Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 Indianapolis Hot Lap Analysis
Let’s take a look at this hot lap of Imola in the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 driven by HYMO.
The Track
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home to the Indy GP, is an emblematic venue in the world of motorsport. Situated in Speedway, Indiana, it's a track steeped in racing history since its inception in 1909. The GP layout, designed primarily for open-wheel racing, measures 4.192 kilometres (2.605 miles) and includes parts of the famed oval combined with a challenging infield road course. This configuration introduces a blend of high-speed straights, tight turns, and complex sequences, demanding precision and versatility from drivers.
A signature event held at this iconic circuit is the IndyCar Grand Prix, an open-wheel race that transforms the venue into a battleground where precision driving is as crucial as outright speed. The 2005 United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was marred by controversy due to tyre safety issues. The Michelin tyres supplied to several teams were found to be unsuitable for the circuit's high-speed banked turn. Concerns about tyre safety led to all but three teams withdrawing from the race after the formation lap, resulting in only six cars competing. The event sparked significant discussions about tyre safety, team responsibilities, and regulations in Formula 1, leading to changes in the sport to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
Good news for you, 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 5. The community driver in this one misses their braking point slightly. They aim to fix the mistake by staying on the brakes for longer to try to make an apex. They manage to bring the car back to the apex but very late after going wide mid corner. This line has a lower minimum speed because of the sharp rotation mid corner. There is not even a gain on exit because of the positioning of the car when the throttle is applied. The overall time loss is 0.2s.
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
Kerb usage in racing is a nuanced aspect of track navigation. Kerbs can be used to shorten the racing line and maintain higher speeds through corners. However, their usage must be strategic and controlled. Excessive or aggressive use of kerbs can unsettle the car, leading to loss of grip or even damage to the suspension. The impact of kerbs varies significantly between tracks, cars and even between different corners on the same circuit. For example, at the Indianapolis GP layout, drivers must judiciously decide when to attack the kerbs, especially in the technical infield section, where precision can shave off crucial milliseconds without compromising the car's stability. Understanding the character and height of kerbs and integrating this into one's driving approach is a subtle yet impactful skill in both real-world and virtual racing environments.
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.