Pre-patch I started doing laps 5 and 9 for pitting. But that was because I was focused on beating my FL time. First pit just tires and fuel and tires second pit. Fuel consumption is slightly improved post-patch (2-races only) because 1.19 I'd fuel end lap 9 and would have like 0.4-0.6 laps left. 1.20 I have 1.4-1.6 laps left when fueling.
I hate the new damage though! They did 3-major changes to it. Assigned damage prob 5x more sensitive. Made damage effect your handling MUCH more pronounced (erratic/jerky pulling whereas before you could easily compensate for the pull) and to top it all off, the make the damage last twice as long (feels like it I haven't tested or measured it). Ok, so all that being said, ok, you know what, I could drive better and be more precise, right? SIKE! They went ahead and made the car understeer at high speeds (speaking about you sweeping right hander at the 2nd overpass after the 1st s-turn!)