Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 Imola Hot Lap Analysis

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

The Track

Imola, officially known as the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, is a circuit renowned for its technical complexity and historic significance. Located near Bologna, Italy, the track was established in the 1950s and has since become a revered battleground in motorsport. Spanning 4.909 kilometres with 19 demanding turns, Imola is known for its combination of high-speed straights, challenging chicanes, and rapid changes in elevation, particularly accentuated in sectors like the Variante Alta.

A notable event hosted by Imola is the Formula 1 San Marino Grand Prix, which has seen numerous memorable races, often characterised by strategic depth and intense on-track battles. The circuit's layout, requiring precise braking and swift direction changes, provides a stern test for drivers and teams alike.

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

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Analysis

The analysis below uses the Track Titan platform to compare a HYMO reference hotlap in blue to one of the Track Titan community drivers through Segment 4, the hairpin that caught even Lewis Hamilton out in 2021. Two different lines are in play through this section. The community driver, whether deliberate or by accident, opts for a late apex line. This line puts them wide on the way into the corner but actually helps their exit by allowing earlier throttle application. The time lost on entry far exceeds what they are able to scrape back on the exit so the net result is about 0.17s of lap time loss. A more balanced line that favours minimum speed seems to be preferred here.

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

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Sim Racing Top Tips

In the context of vehicle dynamics, the yaw moment of inertia plays a critical role, particularly in high-performance GT3 cars. It refers to the car's resistance to change in rotational direction around its vertical axis. A car with a lower yaw moment of inertia can change direction more rapidly, which is beneficial in quick, successive turns or chicanes like those at Imola. However, this can also make the car feel more twitchy or unstable, especially at high speeds.

Balancing the yaw moment of inertia involves careful consideration of the car's weight distribution and the positioning of mass within the chassis. Components like the engine, gearbox, and even the driver are strategically placed to achieve an optimal yaw moment of inertia, enhancing the car's agility and responsiveness. In sim racing games like Assetto Corsa Competizione, these dynamics are meticulously simulated, allowing players to experience the intricate balance of vehicle dynamics that real-world drivers manage at legendary tracks like Imola.

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

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

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