BMW M4 GT3 Zolder HYMO Hot Lap Analysis

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Let’s take a look at this hot lap of Zolder in the BMW M4 GT3 driven by HYMO.

The Track

Circuit Zolder, nestled in Belgium, is a technically demanding race track, famous for its tight turns, intricate chicanes, and brief straights. This layout requires meticulous precision and skill from drivers. A notable venue in GT3 racing and former host of the Belgian Grand Prix, Zolder is characterised by its mix of swift sections and stringent braking zones, offering a dynamic and challenging experience for drivers who relish mastering complex circuits. The circuit is relatively short, approximately 4 km in length, featuring a mix of 10 turns. Interestingly, Zolder has a strong connection to cycling, having hosted the UCI Road World Championships and Cyclo-cross World Championships.

To help you out, 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 7. The community driver approaches the chicane with too much speed. They brake later than the reference and begin to get ahead in the diff to ref graph. This is usually a sign that something is about to go wrong. You'll do well to beat the HYMO experts! The fast entry means they have to hold onto the brakes further into the chicane to prevent them missing the corner. They drift out a bit wide as a result as the front tyres are at capacity still trying to slow the car down. This leaves the community driver with a tighter line to navigate the second phase of the chicane, destroying their speed. They lose 0.15s 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

Engine braking is a technique where a vehicle is slowed down without using foot brakes, instead relying on the engine's resistance. When the driver lifts off the accelerator, the reduced engine power and created vacuum slow down the vehicle. Key points include:

1. Mechanism: Lifting off the throttle closes the throttle valve, causing the engine to run on less/no power and resist the drivetrain's rotation through friction and pumping forces. Thus, the higher the rpm, the higher the deceleration rate.
2. Advantages: It prolongs brake life, offers better control on declines or slippery surfaces, and helps in stabilising the vehicle during corner entry.
3. Use in Racing: In GT3 racing and sim racing, like Assetto Corsa Competizione, engine braking is used for cornering and car stabilisation.
4. Engine Impact: Regular use is typically not harmful to modern engines so long as it is below the engine rev limit.
5. Efficiency and Control: It contributes to efficient driving and enhanced vehicle control.

Don't know where to improve? 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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