in the options, you can get
penalized with a black flag for cutting across the track / taking shortcuts.
This is good for those two player battles when the other person gets mad and
tries to cheat. You can also change the brake balance and traction control in
this mode.
===========
3. CAREER MODE (.06Z)
===========
Once you're confident that you know most of the tracks pretty well and can
drive fast consistently, you may want to give the Career Mode a try. In this
mode, you begin as a nobody and have to do trial runs in a no name F1 car.
You're given a time which you have to beat and depending on how well you
perform, teams offer you a job. Once you're in a team, you have to prove
yourself and do a couple more time trials. If you're successful, you become
a second driver for that team and begin to race in the grand prix. At first,
you'll only get offers from the "weaker" teams such as Minardi, Jordan, and
Toyota. In order to move up, you have to meet the team requirements and score
some points. If you do well enough, better teams start to offer you jobs and
you move your way up. I would assume everyone's goal would be to be a driver
for Ferrari, but unless you're really good and consistent they'll most likely
kick you off the team. The better team you're on, the stricter the requirements
are, such as getting at least 6 or 8 points in each race. That would mean you'd
have to get a podium win (1st, 2nd, or 3rd). It may be a better idea to stick
with a team that can compete for the championship and doesn't have too strict
requirements such as McLaren Mercedes or Williams-BMW. At first, you may want
to jump around to different teams, but remember that once you switch to a team,
you need to prove yourself to that team. This can take a couple grand prix
races and before you know it, the season is over. The Career Mode lasts for 5
seasons so you have to make the best of your time. Number of laps differ for
each track but range from 9 laps to 15 laps.
At first, the Career Mode may seem really difficult. If you can't keep up with
the opponents that means you need to practice more. There are probably some
turns where you don't need to brake as much or at all. If you're with a
"weaker" team, don't expect to get 1st place. Try to aim for at least 8th
place and get some points.
If the only teams you get offers from in the beginning are Minardi and/or
Jordan, practice a little more until you get an offer from Toyota when you
first begin. You'll stand a better chance at getting points. For reference,
I'm able to be in team Ferrari by the end of the first season. So if you think
it's too hard to move to a better team, keep practicing!
=============
4. 2 PLAYER MODE (.07Z)
=============
In 2P Mode, you can choose either Arcade or Grand Prix and the same features
apply as in 1P Mode. The screen is split horizontally in this mode. It can
sometimes be difficult to judge how fast you're going on the track due to the
small view, but it's really not that big of a deal.
_______________________
/ /
/ b. IN-GAME FEATURES / (.08Z)
/______________________/
=============
1. BRAKE BALANCE (.09Z)
=============
In the Grand Prix mode, you're able to choose your desired balance. Default
is set at 65/35 but are able to choose from 55/45 and 35/65.
================
2. TRACTION CONTROL (.10Z)
================
Traction control is set at 100%, default. This ensures proper tire traction
when accelerating. In all honesty, you should have TC set to 100% all the
time. Setting it to anything lower will cause the vehicle to swerve left
and right uncontrollably as the tires try to get grip. The other percentages
of TC you can set are 50%, 25%, 15%, and 5%.
=====
3. FLAGS (.11Z)
=====
Depending on whether you turn flags on or off, you'll get this feature
during a race. Flags are turned on in the Career mode. A yellow flag indicates
"Caution" -- a car has broken down and may cause an interference in your
racing, so be on the lookout. If a car in front of you has broken down, you'll
usually see a cloud smoke indicating that a car is stopped. Watch out because
it's easy to hit the car since they're usually in the line of driving. A green
flag indicates everything is okay, usually shown after a yellow flag. A black
flag means that you did something extreme -- usually cutting across a track
or jumping the start. You will either have to do a drive by pit stop or if you
get the flag during the last 3 laps of the race, you will get penalized an
extra 25 seconds to your race time. A blue flag means that you're being lapped
-- there's a car behind you and you have to let him pass. If you don't let him
pass you in a timely manner you may eventually get a black flag.
=========
4. PIT STOPS (.12Z)
=========
Pit stops are pretty much worthless in regular 3 lap races and even in the
career mode. If you make a pit stop in one of these races, you will lose
for sure since there just isn't enough time to make up the time you spent
in the pit. However, if you set the laps to FULL in the options, you can
race the full amount of laps as in the real F1 grand prix and then pit
stops become important. I haven't actually raced a full race yet but did
try it out for a bit. You can set your pit stop strategy between 2 or 3
stops and select which laps you wish to pit in. Pit stops not only
replace tires and refill fuel but also replace any parts that may have
been damaged. One thing to remember, you must press select and inform
the pit crew you wish to pit in and wait for confirmation before entering
the pits or you'll just do a drive by through the pits.
=========
5. CUSTOMIZE (.13Z)
=========
You can customize specific parts of the vehicle such as aerodynamic
downforce, brake bias, weight transfer, gear ratios, and more. I haven't
done much experimenting with all of these customizable features and I
really don't think it's necessary as the default setups are more than
enough to compete.
===================
6. CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS (.14Z)
===================
Every now and then you may get a red "check engine" style light on the
lower portion of the screen. This usually indicates some kind problem
that will most likely affect the car's performance. I'm not sure of
all the different types of lights that can come up, but these are the
ones I've gotten :
Flat tire (looks like a tire with a rod in it)
Be sure to pit in because after a lap or two, the handling of the
vehicle will go way down.
Engine Overheat (looks like a meter)
You can do this one on purpose to see what it looks like. Put TC to
5%, full throttle, and turn. Just keep doing donuts and you'll get
this light after a while. One time the engine actually caught on fire.
Low Fuel (looks like a gas filler nozzle)
I think it was when I was practicing a track and this light came on.
Brake Failure (I think it was a rotor)
If you get this, you're pretty much done for the race. Your braking performance
will be severely reduced. So, just limp your way to the pits and you'll be fine
right? Wrong! Because your brakes don't work well, when you move into your pit,
the car will go too far up, not allowing the pit person in front to raise the
car. The car will then exit pit lane without any changes. I tried going into
the pits 2 or 3 times, and each time, the car wouldn't stop in time.
Sometimes your engine can randomly expire.
=======
7. REPLAYS (.15Z)
=======
I'm kind of disappointed with the lack of replays. Usually, racing games
feature a full replay after a race. In this game, you can only view a replay
during a race. You pause the game, select replay, and it shows a replay of
about the last 15-20 seconds you drove. No full replays. However, the replays
are nice. You can change to certain camera views such as a camera on the rear
wing, front nose, side of the car, etc. You can also change which driver you
wish to watch.
If you want to watch a full "replay", the only way to simulate it is in the
TV replay mode. You choose the track and you can watch the race as if you're
watching it on live TV. You don't drive any of the cars - the computer takes
care of that. Just as with the regular replays, you can change to different
views which make it interesting.
_____________________________ _______
\________________________________________/ |
03. TRACK LISTING ________________________________________ (.16Z) |
_____________________________/ \_______|
01. Australia, Albert Park
02. Malaysia, Sepang International
03. Bahrain, Bahrain International
04. San Marino, Imola (Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari)
05. Spain, Circuit de Catalunya
06. Monaco, Monte Carlo (Cicuit de Monaco)
07. Europe, Nurburgring
08. Canada, Gilles Villenueve Circuit
09. United States, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
10. France, Circuit de Nevers Magny Cours
11. Britain, Silverstone Circuit
12. Germany, Hockenheimring
13. Hungary, Hungaroring
14. Belgium, Circuit of Spa Francorchamps
15. Italy, Autodromo Nazionale de Monza
16. China, Shanghai International Circuit
17. Japan, Suzuka International Racing Course
18. Brazil, Autodromo Carlos Pace
_____________________________ _______
\________________________________________/ |
04. DRIVER LISTING ________________________________________ (.17Z) |
_____________________________/ \_______|
FERRARI
1. Michael Schumacher
2. Rubens Barrichello
BAR HONDA
1. Jensen Button
2. Takuma Sato
RENAULT
1. Fernando Alonso
2. Jarno Trulli
WILLIAMS-BMW
1. Juan Pablo Montoya
2. Ralf Schumacher
MCLAREN MERCEDES
1. Kimi Raikkonen
2. David Coulthard
SAUBER PETRONAS
1. Giancarlo Fisichella
2. Felipe Massa
JAGUAR RACING
1. Mark Webber
2. Christian Klien
TOYOTA PANASONIC
1. Oliver Panis
2. Christiano da Matta
JORDAN-FORD
1. Nick Heidfeld
2. Timo Glock
MINARDI-COSWORTH
1. Zsolt Baumgartner
2. Gianmaria Bruni
_____________________________ _______
\________________________________________/ |
05. DRIVING BASICS ________________________________________ (.18Z) |
_____________________________/ \_______|
============
a. INTRODUCTION (.19Z)
============
Like with any racing game, it'll take a while to get adjusted to the handling
characteristics. However, once you have the basic feeling of the handling,
braking, and cornering it's time to step it up a level. Although you may think
you're driving fast through a track while racing your friend or in a single
race in the Grand Prix mode, once you try the Career Mode, you may get a
surprise - all the cars leave you in the dust. If however you can keep up,
you're probably already driving at an above average level and know these
basics. If not here are some key advice in achieving fast lap times.
===========
1. POSITIONING (.20Z)
===========
In order to race through the track at a high rate of speed, proper car
positioning is important. If your car is at a bad angle, you will need to
adjust the car causing the overall speed to lower and precious seconds to
tick away as the car's driving line is adjusted. Basic positioning consists of
setting the car up for the next turn. This is done by positiong the car to the
outer part of the track, opposite of where the corner is heading. More detail
on position setup is discussed in the "Cornering" section below.
=======
2. BRAKING (.21Z)
=======
Although the performance and handling of a F1 car is amazing, you need to
brake! Braking may be simple, but to perfect it, it has to be timed correctly
and the proper amount of braking must be applied. Every corner is different,
but the basic idea of braking properly in a F1 car is -- perform all your
braking BEFORE you enter the turn. Now, you may or may not have noticed that
when you come to a sharp corner and start braking WHILE turning, it's hard to
steer the car. Take that same corner, but brake before the corner, then turn
(without braking) and the car turns much more easily. This is a key point in
taking turns at maximum speed. As to why the car behaves that way, it has to
do with weight balance and the mid engine setup of the F1 car.
=========
3. CORNERING (.22Z)
=========
Out, in, out. This is a basic concept of taking a turn at maximum speed.
Below is a quick illustration to show what it means.
=============================================
// ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo<-Start
// o
// o ===================================
|| o /
\\ o | <---Apex
\\ o \
\\ o ===================================
\\ o
\\ oooooooooooooooooooooooooooFinish->
===========================================
Starting from "S", you stay on the outside of the track, opposite of where
you are about to turn. As you reach the corner, you complete your braking,
turn in toward the apex and accelerate your way through the turn reaching
the outermost point of the track. This driving line enables you to take the
turn quicker because it's the quickest way around the corner and because you
use as much of the track as you can without turning too sharply so that you
can accelerate as fast as you can out of the corner. This basic concept of
aiming for the apex of a turn is very important in achieving the best lap
times.
Below are quick examples of how to take different types of turns :
A = Accelerate T = Turn B = Brake C = Coast
TURN DEGREE : 45 degrees
HOW TO : (See Illustration)
----START----
|| A ||
|| A ||
|| A ||
|| A ||
// A //
// A //
// A //
// A //
// A //
// A //
// A //
// A //
// A //
|| A ||
|| A ||
|| A ||
|| A ||
|| A ||
|| A ||
----FINISH----
TURN DEGREE : 90 degrees
HOW TO : (See Illustration)
============================
// AAAAAAAAAAA
// A - FINISH -
// A
|| A
|| A =================
|| A //
|| A ||
|| A ||
|| A ||
|| A ||
||T ||
||B ||
||B ||
||B ||
||A ||
||A ||
||A ||
||A ||
||A ||
------START-----
TURN DEGREE : 180 degrees (U-Turn)
HOW-TO : (See Illustration, same as above)
=============================================
// TBBBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA<-START
// C
// C ===================================
|| A /
\\ A | <---Apex
\\ A \
\\ A ====================================
\\ A
\\ AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA FINISH->
============================================
============
4. ACCELERATION (.23Z)
============
This may be simple, but aside from the full throttle straights, you will need
to learn how to apply light throttle through some turns where you cannot take
it full throttle or coasting/braking loses too much time. This just takes
practice and a bit of timing. Also, if you have your traction control set at
anything other than 100%, you'll need to gradually apply throttle until you hit
full throttle or your car will start to swerve left and right uncontrollably.
=================
5. TRACK RECOGNITION (.24Z)
=================
The most important part of being fast on any track is to memorize it. Driving
on an unfamiliar track for the first time is always hard because you don't know
when a turn is coming, which direction the turn is, how fast the turn can be
taken, and how to set your car's position for the next turn. All of this can be
easily remedied by memorizing the layout of the track. If you have a bad memory,
it may be a little more difficult to memorize the track. But if you race on a
certain track enough times, you'll soon recognize each turn and be able to
confidently take the corners at full potential. It's a good idea to memorize a
couple of different tracks since certain tracks have certain driving rhythms.
After memorizing a track, you can take the advice learned above and if used
properly, you'll be able to set some good fast lap times.
_____________________________ _______
\________________________________________/ |
06. F1 CAR ANALYSIS ________________________________________ (.25Z) |
_____________________________/ \_______|
This is an analysis of the different F1 cars available in the game. The
analysis is based on a good amount of track time on different tracks. Scores
are obviously personal opinion but are a good indicator of how each of the
F1 cars perform. Comments are added to give you a better overall view of the
vehicle. All cars were tested at 35/65 balance and 100% traction control.
===============================================================================
Rating System
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Poor Good Great
===============================================================================
=======
FERRARI
=======
Acceleration : 09 Top Speed : 10 Handling : 10 Braking : 10
Comments : The Ferrari F1 car is obviously dominant and performs brilliantly.
Acceleration is excellent, and combined with the stable handling and top
speed which no other car can touch, this is the car to drive.
=========
BAR HONDA
=========
Acceleration : 10 Top Speed : 08 Handling : 08 Braking : 10
Comments : The BAR Honda machine has some extreme acceleration. Top speed is
pretty good overall, but certainly not one of the best. Handling is 50/50 -
this car tends to oversteer and seems to slide around a bit more than the
other cars. However, if you get adjusted to it, it's a fun car to drive.
============
WILLIAMS-BMW
============
Acceleration : 09 Top Speed : 09 Handling : 10 Braking : 10
Comments : The BMW has great acceleration to keep up with the top teams and
has a matching top end speed. The highlight of the car is probably the great
overall balance of the car which gives it excellent handling.
=======
RENAULT
=======
Acceleration : 08 Top Speed : 09 Handling : 10 Braking : 10
Comments : The Renault has a somewhat slower acceleration than what I would
expect from one of the top teams. But what it lacks in sheer acceleration it
makes up for with great overall top speed and excellent stable handling.
================
MCLAREN MERCEDES
================
Acceleration : 09 Top Speed : 10 Handling : 10 Braking : 09
Comments : The McLaren Mercedes is a quick and fun car to drive. Great
overall acceleration, top speed, and handling combine for a well-rounded
vehicle that is more than capable in competing with the other top teams.
===============
SAUBER PETRONAS
===============
Acceleration : 09 Top Speed : 10 Handling : 10 Braking : 09
Comments : The Sauber is comparable to the McLaren Mercedes. It's a great
overall performer and the well balanced acceleration, top speed, and
handling make it a good competitor.
=============
JAGUAR RACING
=============
Acceleration : 08 Top Speed : 08 Handling : 09 Braking : 09
Comments : The Jaguar car lacks the acceleration and top speed of the top
teams cars, but with good overall handling, it's more than capable of getting
some decent points in the Grand Prix races.
================
TOYOTA PANASONIC
================
Acceleration : 08 Top Speed : 07 Handling : 08 Braking : 09
Comments : The Toyota F1 car has great potential, but a lack of top speed and
somewhat slower acceleration than the Jaguar makes it tough to compete in the
Grand Prix races. The good handling is there so the key to this car is to be
consistent.
===========
JORDAN-FORD
===========
Acceleration : 07 Top Speed : 07 Handling : 09 Braking : 08
Comments : Average acceleration with average top speed. This car is fun to
drive and handling is good due to the lack of acceleration the car can
achieve in the corners. Not a great car to compete for points.
=================
MINARDI-COSWORTH
=================
Acceleration : 07 Top Speed : 07 Handling : 09 Braking : 08
Comments : Basically the same as the Jordan-Ford. Driving this car first will
give you a greater appreciation of the performance on the top end cars.
_____________________________ _______
\________________________________________/ |
07. TRACK ANALYSIS ________________________________________ (.26Z) |
_____________________________/ \_______|
Here is a step by step rundown of the tracks and how they are taken for the
best lap times. Obviously this is all my personal opinion, but you may get
some ideas on how to take that one track a little bit quicker. Each track
analysis comes with an overall summary of the track and then a technical
look into how to drive on the track.
All analysis are based on the Williams-BMW, 35/65 balance, 100%TC using the
analog sticks for steering and acceleration/braking. Other cars and setups
may act different but the basics of the analysis should hold true to all cars.
In order to better understand the Technical portion of the analysis it may be a
good idea to read the "Driving Basics" section above. Here is a quick summary
of some of the terms that will be used.
Apex Read the "Driving Basics"
Chicane A series of turns consisting of a quick right/left or
left/right
Coasting Only steering input, no acceleration or braking
Full Braking Pushing down on the analog all the way
Light Braking Pushing down on the analog partially
Medium Turn A turn that can be driven at full throttle
Medium Hard Turn A turn that requires partial full braking
Hard Turn A turn that requires full braking until the car
downshifts a certain number of times
********************************* NOTE ****************************************
All of the technical information below is by memory. I have raced all of these
tracks numerous times and know each track, turn by turn. It is as accurate as
possible to the best of my knowledge. However, if there are any mistakes, let
me know via email. By mistakes, I don't mean something such as "You should
accelerate here, and not there." I mean mistakes such as, "This turn is not
after this turn".
********************************* NOTE ****************************************
===============================
AUSTRALIA, Albert Park
Lap Distance : 5.303km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This is a pretty technical track with a lot of alternating turns. There are
several hard turns and it's easy to get carried away with speed. Sector 1
starts off with a couple of medium to medium hard turns. Then comes the
fastest part of the track, Sector 2, with a couple of small straights with a
high speed chicane in the middle. Sector 3 ends the track with a couple more
medium to medium hard turns. Overall a quick and fun track to drive on. Has a
nice driving rhythm to it - each section flows smoothly into each other and
the track is laid out in a way where you can set up easily for the different
turns. Track surface/grip can get a bit slippery.
|| Technical ||
Starting from the Start/Finish line, accelerate and stay to the left side of
the track. To set up for the first medium-hard right turn, you need to brake
early, and downshift 2 times. Coast toward the apex and right before you hit
the actual apex, you can accelerate through it at a speed of approximately
160-170kmh and speed past the second small apex.
The slight right handed curve can be fully accelerated through until you reach
the next turn which is a hard right turn. You will need to downshift into 1st
or very low 2nd gear to drive smoothly through this 90 degree turn. Stay on
the left hand side of the track and brake early! Coast through toward the apex
and apply light, then full throttle once you've hit or passed the apex. As you
accelerate, move toward the right part of the track to set up for the next
quick left hander. For this turn, let go of the throttle completely for about
a second, turn toward the apex, and immediately accelerate through. It takes
a little timing but it's easy to get.
As you exit out of that last left hander, stay on the left side of the track.
The next right hander can be fully accelerated through. As you approach the
turn, aim straight for the apex and slightly go on it and exit to the left
part of the track. Do it smoothly and you should be reaching about 230+kmh
after you exit the turn.
The next turn is a bit tricky since it's dark and the trees make it hard to
see when the turn is actually coming. It's a medium hard right hander and just
like the very first turn, early braking is key. Knowing when to brake takes a
bit of practice but when you time it correctly, you can coast toward the apex
smoothly after braking and fully accelerate out of the turn. I usually hit
about 180+kmh after exiting.
The next turn is a slow curving right. Right when it straightens out, make sure
that you're on the left part of the track. The next turn is a hard right
which requires early braking after which you can coast through toward the apex.
Make sure you're past the apex before accelerating or you may end going off the
track. After this turn is a slow curving left hander. Hug the inside of the
track and before it straightens out, position yourself on the right hand side
of the track.
This high-speed chicane style of turns can be a bit tricky. As a reference, use
the white line seen on the track which represents the start of Sector 3. Right
before your car passes this line (you have to act fast since you'll be going
very fast at this point), do a quick hard brake, turn and coast through the
apex, accelerate toward the left part of the track and immediately do another
quick hard brake, then turn, coast through the apex and accelerate. If you can
do this smoothly, you should have about a 220+kmh exiting speed after these
series of turns. The amount of hard braking you need to apply take a good
amount of practice so don't be upset if you can't get it on the first try. Keep
in mind that when you hit the apex, don't be afraid to have about half of your
car off the track. This enables you to take the turn at higher speeds.
Next up is a long curving right hander which should enable you to almost reach
your top speed. Stay on the left side of the track and when the next turn
approaches, brake hard and have the car downshift 3 times. Coast through toward
the apex and accelerate out of it - you should have a speed of about 160+kmh
at this point. Stay on the left hand side for the next right hander.
For this right turn, do a quick hard brake, turn the car toward the apex and
immediately apply light to full throttle and exit out the corner staying on the
left hand side of the track. You should have a speed of about 190-200+kmh.
Next, quickly move the car toward the right hand side of the track and hard
brake and let the car downshift about 2-3 times. Turn and coast for a quick
second and accelerate through the apex. As you exit the turn, you should be on
the right part of the track. Immediately start positioning the car toward the
left part of the track, then you can take the last right hander at full
throttle.
===============================
MALAYSIA, Sepang International
Lap Distance : 5.543km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This track has a lot of straightaways so a car with good top end speed is a
must when trying for best lap times. The track offers a lot of high speed
turns as well as a few hard turns to slow the car down a bit. It's not a real
technical track but it helps you see the top end speed differences in the
different cars. Track surface/grip is very good on this track and is smooth.
|| Technical ||
Starting from the Start/Finish line, accelerate and stay on the left hand side
of the track. The first turn, or turns, is a hard right, then an immediate hard
left. To set up for this set of turns, stay on the outer left of the track.
Brake early, turn and coast for a second or two, toward the apex. You don't
have to get really close to the apex for this turn. As you're turning toward
apex, apply medium to full throttle for a quick second or two until you reach
the hard left, then brake hard. You car should be near parallel to the second
apex. turn and coast toward and over the apex and full throttle your way out
of the turn.
As you exit out of the first set of turns, you can either stay to the right
and hug the turn or stay near the middle to left part of the track and speed
your way through the slow curving right hander. Hugging the inside part of the
track seems a bit faster for me. Whichever way you take it, stay to the left
part of the track as it straightens out. The next turn is a medium hard right.
As with most turns, brake early, turn, and coast toward the apex. Try to aim
for the blue covered apex. This turn has a little dip to it and if you take
the turn appropriately by hitting the apex, you can "feel" it pretty well. It's
after this dip or a little before it that you'll want to start accelerating
full throttle. You should be able to clear the turn by barely staying on the
track. There's a small blue section that you can drive on the left side of
the track after the turn.
When you straighten out, aim for the right part of the track. The next series
of turns should be taken at full throttle. The first turn will be a medium left
hander. Aim for the apex and stay there until the track opens up a little and
immediately turn toward the right and hit the second apex of the right hander.
It's easy to mistime it and you may miss the second apex. If you do, lift the
throttle for a quick second to slow the car down a bit. After exiting the
second turn, you should be averaging a speed of about 240-250kmh.
Stay on the left side of the track. As the next medium hard right turn comes
up, brake hard and early for a quick second or two. Immediately turn and after
coasting for a quick second, immediately apply full throttle. Aim for the apex
and after passing it, drive straight, toward the left part of the track and
slowly turn right to hit the apex of the next right hander. Exit the last of
these turns and aim for the left part of the track as you exit to get the most
of your acceleration. Quick note about these two quick right handers - after
braking for the initial turn, full throttle should be applied all the way
through the two turns.
At this point, you should be at the left part of the track. Slowly position
your car to the right part of the track and set yourself up for the hard left
hand turn. Brake early and downshift the car to low second gear, or first gear.
Aim for the apex as usual (you can even go over it) and as soon as you hit it,
start accelerating through the turn. You should average just around 100kmh
exiting this turn if you do it properly.
After exiting, you should be on the right part of the track. It quickly turns
into a slow curving right hander which immediately turns into a medium hard
right hander. To set up for this series of turns slowly aim toward the left
part of the track as the slow curving right hander begins. As soon as you see
the next right hander, do a quick full brake and immediately turn toward the
apex, coast for less than a second and accelerate through the turn hitting the
apex and exiting on the left part of the track. You should average just above
200+kmh at this point.
Next, position yourself toward the right part of the track. The next series of
turns incorporates a medium left, and a slow curving medium right into a medium
hard right. To set up for this part of the track, dive left toward the blue
apex and go over it full throttle and stay on the right part of the track for a
quick second before slowly moving toward the left hand side of the track. It's
a bit hard to see the next turn since there's a small incline but as the right
turn approaches, do a quick full brake, turn and apply light throttle toward
the apex before applying full throttle out of the turn and onto the left most
part of the track. Use the blue section of the track to your advantage to gain
the most speed.
Next is the longest straight of the track. After driving for a couple of
seconds, slowly position yourself toward the right part of the track. You'll
need to do a full hard braking, downshifting into about second gear. Turn
toward the apex as usual and apply light, to medium, to full throttle in about
2 seconds to fully accelerate out of the turn exiting toward the right part of
the track. After this turn, is a quick straight before reaching the finish
line.
===============================
BAHRAIN, Bahrain International
Lap Distance : 5.417km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This track consists of many different types of turns in no particular pattern
and in my opinion has an uneven driving rhythm to it. It's a relatively short
track and the track surface/grip is a bit slippery compared to the other
tracks.
|| Technical ||
Begin by accelerating from the Start/Finish line and position
the car toward the left part of the track. The first turn is a hard right turn
which requires very early full braking. After the car has downshifted into 1st
gear, turn and coast toward and through the apex only accelerating after
passing the apex. From there, you can full throttle your way through the turn
slowly moving the car to the right and immediately to the left to hit the apex
of the next left hander. From here you can fully accelerate through the light
right hander slowing positioning yourself toward the left part of the track.
The next turn is a very hard right hander. Brake early, turn, and coast toward
the apex. For this turn, you can start accelerating full throttle before the
actual apex since there is enough room on the exit.
After the hard right hander, accelerate toward the right part of the track to
set up for the next series of turns. The first turn is a medium left hander.
You can full throttle through this turn, aiming for the apex, staying as
parallel to it as you can. Immediately after passing the apex, full brake for
a good second and turn and coast toward the right getting as close as you can
to the apex without actually hitting it. Right after passing the second apex,
you can full throttle your way through the next left hander. While maintaining
your full throttle, quickly go to the left part of the track and full brake,
downshifting to 2nd gear and turn, coast, and apply medium to full throttle as
you exit the turn.
From this point, keep accelerating and get to the right part of the track.
You'll approaching a left turn that goes from medium to hard in less than a
second. To approach this turn, full throttle your way while turning left, aim
for the apex and immediately full brake, downshifting to 2nd or 1st gear while
keeping to the right part of the track. Then turn to the left and as soon as
your left wheels gets aligned to the apex, apply medium to full throttle to
exit the turn.
Next is a straightaway which turns into a sweeping left hander. Stay on the
right part of the track and as the turn approaches, full brake and downshift
two gears. Turn and coast for a second before applying medium to full throttle
and you can accelerate your way through this sweeping left hander which then
turns into a sweeping right hander. This sweeping right hander then turns into
a harder right turn so after passing through the initial right hander, get
toward the left part of the track. When the second right hander approaches,
brake early and downshift about two gears, turn, coast through the apex and
accelerate just as you hit the apex which will enable you to full throttle
your way out of the turn onto the straightaway.
The straightway ends quickly so stay on the left part of the track. As soon as
the track dips down a bit, full brake and downshift to about 140kmh before
turning and coasting toward the apex. Just as you are about to hit the apex,
accelerate full throttle and exit the turn which will take you the final
straight leading the finish line.
===============================
SAN MARINO, Imola
Lap Distance : 4.933km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
By far one of my most favorite tracks to drive on. This short course consists
of several high speed corners and a few hard turns. Brake timing is critical
on this track as you should maintain a very high speed throughout the course.
No real straightaways, but plenty of high speed turns make this an enjoyable
track to drive on. Track surface/grip is good but has plenty of bumpy areas.
|| Technical ||
Start off by accelerating from the Start/Finish line and stay
on the inside left as you approach the first light left curve. As the curve
straightens out, aim for the right side of the track and accelerate straight
ahead. As the high speed chicane approaches, do a quick full brake, turn, aim
for the apex of the turn and immediately full throttle your way past the first
apex to the left, then immediately steer the car to the right driving over the
second apex. Maintaining a straight line you'll eventually hit the last of
these turns and you can hit the left apex.
After exiting the last turn, keep to the right of the track. The next series
of turns is almost the same as the first series. It'll be a left then a quick
right. However, for the first left hander, you can full throttle your way
through it. Aim for the apex and just as you pass it, full brake for a quick
second, release the throttle, coast to the right and apply full throttle. There
is a bit of runoff space to the left after the last turn so you can use that
area to maintain your speed. You should be at a speed of approximately 200+kmh
after exiting the last turn.
Next, position yourself to the right part of the track. The next turn is a left
u-turn. Brake early, turn, and coast around this left u-turn and just as you
pass the small incline on this part of the track you can apply medium to full
throttle to make your way out of the turn. As you do, slowly maneuver to the
left portion of the track and get ready for a chicane to the right. Brake to
about 150-160kmh, turn and coast through the chicane making sure you position
the car so that if you drive in a straight line you can hit both of the apexes.
As soon as you pass the first apex, turn slightly to the left and start to full
throttle your way out. Be careful at this part as there is an incline at the
chicane and if you're going too fast, you can easily fly the car off the track.
*Tip* For the chicane mentioned above, you can also stay on the inside right
and drive straight through the chicane hitting both apexes. If you can control
the landing, you can exit this chicane at a speed of 230-240kmh.
Once you're past the chicane, steer to the left part of the track and full
throttle your way through the right hander which will take you to a medium hard
left hander. Brake early and let the car downshift about 2-3 gears before you
turn and coast. As soon as you're lined up to hit the apex, full throttle your
way through this turn making sure to stay on the right part of the track. If
you get the perfect line you can keep accelerating through the next left hander
making sure to go over the apex and using the outer part of the right track
after passing the turn. In most cases you may not get a good turning angle -
in that case, let off the throttle for a quick second, adjust the line, and
full throttle your way through the turn.
After making a slight right, keep on the right side of the track and get ready
for a final chicane to the left. Full brake down to about 2nd or 1st gear, turn
and coast toward the first apex. As soon as you pass it, apply medium to full
throttle as you aim for the second apex making sure to use the extra track area
after the chicane.
===============================
SPAIN, Catalonia
Lap Distance : 4.627km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
Catalonia is a great technical track which mixes it up with plenty of
straights, high speed turns, and hard turns. This is a great track to drive on
and has a decent track surface/grip with a couple bumpy areas.
|| Technical ||
Start off by accelerating from the Start/Finish line and keep
to the left part of the track. As you go down a slight hill get ready for a
medium speed chicane to the right. Full brake and downshift 2-3 gears before
turning and coasting toward the apex. Apply full throttle once your car is
positioned so that you can hit the apex of the first turn. After passing the
first apex, turn to the left to hit the apex of the connecting left turn. Keep
accelerating your car and steer toward the left part of the track and begin to
turn almost all the way to the right. Keep full throttling making sure you
keep a steady line and smooth it out as quickly and smoothly as you can once
the turn becomes a straight. Keep to the left and as soon as your approach the
turn, full brake, downshift 3 gears, turn, and coast toward the apex for about
a second. Then apply light throttle trying to maintain about 170kmh. After
passing the apex, you can being to apply full throttle. If you've kept a steady
line, you should be on the left part of the track after the turn.
After that turn, steer toward the right. The next turn is a hard left hander.
Full braking should be applied until the car downshifts to 1st-2nd gear. You
can then turn and coast toward the apex. Right before you hit the apex, start
accelerating and full throttle your way out of the turn, using as much of the
right part of the track as possible (go onto the green section). Keep to the
right.
Next, is a left, right, right section. For the first left, full brake for a
quick second, turn, and accelerate your way pass the first apex. Keeping a
near straight line, you can keep accelerating pass the second apex. After that,
get to the left part of the track. Just as you hit the top of the hill and
can start to see the apex of the next right hander, let go of the throttle for
a quick second, steer to the right, and immediately apply full throttle aiming
for the apex. Use as much part of the left part of the track as you exit. This
takes you to a short straight.
To set yourself up for the next turn, get to the right part of the track. Just
before you go under the advertising bridge, full brake down to 1st gear and
turn toward the apex. As you coast toward the apex, start applying full
throttle before you actually hit the apex. Exit the turn and keep to the right.
Before you know it, the track veers to the left. It's hard to see the apex of
this turn and it just takes a bit of practice to time it but you can fully
accelerate through this left hander. Pass by the apex maintain a straight line
and full brake down to about 2nd gear before turning and coasting toward the
right. Hug the inside of the track as much as possible. If you're going too
fast, apply a quick light brake. As you pass by the second part of this right
hander, begin to apply full throttle and stay to the left.
The next turn is a downhill right hander. There are several ways this turn can
be taken. If you get the timing right, you can full throttle your way through
this turn. If you can't consistently get it, full throttle through the apex and
lift off the throttle for a quick second after reaching the apex. Then you can
immediately apply full throttle. Or, before reaching the apex, do a light brake
before turning and full throttling your way pass the apex.
After that turn, keep the left and you can full throttle your way down and to
the right as you approach the final straightaway. If you don't get the line of
the last turn correctly, it's easy to fly off the track. A quick lift off the
throttle then full throttle can keep the car on the track.
===============================
MONACO, Monte Carlo
Lap Distance : 3.340km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This is the shortest track and although it's one of better tracks to drive
on, it can also be one of the tougher ones because it has no run off space to
drive on if you make a mistake. You'll just end up crashing and possibly break
parts of your car in the process. Monaco is a good technical track with plenty
of hard 1st to 2nd gear turns and a couple chicanes to slow down your speed.
Track surface and grip is good on this track and is very smooth.
|| Technical ||
Start off as usual by accelerating from the Start/Finish line.
Stay to the left part of the track and as you approach the first hard right
turn, brake early so you can hit the apex. To get a good speed out of this
first turn, it's a good idea to actually drive on the apex. Only after you've
passed the apex should you apply full throttle. If you apply full throttle too
early, you'll end up scrubbing the left side of the wall.
Continue on by accelerating up the hill staying near the middle to right part
of the track. After the hill, an arrow will show up on the screen indicating
that a left turn is coming up. At this part of the track, there is a little
dead end part of the track that you may end up turning into the first time you
drive on the track. Watch out for it! After you've passed this area comes the
real left hand turn. Brake early and full brake, downshifting about 2 to 3
gears. Coast to the left and apply light throttle when necessary. Steer toward
the left part of the track and do a quick full brake, turn right, and steer
as close as you can to the right side aiming for the apex. Once you turn and
get the perfect line toward the apex, you can full throttle your way out. Keep
to the left.
This next section consists of several very slow turns. As you go downhill, get
ready to full brake down to 1st-2nd gear. Coast to the right and when you pass
the apex, full throttle straight on down staying to the right. Then quickly
full brake down to first gear. Coast toward the left all the way and right
before the track straightens out, apply full throttle steering to the left.
Immediately full brake and coast to the right. Before hitting the apex, you
can apply full throttle. Keep to the left again and use the extra track space
to set yourself up for the next right hander. Full brake again, coast to the
right and before hitting the apex, apply full throttle again and you'll hit
one of the fastest sections of the track.
Accelerate straight ahead staying to the left as much as possible. Go into the
tunnel as it curves to the right. Make sure you're still staying to the left
as much as possible. When the arrow flashes indicating a right turn, aim toward
the apex while still applying full throttle. Once you've exited the tunnel, the
track goes downhill. Coming up next is a tough chicane and it comes up quick!
The good news about this part is if you end up overspeeding, you can go
straight through the chicane without any damage. The bad news is, you'll be
penalized if you're in an actual race. Anyways, as soon as you start going down
the hill after the tunnel, stay to the right and brake early. It takes some
practice but you can then coast to the left, then immediately to the right
while applying light throttle and pretty much drive straight full throttle
through the last section which has you steer to the right. The key part of this
section is to have the car half on the track and half off the track. It can
be tough, but if done right, you don't lose that much speed.
After this chicane, accelerate and keep to the right. For the next left hander,
full brake for a quick second and coast to the left. As soon as you get near
the apex, full throttle your way out, keeping to the right again. For the next
small chicane, dive in toward the apex and keep straight while maintaining your
full throttle. After exiting the chicane, keep to the left and immediately
apply full braking until you hit 1st gear. As soon as you do, coast to the
right and aim for the apex. When the car gets near the apex, apply medium
throttle until you hit the second apex at which point you can apply full
throttle. Stay to the right.
The track will make a slight curve to the left at which point you should move
toward the left then apply full braking down to 1st gear. You can then coast
your way around the right hander, apply full throttle for less than a second
then full brake again, and coast around the next turn. After reaching the
second apex, apply full throttle for a quick second or two keeping to the left
and full brake one last time before turning to the right. Once the car is
aligned to hit the apex, you can apply full throttle and make your way onto
the last straight toward the finish line.
===============================
EUROPE, Nurburgring
Circuit Length : 5.148km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This is a good technical track where good timing is important if you want to
achieve good lap times. There are plenty of technical corners on this track
and a few high speed turns to change it up once in a while. Track surface/grip
is good on this track but can get a bit bumpy.
|| Technical ||
Accelerate from the Start/Finish line and stay to the left. The track will
curve to the right just a bit before immediately turning into a hard right
hander. To take this turn, full brake right when you're at the top if the
small incline before the actual turn. Get into 1st-2nd gear and you can turn
the car and aim it toward the apex. As soon as you're aligned for the apex,
apply full throttle and keep to the right. Immediately let off the throttle
for a quick second then turn toward the left hitting the inner left part of the
track while applying full throttle. Keep to the right and you come up to the
next set of turns, brake early down into 1st gear. Coast and drive onto the
apex applying medium throttle while keeping to the left. Let off the throttle,
turn to the right, and immediately accelerate toward the apex at full throttle.
Continue on the track by positioning yourself to the right of the track. As
the next medium hard left hander approaches, apply full braking for a quick
second before steering to the left aiming for the apex. As soon as you steer
the car toward the apex, apply full throttle and exit the turn near the middle
and right side of the track. As the next medium hard right turn quickly
approaches, apply full braking for a quick second before coasting to the right,
steering the car as close to the apex as possible. Right before hitting the
apex, apply full throttle and exit the turn which should take you to the left
part of the track.
Proceed to the right part of the track as it curves to a downhill slow curving
left hander. Accelerate down the hill and keep to the right of the track. As
you approach the medium hard right turn, full brake, downshifting a gear or
two and coast toward the apex and apply light throttle when need. As soon as
you pass the apex, or a little before it, apply full throttle and make your
way out of the corner to the left. As the track straightens out, move toward
the right part of the track.
Next up is a full throttle chicane to the left. When the chicane approaches,
steer toward the apex and try to get half of the car onto the extra section of
the track. Keep driving straight and steer a little to the right until the
track straightens out. Approximate speed should be 240-250kmh. Keep to the
right of the track.
Continue on and as the next medium hard left comes up, full brake and go down
2 gears. Steer toward the apex while applying full throttle. You should end
up on the right side of the track after the turn. Quickly steer to the left
while still applying full throttle then full brake for a quick second again
before steering to the right and full throttling toward the apex. Exit the turn
and you should be on the left part of the track averaging a speed of 190-200kmh
depending on how well you took it.
Keep accelerating straight until the track curves to the right. Hit the apex
and keep driving straight, making sure to keep to the right. Next up is a
chicane to the left. Brake early for this and once the car is steered toward
the apex, apply medium to full throttle through the chicane. Be careful on this
section as the car tends to fly a little on the incline which may cause a
momentary loss of control when landing.
After passing the chicane, keep to the left. As the final medium hard right
turn approaches brake early and coast toward the apex applying light to medium
throttle. As soon as you get near the actual apex, full throttle your way
through the turn and end up on the last straight before the finish line.
===============================
CANADA, Villeneuve Circuit
Circuit Length : 4.361km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This is a short and sweet track consisting of turn after turn with a super
long straightway leading to a nice little chicane. It's somewhat technical and
requires good timing to get consistent fast lap times. Track surface on this
track is good.
|| Technical ||
Start off by accelerating from the Start/Finish line steering to the right of
the track. The first turns consist of a left then a right. For the first left,
full brake and get into around 2nd gear. You can then steer and momentarily
full throttle before applying full braking down to first gear. At this point,
coast toward the apex and as soon as you're aligned with it, full throttle out
of the turn staying to the left of the track.
As the track dips down a bit, full brake early, turn toward the apex, and full
throttle your way through the turn getting as close to the wall as possible.
Then immediately steer to the left going onto the next apex and keep
accelerating out of the turn. You'll get really close to the wall on the last
turn but after the first two turns, you should be averaging about 200kmh at the
exit. Note, after the first initial braking, full throttle is applied through
the whole set of quick turns.
Keep to the left and steer through the medium right hander and then get to the
right of the track. Brake early and coast for the apex. You'll want to actually
get onto the apex. As soon as you're about to coast onto the apex, apply full
throttle and keep to the right. As the track partially straightens out, steer
toward the left side of the track.
Right before going under the advertising bridge, start full braking, and drop
the gears 3 times. Coast and turn toward the apex as far in as you can, i.e.
position the car so that it goes completely on the outer portion of the track
and full throttle your way through the apex. Keep right and immediately turn to
the left while still at full throttle. You'll end up on the right most part of
the track as the track straightens out. The speeds should be around 200+kmh at
this point if done properly.
Stay to the right and as the track slowly curves to the left, steer to the
left part of the track. As soon as it straightens out again, full brake until
you hit 1st gear. Turn and coast through the turn and only after you've passed
the apex should you full throttle your way through this u-turn. Continue on to
the very long straight and stay to the left of the track.
After a couple of seconds you'll encounter a chicane to the right. Full brake,
downshifting a gear and steer toward the apex. Coast only for a second before
applying full throttle as you go over the first apex. Immediately steer to the
left and hit the second apex and exit out the chicane which takes you to the
final straight before the finish line. Average speed coming out of the chicane
should be around 190kmh.
===============================
UNITED STATES, Indianapolis
Circuit Length : 4.192km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This track is not the usual oval track. It incorporates some nice tight turns
and a very slow chicane. It can be hard to get a good driving line on this
course as the track surface/grip is a bit slippery.
|| Technical ||
Accelerate away from the Start/Finish line and stay on the left part of the
track. The first turn is a hard right which goes into a medium left hander. The
initial right turn comes up really quick and brake timing is crucial to get
maximum speed out of these turns. Use the "distance left signs" found on the
left to use as an indicator to start braking. Full brake and downshift about
2 gears just a bit after you pass the 100m sign. Turn and coast toward the
first right apex and as soon as you hit it, apply full throttle turning a bit
to the left so that you can hit the next left apex. You may have to lift off
the throttle for a tiny bit depending on the car but you should be able to full
throttle your way out of the last turn.
Stay to the right part of the track and as the track curves slightly to the
right, slowly steer the car to the left part of the track. For the next turn,
full brake for a quick second and coast toward the apex for a second or two
before applying full throttle. Exit the turn near the left part of the track
and as the track straightens out, slowly steer to the right part of the track
to set up for the next medium speed left hander.
When the turn comes up, full brake and downshift 2 gears. Turn left and coast
for another quick second then apply full throttle as you steer toward the apex
as much as you can. You should exit this turn at full throttle and end up near
the right part of the track. Immediately position yourself to the left part of
the track and lift off for less than a second, then turn and full throttle
toward the right apex. Exit the turn and your car should be near the left part
of the track as it straightens out.
Before this short straight ends, steer to the right portion of the track. You
need to brake early for this next hard left hander. Full brake and downshift
about 2 gears before turning and coasting toward the apex. When you get about
a car length from the apex, apply medium to full throttle and exit the turn.
The car should now be on the right part of the track. Immediately position the
car to the left part of the track and full brake down into 1st gear. Turn and
apply light throttle staying near the apex as much as possible. Lift off for a
quick second then turn left applying light throttle toward the next apex. As
soon as you hit the apex, full throttle your way out of the turn and you should
exit the corner on the right part of the track. After straightening out, steer
the car to the left part of the track.
For the next right hander, full brake for a quick second, turn, coast toward
the apex and apply medium to full throttle just as you're about to pass the
apex. Exit the turn at about 180kmh and stay to the left part of the track.
The next part is a slight curve to the right which goes into a short straight
then turns into a long curving right. For these two turns, stay to the left and
slowly steer to the right. When the track straightens out, stay to the left
again and slowly steer to the right. Depending on which car you're driving you
should reach about 290-300+kmh when you near the finish line.
===============================
FRANCE, Nevers Magny Cours
Circuit Length : 4.411km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This track is pretty technical and has a couple chicanes which you can take at
a pretty fast speed. Track surface is very good and it's nice and smooth. The
track is pretty much flat.
|| Technical ||
Start by accelerating away from the Start/Finish line, steering the car to the
right part of the track. When the first sweeping left hander approaches, steer
to the left staying on the right part of the track as much as possible. When
the track cut harder to the left, dive in toward the apex and full brake for
a quick second. Turn to the right and apply medium to full throttle steering
the car to the right part of the track. As the right turn gets tighter, keep
accelerating and you should exit near the left part of the track. Exit speed
should be well over 200+kmh.
Stay to the left and keep accelerating as the track turns slightly to the
right. Keep left to set up for the next turn which is a hard right. Brake
early and downshift into first gear. Turn and coast toward the apex. Just as
you're about to hit the apex, start to apply medium to full throttle and exit
the turn on the left part of the track. Stay straight and when the track curves
to the left, stay on the inside left of the track. Keep driving on the left
part and get ready for this set of chicanes.
When the chicane comes up, full brake for a quick second and turn toward the
apex. As soon as you're lined up, apply full throttle and drive straight
through the chicane. As you pass the second apex, steer left and exit the last
turn by exiting on the right part of the track. Use the extra blue section if
necessary. After the track straightens out, stay to the right.
Proceed toward the next left hander. Brake early and downshift about 2-3 gears.
Turn and coast toward the apex applying a quick light throttle. A quick partial
to full brake helps you position the car better since this turn is pretty
tight. As soon as you pass the first apex you'll see the upcoming slight right
turn. After passing the first apex, position the car for the second apex and
as soon as you're aligned, full throttle your way out and exit this section at
about a speed of around 150kmh. Stay straight as the track turns a bit to the
left and then hug the left part of the track once again.
Up next is another set of similar looking chicanes -- but this is one is a bit
tighter. Brake early and full brake for a quick second. Position the car the
same as the first set of chicanes. Aim for the two apexes and once the car
is aligned, full throttle your way through it. On the second apex, drive the
car a bit over the apex so that you can stay on the track as you exit the
last turn. Use the extra blue section of the track if necessary. Immediately
position your car to the left as soon as you exit this last turn. Full brake,
downshifting the car about 2-3 gears. Turn and coast toward the apex. Once the
car is about half a car length away from hitting the apex, apply medium then
full throttle once you pass the apex. Accelerate to the left and middle part
of the track as it straightens out.
Hug the inside of the left as the track slowly curves to the left. For the last
set of turns, brake early downshifting into about 2nd gear. Turn and coast
toward the apex and apply light to medium to full throttle once you pass the
apex. From this point, full throttle, staying on the left and slowly steer to
the right and aim straight down the middle of the last chicane. Exit the last
turn by staying on the right part of the track until you reach the finish line.
===============================
BRITAIN, Silverstone
Circuit Length : 5.414km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This track is a high speed course with several high speed turns and only a
handful of chicanes to slow the cars down a bit. Most of the course is taken
at full throttle. Track surface is decent but can get a bit bumpy in some
areas.
|| Technical ||
Accelerate away from the Start/Finish line and stay to the left part of the
track. For the first right hander, full brake only for a quick second before
turning and accelerating toward the apex. You should exit this turn at a speed
of approximately 230-240kmh. Stay straight and keep to the right.
For the next set of high speed chicanes, full throttle your way toward the first
left apex and immediately full brake for a quick second and steer to the right
to hit the next apex. Be sure to stay to the right of the track. Dive in to
the next left apex and as stay to the left as much as possible. As soon as you
pass this apex, full brake a bit longer than before and coast to the right for
a quick second before applying full throttle out of the last turn. The track
will then curve a bit to the left before turning into a long straight. Exit
speed should be around 200+kmh.
On the straight, slowly position yourself to the left part of the track. When
you reach the end of the straight, full brake for a quick second or two and
immediately steer to the left and apply medium throttle as you pass the apex.
Once you pass it, apply full throttle. The turn should be taken at about 190 to
200kmh. After exiting this turn, stay to the right of the track.
The next turn is a hard left which turns into a sweeping right hander. Full
brake to 1st-2nd gear and coast over the apex. When you hit the apex, apply
full throttle and steer to the right to drive through the sweeping right turn.
Stay to the right again. The next chicane is similar to the one just before it
but is less severe. Brake early again and full brake, downshifting about 2-3
gears. Steer and go over the apex again and apply full throttle once you pass
the apex. Stay straight to go over the second little apex and exit the turn
steering to the left part of the track.
At this point, the track goes downhill a bit. Just as you reach the bottom,
steer hard toward the right and hug the inside right part of the track. As you
pass the apex, stay near the middle to middle left. The track will go uphill
for a quick second. Right before you reach the top of this incline, full brake
for a full second, steer to the left and hit the apex. As soon as you steer
toward the apex, apply full throttle. You can hit the first apex and exit the
turn on the right part of the track. Stay on the right.
For the last set of turns, full brake early and get into 1st gear. Hit the apex
aggressively and drive over it. Keep steering to the left and stay on the
curbing of the track. As it straightens out, steer to near the middle of the
track before applying a quick full brake. Then coast and apply light throttle
until you pass the apex on the right. As you pass the apex, apply full throttle
and exit the corner on the left part of the track which will take you a small
right curve before reaching the finish line.
===============================
GERMANY, Hockenheimring
Circuit Length : 4.574km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This track features a nice long curve which will enable you to reach speeds of
over 300kmh. It incorporates some nice tight turns and has a couple small
elevation changes. The track is a bit bump but overall track surface and grip
is decent.
|| Technical ||
Start by accelerating away from the Start/Finish line and stay to the left
side of the track. The first set of turns is a hard right into a slight left
which then turns into a long curving left. For the first right hander, full
brake and downshift about 2 gears, turn, coast and when you're lined up to the
apex, full throttle your way pass the apex in a straight line. You'll then hit
the apex of the next left turn and then just steer to the left. Accelerate
full throttle into the long sweeping left hander and stay on the left side of
the track. Once it straightens out, get ready for a very hard right. You'll
need to brake all the way down to first gear on this turn, almost to a dead
stop. Once the car is slowed down enough, turn and steer toward the apex. Just
after you pass the apex can you accelerate so that you don't get off the track.
If you want, you can accelerate a bit earlier and go off the track a bit since
it's not gravel. You'll lose a bit of speed though from the extra turning, but
it beats braking too much and taking the turn much slower.
Stay to the left side of the track after the previous turn. The next turn is a
medium right turn. Aim for the apex and just keep full throttling through this
easy turn. Keep to the right after the exit.
Staying on the right side of the track prepare for the next series of turns
consisting of a left, left, and right. Brake early for the first turn, and
downshift to about 2nd gear. Steer and coast over the apex. As soon as you hit
it, full throttle steering to the right the immediately to the left to hit
the second apex. After the second apex, immediately steer back to the right
steering toward the third apex and exit out to the left side of the track until
it straightens out.
When you approach the next turn, full brake for a quick second, steer toward
the apex and immediately apply full throttle. Hit the apex and exit the turn
on the left part of the track. Steer hard toward the right part of the track
after it straightens out. This part is a bit unstable because of a small
incline and if you don't get a good line it's easy to lose control and fly off
the track.
For the next set of several turns, start off by staying on the right. Full
brake and downshift about 2-3 gears. Steer and coast over the apex. Full
throttle after the apex steering to the right side of the track then steer to
the left hitting the next apex. Stay to the left and then steer immediately to
the right hitting the next apex. Exit out toward the left part of the track and
then lift off the throttle for a quick second. Immediately steer to the right
and apply full throttle as you aim for the next apex. Exit out toward the left
part of the track and change the full throttle to medium throttle as you turn
for the last right hander. Aim for the apex and full throttle your way out of
the turn as you get close to the apex.
===============================
HUNGARY, Hungaroring
Circuit Length : 4.381km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This track is pretty technical. It consists of a couple turns that require good
throttle control. The track surface has good grip and is smooth. Overall, the
track maintains a pretty high car speed.
|| Technical ||
Start off by accelerating and keeping to the left. The track will start going
downhill. Before you reach the bottom, full brake and downshift to about 1st
or 2nd gear. Steer to the right and coast toward the apex. Before you pass the
apex, start to apply full throttle and exit the corner on the left part of the
track. After the track straightens out steer to the right part of the track.
For the next turn, brake early and downshift a gear or two. Steer and coast
toward the left applying light throttle. After passing the apex, apply full
throttle and make your way toward the right part of the track. As soon as it
straightens out steer to the left then immediately to the right, hitting the
next apex to the right. After the track straightens out again, slowly steer
the car to the right. The track will slightly curve to the right then a medium
hard left hand turn will come up. Right when you approach the slight right hand
turn, apply full brake for a quick second, and then steer toward the left apex
while applying full throttle. Make your way out of that turn staying to the
right of the track. As the track straightens out, immediately steer to the left
part of the track and full brake. Downshift only a gear or two and steer to the
right while applying medium throttle. As soon as you pass the apex apply full
throttle while hugging the inside of the track. As it begins to straighten
out once again, stay to the left.
Next up is a right, left, left, right. Approach the turn and full brake for a
quick second and coast toward the apex. As soon as you're lined up for the apex
full throttle your way straight through the chicane going over both of the
apexes. Exit the corner on the right side of the track. Next, full brake again
for a quick second and steer toward the left apex. Once the car is lined up
with the apex full throttle your way pass the apex and immediately steer to the
left then to the right, getting as close to the right apex as possible.
Once the track straightens out, get to the right side of the track. The next
turn is a medium left hander. Full throttle your way toward the left apex and
when you exit stay to the left of the track. For the next turn, lift off the
throttle for a quick second then steer to the right apex while applying full
throttle. Exit this turn, staying on the left part of the track.
After the short straight is a medium hard right hander. Full brake, and have
the car downshift down about 2 gears. Steer toward the apex and for this turn,
aim the car so that when you apply full throttle you get as close to the apex
as possible. You can then exit the corner at a speed of around 160kmh. After
exiting this turn, you should be on the left side of the track. Quickly
position yourself toward the right part of the track and then full brake. Get
down to about 2nd gear and steer toward the left, coasting pass the apex. As
you go pass the apex, apply medium throttle, then full throttle as you exit
the turn on the right. Immediately get to the left part of the track and when
the last right hander comes up, full brake for a quick second and coast toward
the apex. Before you reach the apex, apply medium throttle, then full throttle
just as you pass the apex. Exit out toward the left part of the track and you
will reach the last straight to the finish line.
===============================
BELGIUM, Spa Francorchamps
Circuit Length : 6.973km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This is by far the longest track in the game. It's very technical, has several
high speed areas, and many elevation changes. This is one of the fun tracks
to drive on. Track surface/grip is good but can get a bit bumpy in some areas.
|| Technical ||
Accelerate away from the Start/Finish line and stay on the left part of the
track. Full brake and get into first gear before steering toward the right
apex. When the car is aligned to the apex, apply full throttle and make your
way out of the turn exiting to the left of the track. Then, slowly position
the car to the right. As the track goes downhill, move to the left and get
near the apex. As you reach the bottom, steer to the right of the track. The
track will then go up hill. Slowly steer to the middle and as the hill ends,
stay to the left and hit the third apex. As you exit this area, you should end
up on the right part of the track going about 190+kmh. You have to be smooth
with your control here or you'll end up losing a lot of speed by steering too
much. Weaker cars may not be able to achieve the 190+kmh mark by the end of
these turns.
Once the track straightens out, stay to the right and the track will curve
slightly to the right. The track will straighten out again and you will be at
the longest straight of the track. Stay to the left.
Coming up is a hard right chicane. Full brake early and get down to about 2nd
gear before steering and approaching the apex. Go onto the apex a bit as you
apply medium throttle. At this point, steer to the left and aim for the next
apex. You may need to lift off the throttle a bit here so that you don't go
off the track as you pass the apex. Once you're pass the apex, apply full
throttle and steer toward the left. Full brake for a quick second before you
turn to the right. Immediately apply medium to full throttle as you get lined
up for the next apex. Full throttle your way out and stay to the left.
The track will then go downhill at which point you'll need to full brake for a
quick second or two, downshifting at least 2 gears. Steer toward the right and
coast. Keep coasting until you're pass the apex and then apply medium to full
throttle. As you come out of the turn, you'll be on the left. Immediately
steer to the right. Full brake early here for a quick second then steer to the
left and coast for a second. As you get closer to the apex, apply full throttle
and exit your way out of the turn on the right part of the track.
Stay to the right and as the next long sweeping left hander approaches, steer
smoothly to the left and stay on the inside until you reach the apex. Then,
slowly pan to the right, then back to the left. If you make too many sudden
steering changes here, your speed will drop. Be smooth about it! As the track
straightens out, you should be on the left part of the track.
The next turn will be a medium hard right hander. Full brake and downshift a
gear or two. Coast toward the apex and as soon as you pass it, full throttle
your way out of the corner steering to the left part of the track. The next
right hander can be taken at full throttle. Aim for the apex and go!
As you come out of that last turn, you'll be at the left part of the track.
Smoothly position yourself to the right of the track as a slight left comes up.
Take this turn at full throttle and keep to the right. The next left hander is
a little bit tighter but can be taken at full throttle as well. Aim for the
apex and go over it a bit. When you come out of that last turn, stay to the
right again. You'll come up to a small incline at which you'll need to full
brake down 2-3 gears. There will be a chicane to the left. After braking, steer
and position yourself toward the apex. As you get near the apex, apply medium
throttle and when you pass it, apply full throttle. Exit out to the left, then
immediately steer to the right for the next mini chicane. Go straight through
it so you hit both of the apexes in a straight line. Exit your way out of this
last turn and stay to the right of the track as it straightens out and takes
you to the finish line.
===============================
ITALY, Monza
Circuit Length : 5.793km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This is a technical and simple track at the same time. There are very long
straights separated by a couple of chicanes. This is a very high speed course
and a weaker car will be hard to compete with. Track surface/grip is good and
the track is mainly flat.
|| Technical ||
Begin by accelerating away from the Start/Finish line and stay on the left
part of the track. It will be a long straight and before you know it a hard
right chicane will appear. Brake EARLY for this turn. Full brake and get into
3rd gear before coasting toward the apex. Get onto the green portion of the
track and brake, downshift into 2nd gear and coast. Steer to the left and aim
for the next apex. Just as you're about to hit the apex, apply medium to full
throttle and make your way out of the chicane. You should end up on the right
part of the track.
Next up is a long curving right hander. Hug the inside all the way, or stay
on the left and slowly make your way to the inside right. At the end of this
sweeping curve, you'll want to be on the right part of the track. Brake early
and get into about 2nd gear before steering toward the apex on the left. Steer
early here and coast over the apex. As soon as you're over the apex, apply
full throttle and aim for the next apex right in front. Exit the corner by
moving toward the left part of the track -- and stay on that side.
The next two turns will be two medium hard rights. Full brake for a quick
second on the first turn, steer, and aim for the inside right. As you steer
toward the right, apply medium throttle. When you pass the apex, apply full
throttle and exit the turn towards the left. As soon as the track is straight,
get ready to full brake again for a quick second. Take this next right turn as
tight as you can. Aim for the inside of the apex. There is a green part of the
track that you can drive on. Drive through this apex with half the car on the
apex and half the car off the track. When you exit towards this turn, you
should be on the left and be averaging a speed of 190+kmh.
As you come out of that last turn, you'll end up on a straightaway. Slowly
steer to the right part of the track. A little after you go under the overhead
bridge, full brake for a quick second and downshift a gear or two. This
section has green areas on the outside of the apexes. Hit the left apex as you
did before in the other turn. (Half on/Half off) Stay straight and hit the
next apex. Steer to the right a bit before steering to the left and you'll hit
the last apex. Exit this chicane area on the right side of the track and come
up to another straightaway.
Slowly position yourself to the left side now and get ready for a medium hard
sweeping right hander. As you approach the turn, full brake and downshift 2 to
3 gears. Coast toward the right for a second or two, aiming for the apex. Then
apply medium to full throttle and accelerate out of this sweeping turn on the
left part of the track. This will take you to the final straight and the finish
line.
===============================
CHINA, Shanghai
Circuit Length : 5.451km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This is a brand new track for the 2004 season. Because of that, the track
surface and grip is smooth. The track is very technical with plenty of slow
corners but with a nice long straight. Some elevation changes are included in
this track as well.
|| Technical ||
Start by accelerating away from the Start/Finish line and stay to the left. The
first set of turns is an extreme "S" shape combined with a mini chicane. As you
enter the turn, full brake for a quick second then just coast toward the
inside of the track. The turn will soon get tighter at which point you need to
full brake again and get down to 2nd gear. Go over the curbing as the right
turn ends and apply medium to full throttle as you approach the next left turn.
Go a bit away from the apex and lift off the throttle, steering the car to the
left. As you pass the apex, full throttle your way out of the turn.
You'll be at the right side at this point. Slowly steer to the left and as the
next left turn approaches, keep accelerating toward the apex. As you pass the
apex, get to the left again. The track will go downhill a bit. Stay to the
left. As the next right hander approaches, full brake down into 1st-2nd gear.
Coast toward the apex and as soon as you pass it, apply full throttle and exit
the corner, steering to the right part of the track. Next up is a left hander
which you can full throttle through. After this turn, another left hander will
come up. For this turn, lift off the throttle just for a second before you
immediately apply full throttle again, aiming for the apex. Exit the apex and
steer to the left immediately.
For the next right turn, full brake for a quick second and steer to the right.
Apply full throttle and hug the inside tightly on this apex. As you come out of
this turn, stay near the middle of the track. There will be short incline. Lift
off the throttle here for a quick second. As the incline ends, full brake for a
quick second and steer to the left. Just as you start going down the incline,
apply full throttle and get on the apex. Exit this left hander and stay to the
right of the track.
Go straight and as the track comes to another small incline, full brake down to
1st gear and coast toward the left apex. Get onto the apex and keep steering
left as you apply full throttle. As the track then turns to the right, lift
off the throttle for a quick second and steer to the right and hug the inside
as you full throttle your way out this medium length right hander. You'll end
up on the left side of the track and find yourself on the longest straight
of the track. Keep on the left.
After this long, long straightaway, you'll come to another small incline. As
soon as you hit it, full brake and get into 2nd gear. Turn and coast toward the
apex and as soon as you're about to pass it, apply full throttle and exit the
turn. You'll be on the left so slowly position yourself to the right side of
the track for the last left hander. For this turn, full brake for a quick
second, steer and coast toward the apex, and as you're about to go over the
apex, apply full throttle. It helps to actually get on the apex at this part.
When you exit this turn, you'll end up on another straight (not as long as
before) which will take you to the finish line.
===============================
JAPAN, Suzuka
Circuit Length : 5.807km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
A nice technical track with plenty of left, right, left, right turns. The
track also features many slow turns as well as a nice long straight to build
up some speed. The last chicane comes up quick so be careful! Track surface is
good on this course but can get a bit bumpy in some areas.
|| Technical ||
Start by accelerating away from the Start/Finish line and stay on the left, as
usual. The first section is packed with a right, left, right, left, followed
by another right, right. To take the first of these multiple turns, full brake
for a quick second, steer, then immediately apply full throttle getting as
close to apex as possible. After passing the apex, get to left and full brake
until you downshift 2 gears. Steer to the left and apply medium to full
throttle just as you hit the second apex on the right. You'll end up on the
left part of the track. Immediately get to the right side and as the next
turn comes up, lift the throttle for just a second, then steer to the left
while applying full throttle. After passing this apex, stay in the middle of
the track and as the next turn comes, lift off the throttle for a quick
second again. Steer toward the apex and immediately apply full throttle. Exit
this turn and end up on the left part of the track. Immediately get to the
right side of the track. As the next left comes up, full brake for a quick
second, then steer to the left while immediately applying full throttle once
again. Pass the apex and get to the left -- full brake for a quick second
before you steer to the right and coast for a second or two. Just as you're
about to pass this next apex, apply full throttle while staying on the right
side of the track. Finally, keep accelerating and steer to the left for the
final left of this section.
As you exit the last turn, stay to the right. The track will curve to the left
so steer to the left and stay on that side. As the next turn approaches, brake
hard for a second and immediately steer and apply full throttle toward the apex
on the right. For this apex, drive over it to get maximum speed. As you pass
the apex, stay to the left of the track. When the next right turn comes up,
and it comes up quick, full brake and downshift 2-3 gears before steering to
the right. Coast toward the apex and as soon as you're about to pass it, full
throttle your way out of the turn and stay to the left.
Go under the bridge and as the medium right turn approaches, steer toward the
apex hard and get as close as possible to it. After passing it, stay to the
right and get ready for the slowest section of the track. Full brake until you
get into 1st gear. Steer toward the left and aim for the apex. Coast for a
second or two and accelerate only after you've passed the apex or you'll fly
off the right side of the track. Once you're past the apex, stay to the right.
As you go slightly uphill, the track will curve to the right. Steer to the
middle then to the outer left part of the track as the track keeps curving
to the right. As the curve tightens up a bit, get to the right side of the
track. For the next left handed turn, full brake and downshift 2-3 gears.
Steer to the left and as soon as you pass the apex, full throttle your way out
steering to the right side of the track. As the next left turn comes up, full
brake for a quick second and coast toward the inside left. Keep coasting, and
as you pass the apex, apply medium to full throttle and exit your way out of
the turn staying on the right side of the track.
Up next is a long straight which curves a bit to the left. Stay on the right
and a medium left hander will come up must after passing the Sector 2 line.
Aim for the apex and full throttle your way through it and you'll end up on the
right side of the track. Steer to the left after that and get ready for the
chicane. Just as the small incline reaches its climax, brake early. Full
brake and downshift to 1st gear. Steer toward the apex and go over it a bit
as you apply medium throttle. Lift off the throttle for a quick second and full
throttle your way pass the next apex and end up on the right side of the track.
As soon as the track straightens out, it'll curve a bit to the right. Stay on
the inside, then steer to the left as you make your way onto the last straight
which will take you to the finish line.
===============================
BRAZIL, Carlos Pace
Circuit Length : 4.309km
===============================
|| Analysis ||
This track is short and has many connecting turns. The track surface is very
bumpy and the grip is not as great as the other tracks. There are several
steep elevation changes and setting up for the turns is a bit difficult.
|| Technical ||
Start off by accelerating away from the Start/Finish line. Unlike the other
tracks, this track is run counterclockwise, so stay on the right this time.
The first turn is a hard downhill left. Brake early and downshift to about
1st-2nd gear and coast toward the apex, getting as close to the wall as you
can. As you pass the apex and straighten the car out, apply medium, then full
throttle. Quickly steer to the right and go over the apex of the next right
hander. Stay near the middle of the track and as the track curves to the left,
slowly steer toward the left. As the track straightens out, get to the right.
At the end of the short straightaway, the track will curve downward toward the
left. Brake early for this turn. Full brake and downshift two gears before
steering to the left and coasting toward the apex. As soon as you hit the apex,
apply full throttle and go through the turn and end up on the right side of the
track. The track will curve a bit more to the left so stay on the left.
When this short straight ends, the track will go curve to the right and go
uphill. Full brake early for a quick second, then steer to the right, apply
full throttle and get as close to the apex as possible. As you pass the apex,
stay to the left and the track will go up some more. Just when you reach the
top of this incline, go toward the right and hit the apex just as you did a
moment ago. After passing the top of the uphill climb, get to the left quickly.
For the next set of turns, full brake and downshift to about 2nd gear. Get in
tight toward the right and aim for the apex, staying to the right side of the
track. After passing it, you should remain on the right and lift off the
throttle for a quick second before steering to the left and applying medium to
full throttle as you make your way around this left curve. Exit the curve on
the right side of the track then immediately steer to the left. Just as you get
to the left, immediately steer to the right. Position the car toward the apex
and drive full throttle straight through it as the track goes up a bit more.
As soon as you pass this apex, get to the left as much as possible while full
braking down into 1st gear. Steer to the right, aim for the apex and apply
medium throttle. After you've passed the apex, increase the throttle and head
to the right side of the track.
At this point, the track will curve to the left and go downhill. To negotiate
this turn, turn a little bit later than usual and steer toward the apex. The
car will slide a bit so it's a good idea to get the wheels on the left side
of the car onto the curbing for extra grip. As you exit this left hander, stay
to the right.
The final set of turns will be a medium hard left, to a long curving left. As
you're on the right side of the track, full brake and downshift a gear or two.
Steer and coast toward the apex. Just as you're about to pass the apex, apply
full throttle and you can exit the turn at maximum speed. You'll need to use
the extra curbing of the track on the right side after you've passed the
corner. Once you've passed this corner, stay on the right.
The track will then go uphill and slowly curve to the left. As you go up the
incline, start steering to the middle, then to the left. Just as the first
incline is about to end, get near the apex. This part gets bumpy and is tricky
to drive through smoothly. Most of the time the wheels will slip and you'll
lose a little bit of speed. After this incline, stay to the left. As the final
little left curve approaches, stay near the left wall. As the track straightens
out, remain straight. Stay as far left as possible without hitting the pit stop
wall. Keep going straight and get to the right side of the track. The finish
line is just up ahead.
_____________________________ _______
\________________________________________/ |
09. TIME ATTACK! LAP TIMES ________________________________________ (.27Z) |
_____________________________/ \_______|
As a quick reference, here are my current fastest lap times for each track.
All fastest lap times were achieved in Time Attack mode with 35/65 balance and
100% traction control. Vehicle used is the Williams-BMW.
The lap times listed are official. In the Time Attack mode, if you go off the
track and take a shortcut, the lap time will turn red, making it unofficial.
However, you have to be off the track a certain amount of time (usually about
2-3 seconds) before it actually turns red. This means, if you wanted, you can
take one or two shortcuts here and there to better your time. This is
especially true for chicanes. No shortcuts of any kind are taken for these
times.
If you're going to compare fast lap times, I would compare it to what you can
get in the Time Attack mode only. I've noticed that the times I can achieve
in the Career Mode are slightly quicker on some tracks.
---------------------------
AUSTRALIA, Albert Park
---------------------------
1:24.901 (S1) 28.750 (S2) 23.367 (S3) 32.784 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
MALAYSIA, Sepang
---------------------------
1:28.967 (S1) 21.916 (S2) 29.083 (S3) 37.967 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
BAHRAIN, Bahrain
---------------------------
1:31.217 (S1) 27.734 (S2) 40.299 (S3) 23.183 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
SAN MARINO, Imola
---------------------------
1:15.300 (S1) 16.700 (S2) 28.149 (S3) 30.450 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
SPAIN, Catalunya
---------------------------
1:14.166 (S1) 22.117 (S2) 30.382 (S3) 21.666 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
MONACO, Monte Carlo
---------------------------
1:10.616 (S1) 18.916 (S2) 20.700 (S3) 30.999 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
EUROPE, Nurburgring
---------------------------
1:26.067 (S1) 28.000 (S2) 36.384 (S3) 21.682 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
CANADA, Villenueve
---------------------------
1:07.666 (S1) 19.733 (S2) 22.250 (S3) 25.682 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
UNITED STATES, Indianapolis
---------------------------
1:08.317 (S1) 21.717 (S2) 25.483 (S3) 21.116 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
FRANCE, Nevers Magny Cours
---------------------------
1:11.000 (S1) 23.684 (S2) 25.399 (S3) 21.916 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
BRITAIN, Silverstone
---------------------------
1:18.033 (S1) 27.201 (S2) 31.500 (S3) 19.332 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
GERMANY, Hockenheimring
---------------------------
1:14.200 (S1) 16.816 (S2) 33.016 (S3) 24.367 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
HUNGARY, Hungaroring
---------------------------
1:13.384 (S1) 27.350 (S2) 25.282 (S3) 20.750 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
BELGIUM, Spa Francorchamps
---------------------------
1:40.951 (S1) 28.600 (S2) 45.750 (S3) 26.601 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
ITALY, Monza
---------------------------
1:21.033 (S1) 27.701 (S2) 27.066 (S3) 26.266 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
CHINA, Shanghai
---------------------------
1:32.416 (S1) 34.234 (S2) 34.215 (S3) 23.967 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
JAPAN, Suzuka
---------------------------
1:31.916 (S1) 31.784 (S2) 42.033 (S3) 18.099 Williams-BMW
---------------------------
BRAZIL, Carlos Pace
---------------------------
1:11.266 (S1) 17.617 (S2) 36.117 (S3) 17.532 Williams-BMW
_____________________________ _______
\________________________________________/ |
09. CREDITS ________________________________________ (.28Z) |
_____________________________/ \_______|
SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT and CERO for providing a great game for the
Playstation 2 gaming console.
FORMULA ONE, FORMULA 1, F1, and FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP for allowing
the makers of the game to make it as realistic and accurate as possible.
My brother, for purchasing this game for me in Japan while attending nearby
Shanghai for the first ever F1 Grand Prix race there.
Thay, for proofreading this FAQ.
www.GAMEFAQS.com and the other authorized website(s) listed in the "Legal &
Disclaimer" section for hosting this FAQ.
To the readers of this FAQ, thank you for taking the time to check out my FAQ.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, feel free to shoot me an
email. Please write the name of the game followed by "FAQ" in the subject line
or it may be ignored.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of FAQ