Discussion

Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 Brands Hatch Hot Lap Analysis

Let’s take a look at this hot lap of Brands Hatch in the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 driven by HYMO.


The Track

Brands Hatch, situated in Kent, England, stands as a circuit steeped in motorsport heritage. Originally used as a dirt track for motorcycle racing, the circuit was paved in 1950, evolving into one of the UK's premier racing venues. With its GP layout stretching 3.908 kilometres and featuring 9 turns, and the shorter Indy layout at 1.929 kilometres with 6 turns, Brands Hatch is known for its undulating terrain, challenging corners, and high-speed straights, all demanding precision and bravery from drivers.

The circuit has hosted numerous historic events, but the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) remains one of the standout spectacles at Brands Hatch. The BTCC races, particularly the season finale on the GP circuit, bring intense, door-to-door racing action, drawing crowds and showcasing the circuit's ability to deliver thrilling motorsport drama.

Thankfully, the HYMO setup used in this hot lap video is available for you to try HERE.

Analysis

The analysis below uses the Track Titan platform to compare a HYMO reference hotlap in blue to one of the Track Titan community drivers through Segment 6. The telemetry reveals the consequences of braking just a fraction too late into a high-speed corner. Since the entry speed is so fast, a delay of a fraction of a second can put you a long way down the track past the ideal braking point. This causes the community driver to miss the apex by a long way. In order to stay on track they have to delay their throttle application and really wait for the minimum speed to come down. This has a massive impact on their exit speed and adds up to nearly 0.5s on exit.

You can analyse every other turn in the Track Titan platform; see reference lap here.
You can also take it to the next level and compare it against your own driving, just sign up to Track Titan for FREE today here.

Sim Racing Top Tips

In the world of sim racing, engaging with platforms like Assetto Corsa Competizione requires adherence to certain dos and don'ts to ensure a positive and competitive experience:

Dos:

  1. Practice Regularly: Familiarise yourself with different tracks and cars. Consistent practice enhances your understanding of racing lines, braking points, and car behaviour.
  2. Fine-Tune Setups: Experiment with car setups to find the optimal balance for each track. Adjustments to tyre pressures, suspension settings, and aerodynamics can significantly impact performance.
  3. Learn from Others: Watch replays of faster drivers or join racing communities. Observing and discussing strategies can provide valuable insights and improve your skills.
  4. Stay Patient: Progress in sim racing takes time. Focus on improving your consistency and lap times gradually, rather than pushing too hard too quickly.

Don'ts:

  1. Avoid Aggressive Driving: Overly aggressive manoeuvres can lead to accidents and penalties. Respect other drivers' space and race cleanly.
  2. Don't Ignore Track Limits: Regularly exceeding track limits can result in lap time invalidations and penalties. Learn to stay within the boundaries while still pushing the limits of speed.
  3. Don't Neglect Car Maintenance: In longer races, managing tyre wear and fuel is crucial. Ignoring these aspects can lead to unexpected pit stops and loss of positions.
  4. Avoid Getting Discouraged: Every racer has off days, and not every race will go as planned. Learn from mistakes and view them as opportunities to improve.

Don't know what you can do to go faster? Use the HYMO hotlap to find out.

To see full lap analysis of your own driving, you can sign up to Track Titan for FREE today here.