Mercedes AMG GT3 EVO Spa Hot Lap Analysis
Let’s take a look at this hot lap of Spa in the Mercedes AMG GT3 EVO driven by HYMO.
The Track
Spa-Francorchamps, commonly referred to as Spa, is one of the most revered and challenging race tracks in the world, located in the Ardennes region of Belgium. The circuit's origins date back to the early 1920s, making it one of the oldest in the world of motorsport. Spa is famed for its undulating and fast nature, with a mix of long straights and challenging corners spread over a 7.004-kilometre (4.352-mile) lap.
The track is home to one of the most famous corners in racing, Eau Rouge and Raidillon, a high-speed, uphill chicane that tests the courage and skill of drivers. Another highlight is the Blanchimont turn, a fast left-hander leading to the Bus Stop chicane, a crucial overtaking point.
Spa-Francorchamps is a regular feature in many racing disciplines, most notably hosting the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix and a key round in the GT World Challenge Europe. The track’s varied elevations and weather conditions make it a favourite among drivers and fans alike, offering a unique blend of historical prestige and technical challenge.
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 Turn 1 - La Source. In the example below we can observe the community driver getting their braking a little wrong. They brake too late which means they have to stay on the brakes for longer and delay their turn in. The reference is able to trailbrake to transfer the weight of the car smoothly whereas the community driver is forced to stay on the pedal hard to avoid running off track. As a result they have to rotate the car later and more sharply to get back on line after going wide. This impacts their minimum speed. Even though the straighter exit allows them to get better drive off the corner the damage has already been done and they lose a total of 0.2s through here.
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
Caster angle in GT3 racing and sim racing, such as in Assetto Corsa Competizione, is a critical aspect of suspension geometry, influencing the handling and stability of the car. It refers to the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the car. A positive caster angle, where the top of the steering axis tilts towards the rear of the car, offers several benefits. It enhances straight-line stability, improves cornering ability by increasing camber gain during steering, and provides a self-centring action of the steering wheel. However, too much caster can lead to heavier steering feel, which might be physically demanding over long races. In ACC, adjusting the caster angle affects how the car reacts to steering inputs and behaves in corners, requiring a balance to suit the driver's style and the specific demands of the track. A well-optimised caster setting is essential for achieving a responsive yet stable car, crucial in both real-world and virtual GT3 racing.
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.