Becoming a better driver

[Frizbe]

I'd like to everyone's opinion on how I can become a better driver. I have access to GT5, Forza 4, and iRacing, I am thinking each one has its own strengths GT5 has the licence tests, which may or may not be worth it, Forza has a better track selection where you can learn the differences in say driving for Sebring vs. Laguna Seca. iRacing has the better physics but is a little more limited in the teaching aspects. Does anyone have any suggestions on books? I have watched a few videos but I feel like I am not getting the most out of my driving and just can't figure out where to go from here. Thanks for any input. Oh yeah I drive with a Fanatec Turbo S and use the 6-Speed when appropriate.

 

[hennessey86]

Practice, practice and more practice

 

[Wiggs]

Practice, practice and more practice

^^^This. I've also found it helps me if I watch some of the top leaderboard replays to learn optimal lines and brake points. I still struggle a bit with R class cars, but that's my own fault for sticking almost exclusively to the lower and middle classes.

 

[Im_Lukas]

I know there is a real good guide somewhere on the internet and it's been linked to from GTP multiple times but I can't find it at the moment, if I do I'll link to it in this thread.

Anyway, practice and watching replays as said above will help a lot but watching the replays of the top guys and trying to brake as late as them or get on the power as early will likely result in a crash or spin. The most important thing is to stick to the racing line to straighten out the corners and if you are heading in to a complex such as the Suzuka esses you want to sacrifice speed through one of the bends to optimise your speed coming out of the last one. Someone putting in 80% effort and sticking to the racing line will almost always beat someone who is pushing 100% and can't hit a single apex. I'll see if I can find that guide.

 

[viper2788]

^^^This. I've also found it helps me if I watch some of the top leaderboard replays to learn optimal lines and brake points. I still struggle a bit with R class cars, but that's my own fault for sticking almost exclusively to the lower and middle classes.

Also, I feel like I learn from watching formula 1 races... I've watched Vettel's pole lap last year(many times) and my time on Suzuka has definately improved!

Anyway, practice is the best way to learn. Tracks like Road Atlanta use to really trouble me through a few corners until I'd see how others take em while racing online... watch and learn.

 

[imported_eSZee]

I'd like to everyone's opinion on how I can become a better driver.

Do rivals events or follow ghosts wherever possible. Set a base lap, just you doing some hot laps on a track. Then look for a ghost a second faster, 2 seconds faster, whatever works for you. Follow him and see what he does differently than you.
You'll notice pretty quickly that you brake a lot more and a lot harder than the faster players. That's what I noticed at least. A lot of the times when just a short stab at the brake was needed, I would hold it an extra second or two. In the end, it all adds up.

 

[Wiggs]

Do rivals events or follow ghosts wherever possible. Set a base lap, just you doing some hot laps on a track. Then look for a ghost a second faster, 2 seconds faster, whatever works for you. Follow him and see what he does differently than you.
You'll notice pretty quickly that you brake a lot more and a lot harder than the faster players. That's what I noticed at least. A lot of the times when just a short stab at the brake was needed, I would hold it an extra second or two. In the end, it all adds up.

This is a good way to get faster and earn lots of credits at the same time. 👍