2021 FIA Series Race Discussion

[avgracer41]

I really like open wheel cars and I do better when they are around. Did just one race, first slot, "door number 9". Half A/S, half B/S lobby. Took my newest Senketsu three stars uniform livery to give me lucky and worked like a charm.

Qualify:

A mess, a completely mess. Waited almost everyone to go but a guy made a really bad exit at last turn and I got stuck behind him. Bad first lap, overtook him in the main straight in the 2nd attempt, only to crash out from pressure of other guy which overtook him too. 14th, in the middle of a potential carnage. Let's go with reverse tyre strategy to make up some places.

Race:

Things went better in this time, but oh boy, what a carnage happened in first lap (sadly I was unable to record the replay due a bug). Right in the start a guy spun out and other went to the grass. I got two positions but lost one due a slow car which I wasn't able to avoid. At turn one, more kills, with three or four guys at gravel tap (one of then was the pole). I got caught in a fierce battle with three guys in the next corners, managing to overtake two of then, very cleaning despite the aggressiveness (I knew if I hold back I could be swallowed by the rest of the pack). At the beginning of lap two, I made a decisive move for 5th and opened a little gap. 14th to 5th in two laps, not bad!

From laps 2 to 10, I won another position from a guy which spun off twice and managed a 2s gap from the trulli train behind. After the pits (I refueled over the diamond to make sure I didn't need to save fuel), I don't know what happened, but the leader binned it and I found myself in 2nd, with the pole sitter storming behind to recover. I tried to hold him without losing too much time, but he made a smart dive inside, I managed a comeback in the following corners, but he passed me again in the main straight and opened a good gap (he even overtook the leader laps latter). Found myself in 3rd with a good gap to 4th. I just bring it home in the last laps, since my tyres prevented me of pursuing 2nd.

Overall, a pretty good race with almost no mistakes from myself. Started 14th, finished 3rd. 130 points. Open wheel, standing starts, pit strategy. I cannot ask for more.

 

[afc5150]

Doubt I'll go again, despite having good pace here.

Decided to go again in slot 4, and glad I did.

It all came down to using TC2 at the start and avoiding the T1 carnage. Smooth sailing from there in 2nd place.

Almost back to A DR, at 29.5K DR

 

[csmirnoff]

Sorry that I'll sound very negative, but I've just had my most frustrating FIA night ever, and what probably will be my final one. 😡

Had really good pace here, at least for my level, was just 1.1s off P1 on TT. Really like the X2019 and this combo in particular. Managed to win from pole last year in the final round of the 2020 season and pick my highest Nations Cup points to date (although it was the other way round, Sardegna A II)

CSA Slot 3. Split 2, qualified P6. The start was a mess... P2 doesn't move off the grid, P4 tries to avoid him left and spins, so I had no choice but to try to squeeze myself between P2 and the wall. Unfortunately, I tapped the wall and it spun me around. 7 or 8 cars facing the wrong way before T1... 🤦‍♂️

After lap 1, I was 19th, 16 secs off the lead. Made a good recovery, pitting from mediums to softs on lap 9 and finished in 8th place, 14 secs off the lead. Wondering what could have been...

CSA Slot 4. I get matched as door #18 in top split! Rank 1 is Martin Marza, who qualified for the World Series Showdown and was P1 on TT... Race was going to be tough I thought, if only there would have been one...

Since I didn't lose the points from the previous race or any DR, I think the whole lobby crashed...

CSA Slot 5, again in top split, although a weak one, only worth 259 points (which I'm sure its low for a top split, but very high for me). Qualified a solid P8, happy considering the strength of the field, mostly A+ rated drivers.

Good start off the line this time, but I ended up in the gravel in T1... down to last place again.

And when I was trying to start recovering, this happened... I passed a Brazilian when he spun on the quick left hander, he went for move into T1 by pushing me off the track. Had to lift to avoid running off. And when I was passing him again the next lap, he crashed me on purpose into the pitlane! 🤬😤



I absolutely have no words for what this guy did. That was lap 3, so I had no choice but to convert to a 2-stop, as there was no way I could make softs last 17 laps. Obviously, the rest of the race was completely irrelevant as I finished 17th for completely useless points.

Today I definitely had the pace to win that 2nd split race or get a really solid result in that top split one... Since I'm yet to score any decent result in this Nations Cup season and I was only going to race 2 or 3 of the remaining rounds, I absolutely needed good points today. So I have decided not to continue racing the Nations Cup this season. Might finish the Manufacturers Series, but I'm not sure, it might have also been my final GTS race.

 

[C_Raccoon23]

NA Slot 1, A/S Lobby, 187 points, Door #2

I didn't get my hopes up too high going into this round, given how volatile it can be. I was joined in the lobby with @KosmoKazi and @watto79 and no known troublesome characters, so that was a good first sign. Deciding it was best to avoid slipstream in qualifying, I managed to start in 3rd and kept the Softs on.

Got a nice start off the line and surprisingly, got through T1 unscathed. I momentarily dropped to 4th but the driver in first suddenly lost control and spun out, putting me back in 3rd. When things finally settled, I had a nice gap from the rest of the pack and it only got bigger as the race went on. I gained 2nd on lap 4 when the new leader of the race spun out at the fast left hander before the final corner.

At this point, I wasn't too far behind 1st and I short shifted whenever I was in their slipstream to fuel save without losing pace. Hoping to get an undercut, I went into the pits on lap 10, and switched to Mediums and refueled. Came out in 6th with no cars in sight behind me. I was back in 2nd when the four drivers ahead pitted. 1st finally pits at the end of lap 12 and I fly past, having a 3+ second gap for nearly the rest of the race. 2nd was starting to catch up, closing the gap to 2+ seconds by lap 19, but by then it was too late for it to matter.

With how easy it is for things to go wrong in this combination, I'm almost stunned by how well this race went for me: got through the first lap incident free, had zero pressure from behind the whole time, and got my first FIA win in well over a year. I don't see a future race going in my favor to this degree ever again, so I'll definitely savor this victory.

 

[KosmoKazi]

NA Slot 1, A/S Lobby, 187 points, Door #2

I didn't get my hopes up too high going into this round, given how volatile it can be. I was joined in the lobby with @KosmoKazi and @watto79 and no known troublesome characters, so that was a good first sign. Deciding it was best to avoid slipstream in qualifying, I managed to start in 3rd and kept the Softs on.

Got a nice start off the line and surprisingly, got through T1 unscathed. I momentarily dropped to 4th but the driver in first suddenly lost control and spun out, putting me back in 3rd. When things finally settled, I had a nice gap from the rest of the pack and it only got bigger as the race went on. I gained 2nd when the new leader of the race spun out at the fast left hander before the final corner.

At this point, I wasn't too far behind 1st and I short shifted whenever I was in their slipstream to fuel save without losing pace. Hoping to get an undercut, I went into the pits on lap 10, and switched to Mediums and refueled. Came out in 6th with no cars in sight behind me. I was back in 2nd when the four drivers ahead pitted. 1st finally pits on at the end of lap 12 and I fly past, having a 3+ second gap for nearly the rest of the race. 2nd was starting to catch up, closing the gap to 2+ seconds by lap 19, but by then it was too late for it to matter.

With how easy it is for things to go wrong in this combination, I'm almost stunned by how well this race went for me: got through the first lap incident free, had zero pressure from behind the whole time, and got my first FIA win in well over a year. I don't see a future race going in my favor to this degree ever again, so I'll definitely savor this victory.

Was so fun to run up front together in this race. Wish I could have been just a touch quicker to share a podium with you but I think 4th was the best I was going to get from it, even though my lap times were pretty close to yours, it was just that much of a difference in pace that I couldn’t keep up with the first three of you. Well done and thanks for sharing the practice lobby before the race. That and the 15 minutes FP session after entering was all I practiced today, after 10 laps earlier in the week!

 

[D_Dragline]

HOOOOLY SNAPS! PD HAVE been reading this site. I'm choosing one of my birth year('71) cars. Probably the 365.
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This is going to be a bit of fun, but it will also expose those who simply pick cars based on the leaderboard. It looks likely the 88 Supra will be meta in FP, but I don’t think it will be a good choice for the race.

 

[FractalSalt]

This week marks my first attempt at participating in the Nations Cup.

I was only able to finish a single race, because the x2019 is made entirely out of bees, but I did indeed finish the race.

I am now the 20th ranked Nations Cup driver in the state of Nevada.

 

[Seth_Logan]

Ah yes Tokyo, I should have had a top 3 there. Had my lap time and strat nailed for that race. Oh well Will give DT a practice and see if I can get a good enough strat. I just hate those 3 left handers. Can never get through them consistently.

Had a go at free practice for BMB this morning and have got a 1:06.9 so far so not sure how that will fair at my level. Will try and get into a lobby to practice next week. If you’re in my lobby then I’m sure one of us will have a accident as usual to ruin it

Remember me saying something in the lines of next week’s dragon is going to be reminiscent of Tokyo? Scratch that... Nothing like it at all. Sure... Some manu's have to do some heavy fuel saving to make it to the first stop at 9 laps, but there are plenty of cars (Atenza, Ferrari, Porsche) that do that without too much trouble. So unlike last season’s Tokyo where ALL brands had the choice between going all out and be forced to do two stops or save and just one stop. This combo only has that danger to half the field (where they are forced on a two stop). Combine that with a mandatory tyre change and it stops being Tokyo all together.

And then there is the track. From looking at the leader board it seems that MR cars have a huge advantage here. And the way my Jaaag DOESN'T seem to want to turn that's a sure sign of what's to come. And don't even mention the Hard tyre...

Nope. probably sitting this one out and watch @OJBrit take the lead for a little while longer. That reminds me...

You've gotten quick. I consider you and another member here my direct rivals. You both are now leaving me behind on the horizon and I cannot do anything about it. Well done.

On the 9th of june you mentioned, to Norin Radd, you had two direct rivals. I was wondering who that second person was. Could that be lill' ol' me you were thinking of back then?

Probably just a coincidence, but i've noticed the Brands race is the same weekend that the GT World Challenge Europe is at Brands Hatch (which i will be attending as usual, with it being my local track living 15 min drive from there! Think i say that every year )

There was an incident this year I believe, was there not? Jimmy Broadbent mentioned something horrible had happend.

 

[Erebus_9]

There was an incident this year I believe, was there not? Jimmy Broadbent mentioned something horrible had happend.

I believe there was a death of a marshal?

 

[Raptor013]

I believe there was a death of a marshal?

Yeah, one of the people I know who works with the media team for the Asian LeMans Series mentioned as much.

It's always a sad time when a driver/rider gets seriously hurt or worse during a race weekend. And even more so I feel when a marshal is involved. Without them, we can't go racing.

 

[Famine]

There was an incident this year I believe, was there not? Jimmy Broadbent mentioned something horrible had happend.

I believe there was a death of a marshal?

Yes, literally last weekend. A collision just before the braking point for turn one led to one of the cars spearing off to the outside, into and up over the fencing, and it rolled over a marshal post. The marshal killed was Robert Foote.

 

[OJBrit]

On the 9th of june you mentioned, to Norin Radd, you had two direct rivals. I was wondering who that second person was. Could that be lill' ol' me you were thinking of back then?

You were one yes.

 

[Roman_GT23]

This about sums up my one and only slot last night. I was definitely fish out of water (especially in top split) #nextroundplease

 

[FractalSalt]

I have until Saturday to test drive all 24 cars for the upcoming Nations Cup Oval-pa-looza.

i am assuming that the '88 Supra is the car to beat.

 

[barak181]

I have until Saturday to test drive all 24 cars for the upcoming Nations Cup Oval-pa-looza.

i am assuming that the '88 Supra is the car to beat.

Hard to say right now. While it is all about top speed, it's also about how much more speed it can gain while in the slipstream. Every car tops out at some point there.

 

[xxPinkyKissxx]

Remember me saying something in the lines of next week’s dragon is going to be reminiscent of Tokyo? Scratch that... Nothing like it at all. Sure... Some manu's have to do some heavy fuel saving to make it to the first stop at 9 laps, but there are plenty of cars (Atenza, Ferrari, Porsche) that do that without too much trouble. So unlike last season’s Tokyo where ALL brands had the choice between going all out and be forced to do two stops or save and just one stop. This combo only has that danger to half the field (where they are forced on a two stop). Combine that with a mandatory tyre change and it stops being Tokyo all together.

And then there is the track. From looking at the leader board it seems that MR cars have a huge advantage here. And the way my Jaaag DOESN'T seem to want to turn that's a sure sign of what's to come. And don't even mention the Hard tyre...

Nope. probably sitting this one out and watch @OJBrit take the lead for a little while longer. That reminds me...


On the 9th of june you mentioned, to Norin Radd, you had two direct rivals. I was wondering who that second person was. Could that be lill' ol' me you were thinking of back then?


There was an incident this year I believe, was there not? Jimmy Broadbent mentioned something horrible had happend.

Yeah I had another little look at DTG and it’s just too much hassle in the Vette so going to skip. Dislike the track anyway so not missing out. Set up nicely for those in MRs with good fuel and tire wear. RIP to those who attempt in an FR!

Yes others have answered what happened and Brands last week. My sons friend was stood right by where it happened and saw the whole thing and was pretty shaken up. Very sad 😔

 

[Norrin Radd]

Yeah I had another little look at DTG and it’s just too much hassle in the Vette so going to skip. Dislike the track anyway so not missing out. Set up nicely for those in MRs with good fuel and tire wear. RIP to those who attempt in an FR!

Yeah I hate DTG and I think I'll be parking the Aston up too. I do like Brands Hatch though so something to look forward to, pity I'm not the best at it.

 

[D_Dragline]

I have until Saturday to test drive all 24 cars for the upcoming Nations Cup Oval-pa-looza.

i am assuming that the '88 Supra is the car to beat.

The 88 Supra is quicker in FP because its cruising speed in clean air is slightly higher than the other available cars. In-race this will be negated by slipstream. It is also almost topped out coming down the hill with no slip. IMO there are much better options for the race. I think you are looking for something that a) gets to top speed relatively quickly, b) has a good top speed without slip and c) has plenty of gearing left for higher speed in slip. Most of these cars will be pretty evenly matched, but there are a couple of likely standouts to me. It's going to be quite difficult to do any proper testing with slipstream though.

 

[KosmoKazi]

This about sums up my one and only slot last night. I was definitely fish out of water (especially in top split) #nextroundplease

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No way, man! I would like to thank Adrian Newey for another stroke of genius with that car! So fun to race. I have a diecast of the original 2014 version. It’s gorgeous.

 

[05XR8]

In regards to next Nations:
Plus the final drive for acceleration. It helps if the car has the legs, but others will pull away if they can accelerate quicker in the top gear. For a six speed transmission, sometimes fifth gear works better. Have only tried the Crown, 930, E-type, A70, 365, Mach 1 and Pantera. All of those can hit 200mph at the bottom of the downhill.
The 365 holds 197mph longer than the other cars and then holds 195mph(with 1000rpm to go, 8000rpm redline). Through the banking, drops to 191mph and builds up to 195mph on the back straight. Drops to 191mph again on the final banking. I've set my fastest time in it.
The 365 did me proud at the Tsukuba round. Should do well at this round. However, not really look good for me in connecting at recent events.

 

[D_Dragline]

In regards to next Nations:
Plus the final drive for acceleration. It helps if the car has the legs, but others will pull away if they can accelerate quicker in the top gear. For a six speed transmission, sometimes fifth gear works better. Have only tried the Crown, 930, E-type, A70, 365, Mach 1 and Pantera. All of those can hit 200mph at the bottom of the downhill.
The 365 holds 197mph longer than the other cars and then holds 195mph(with 1000rpm to go, 8000rpm redline). Through the banking, drops to 191mph and builds up to 195mph on the back straight. Drops to 191mph again on the final banking. I've set my fastest time in it.
The 365 did me proud at the Tsukuba round. Should do well at this round. However, not really look good for me in connecting at recent events.

I've tested the 3 Supras, both RX7s, R32, 993, Pantera, M3, Golf and Athlete. So far, out of these, I'm likely to run the R32. It accelerates well, hits 323 kmh at the bottom of the hill and still has 50% of the power bar left when it does. Next best is probably the 993.

Of those not tested I suspect the Fugu, 365 and Mach 1 Mustang might be viable.

Edit: I may or may not have excluded the car I actually think will be best

 

[MidnightRun85]

I took a few days off to go away for a lads weekend, now back and thinking I might have to do some practice for this week's manu race. I've not taken the Jag around DTG before, hoping for reasonable pace with it there though.

What's a good practice lap time there?

 

[MCL1974]

I took a few days off to go away for a lads weekend, now back and thinking I might have to do some practice for this week's manu race. I've not taken the Jag around DTG before, hoping for reasonable pace with it there though.

What's a good practice lap time there?

Depends on your level; I am midd B and best I did is a 1.38.3 in free practice and best lap in a race-simulation is a 1.40.2. But if that is any good? don't know....(so my answer might not be of any use to you)

 

[Seth_Logan]

I'm following @Mistah_MCA 's 3rd strategy for this one. Surprised it's so viable it's actually in the guide. Must be a first time.

 

[MCL1974]

I'm following @Mistah_MCA 's 3rd strategy for this one. Surprised it's so viable it's actually in the guide. Must be a first time.

Mistah's guide made me laugh, and it is a wise advise, but gonna ignore it anyway, just for fun.

Edit: and to Mistah: thanks for the awesome guides; they are fun and helpfull. I really appreciate it!

But why on earth is Seth Logan skipping this round; you are and fast and good at fuel saving!?
The grid might will be filled by FF cars and Nissans that have high tyre wear, and Chevrolets and other fuel guzzlers so think you would have a chance of a good result?

 

[Raptor013]

I'm following @Mistah_MCA 's 3rd strategy for this one. Surprised it's so viable it's actually in the guide. Must be a first time.

I'll probably give this one a shot.

The Evo is almost as bad as a FWD when it comes to tyre wear on the fronts, but is reasonable on fuel (was able to do Tokyo last season without fuel saving) and I generally have good pace on this variation of Gardens.

 

[Norrin Radd]

I'm following @Mistah_MCA 's 3rd strategy for this one. Surprised it's so viable it's actually in the guide. Must be a first time.

Well I was thinking of watching Castelvania or maybe rewatch Steins Gate

 

[MidnightRun85]

Depends on your level; I am midd B and best I did is a 1.38.3 in free practice and best lap in a race-simulation is a 1.40.2. But if that is any good? don't know....(so my answer might not be of any use to you)

I'm also mid-B, so I'll aim for roughly mid 38's in FP and see how I go!

 

[Jim_bilzerian]

Hard to say right now. While it is all about top speed, it's also about how much more speed it can gain while in the slipstream. Every car tops out at some point there.

I remember the last special stage x race and everybody thought the supra was best but it turned out the best car in the slip was the lambo

 

[MCL1974]

I'm also mid-B, so I'll aim for roughly mid 38's in FP and see how I go!

I checked GT blade, and these are the current averages, from B perspective: