Anyone in professional motorsport knows that the best way to improve your lap time is to become familiar with the circuit. But track time can be expensive, and sometimes drivers do not have enough time to get familiar with anew circuit.
That said, there are ways to overcome these limitations with efficiency. Before that, though, there are factors about the track which need to be studied and kept in mind.
The very first part of understanding a new track is to know every detail about it even before you drive on it. You need to remember the following things when you first examine the track on foot.
Check if the surface of the circuit changes, which will result in the grip levels and elevation changing. This means that if there are any changes to surface of the asphalt or bumps on the racing line, you may have to adopt a slightly uncharacteristic line through the corner to maximise lap time.
Elevation also determines what part of the corner you should optimise on you’re approach. For example, If the exit goes up hill, you should look to make the most of your exit so adopting a 'slow in, fast out' approach works well in this instance.
Look out for brake markers throughout the lap or any other landmarks that could be used as braking references.
Check the elevation shift between the left and right sides of the circuit. As with the bumps and elevation, positive/negative camber will result In different lines.
Curbs and ripple strips can also significantly alter lines, brake markers and approach. Some curbs help the cars/karts rotate in the middle of the corner. Where as others can be detrimental.
Ripple strips can also help on corner entry/exit, however always make sure you pay attention to see if they penalise you for taking too much!
Once you take in all of these details, you can start getting familiar with the new track and work towards improving your performance on the circuit.
When you’ve gone through the race track and reviewed all of the above points during your track walk, it is time to consider doing the following things to improve your performance.
Locate a circuit map for the new track and use it to examine in detail to consider the braking references, lines, and curbs from the driver’s point-of-view. Most tracks will will have a basic layout map on their website, or you could simply use Google Maps to look at the overall layout.
Using this information will help you understand the progression of the track, including the corners and the racing line. All of which you can use before you drive on it the first time and also review after your first session to record notes for later.
There are many online resources providing valuable information about different race circuits - YouTube being a great one. Reviewing onboard video footage and study how other drivers approach the track, can be a valuable tool as you develop your own approach. Just remember that not everyone who uploads a racing video has the best technique.
Look for videos that explore the same circuit from different kinds of drivers using different types of cars. Once you’ve made the list, try to do the following:
● Watch the videos from the start of the lap to the finish. This will help you with understanding the circuit, especially from the driver’s perspective.
● Check the racing lines, the distance along the curbs, and the exit curbs that the drivers use.
● Check where on the track the driver brakes, to use as a future reference.
● Estimate the speed the drivers use when rounding corners. Take note of the gear the driver is using.
Write down all of this information and try to memorise it before your first session or even before you use a simulator. You may find that a particular driver’s approach does not work for you, so remember that the video is only a guide.
Watching a video can help, but watching real cars on the real circuit can give you a better perspective. Go to the track and try to see the race up close. You could then create a mental map of the size of the track, plus see how drivers perform in the areas which you think could be an issue for you.
Then you could review your notes on your video reference to see which points could work for you in terms of lines, overtaking opportunities, marshal posts and pit entry/exit.
But the best and safest way to improve your speed on an unfamiliar track is to use a simulator. Simulators help you review and drive the track using different techniques, experimenting and finding what best suits you and your style. A simulator allows you to push the limits of a new track without the consequences or racking up costs of practicing on the actual track.
Professional simulators these days offer very accurate representation of the actual circuits. With most circuits being laser scanned so that they can include every landmark, bump and corner that a driver would need to consider when driving on the real thing.
Companies like Focus Driver Performance are helping drivers improve their performance using simulators that use real-life telemetry to ensure that what is practiced in the simulator translates into real life experiences. For example, muscle memory.
Videos and circuit guides are at best a theoretical approach to driving the circuit, whilst the simulator translates practice into practical experience. When you get onto the real track, your mind and body will be ready. They will have done this before, albeit in the simulator.
Once you’ve spent enough time on the simulator, it’s time to practice on the actual circuit.
It’s best to gradually build up your pace as you practice and familiarise yourself with the track. Your first run does not have to secure yourself pole position (ideally!). Use the first run to test everything you’ve learned previously, and make adjustments where they are needed.
Driving a race car takes an athlete’s full focus and agility. It also requires patience and persistence.
Even while training, these qualities are needed to improve muscle memory and concentration so you can minimise the time it takes you to get up to speed on a new circuit.
Tools such as racing simulators and following a clear pre-racing strategy can make the process easier and more efficient so you can maximiser your performance on track.