They're simply faster there. But I didn't lose places on the straights. I lost them in the last two corners. They could simply dive-bomb the corners with no regard and make it stick every time.
I think it might have something to do with the AI not being held within the same physics constraints "we" are.
With the AI at 100%, I could run very, very similar lap times to them. I even got P1 in qualifying for both races, but they could always, always out-brake me at the final hairpin.
I was able to block and finish 3rd for the first race, remarkably. But the second race, I lost a spot in the pit cycle and was never able to recover. I ended up 8th just trying to push as hard as I could. If I did not have at least a second gap going down the straight, they were able to pass me with ease.
I would actually love to hear from someone who is able to hang with the AI there during a race. For me, with the AI at 100%, it is impossible.