Ferrari 296 GT3 Zolder Hot Lap Analysis

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Let’s take a look at this hot lap of Zolder in the Ferrari 296 GT3 driven by HYMO.

The Track

Circuit Zolder, also known as Circuit Terlaemen, is situated in the Belgian province of Limburg. It's a track with a storied past, having opened in the early 1960s. The circuit spans 4.011 kilometres and features a layout that combines tight chicanes, medium-speed corners, and short straights, demanding a high degree of technical skill and precision from drivers.

Zolder has played host to a wide array of motorsport events, but it's perhaps best known for the 24 Hours of Zolder. This endurance race is a test of durability, strategy, and consistency, drawing teams and drivers to push their limits through day and night, navigating the circuit's challenging layout under varying conditions.

Thankfully, 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 the chicane in Segment 7. Here we see the importance of threading the needle through chicanes. You can see from the telemetry that the community driver takes a little too much speed in which leaves them a little wide after the first part. They then have to deal with the consequences of a tighter line through the next left. It leaves them going even wider on the exit and makes the final right even tighter - compounding the mistake. By getting the car properly slowed, the reference is able to get a more balanced and direct line as well as being able to pick up a part throttle base to carry minimum speed through the whole section. As a result the reference is better by 0.3s through the whole segment.

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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 GT3 racing, the role of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is paramount. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during intense braking, allowing drivers to maintain control and steer effectively. This system is particularly beneficial in GT3 cars, which often approach corners at high speeds and require precise braking to navigate effectively. ABS works by automatically modulating brake pressure when it detects that a wheel is about to lock, ensuring that the tyre maintains some level of rotation and grip.

The sophistication of ABS systems in GT3 cars allows drivers to brake later and harder, pushing the limits of the car's braking capabilities and, in many cases, contributing to faster lap times. However, relying too heavily on ABS can lead to increased brake wear and potentially slower corner entry speeds as threshold braking is better than letting the ABS have full control. Therefore, drivers must find the right balance in using ABS, combining it with their skill and understanding of the car's behaviour to optimise performance, especially on a technical circuit like Zolder. In sim racing platforms like Assetto Corsa Competizione, the ABS feature is modelled realistically, providing players with an authentic and engaging driving experience.

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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