Do you like how Qualifying has been implemented?

[SnowLeopard]

I guess the way Qualifying is done for the Daily Races is okay... using a quali time set at some point in the past.
I do hope Qualifying for the other Sports Mode competitions (FIA Cups) work differently though -- have it like in real racing where you must qualify against the drivers you will be racing against. The match-making can use previous quali times to group people together appropriately, as it does now, but I feel we should have to qualify under pressure, when it truly counts.

I could spend an afternoon and evening doing quali laps gaining a thousandth or two here and there, but that it is far from the pressure of having to put in a good time within a limited time period and by dealing with other cars on track.

 

[Shottah072]

The series ive run at iracing had you do 2 timed laps before every race to qualify. Id like that better. Qualifying under pressure is a skill that currently is not needed in GTS. Everyone can run 100 qualy laps to scrape of tenths, hundreths or thousands off their time. But havin to put it together in just 1 or 2 attempts takes a different skill set and aproach thats more realistic imo.

 

[R3LF1313]

I like your idea of qualifying against your race comp., but i think at the very least you should have to re-qualify each time you enter. 15-20 minutes of qualifying would be a decent amount of time without being too much.

Today I had a thought about having a qualifying session with cars on track together to make it more realistic. It wouldn't work because it would most likely lead to griefing and being abused, but with the right group of people it would be fun and interesting- interject some additional strategy and racecraft.

 

[VFOURMAX1]

I think for most people from a time standpoint or someone who wants to run a lot of races during the same daily event doing just the qualifying in advance is okay. The one thing I would like to see them do is make your official qualifying time be an average of your BEST 3 BACK TO BACK laps to determine your best qualifying time.

Doing qualifying this way would actually better match drivers and what the realistic pace they can run across a race type distance together for the races.

Like has been said earlier it is possible for anyone trying qualifying runs lap after lap to finally throw one good time out there but when it comes race time and they are matched against drivers that can consistently run close to their qualifying times they are the ones that more likely to be running off the track or into other drivers as they are really running over their current skill set trying to keep up race pace with faster drivers.

The 3 lap average would put a driver more in line with their current driving and pace abilities making for fewer out of control drivers during race.

 

[Baron Blitz Red]

I wish the Qualifier would use the same settings as the actual race... the Gr3 race at Nurb GP is a great example for instance. The race has tyre wear at 5x if I remember correctly, but that's not the case in qualy. I agree with the above comment of having to redo your qualy times every race, as times vary with every car. It does make a difference.

I like the "race alone" aspect of it though, as I use the qualy time I set as a standard for me to match or beat come race time. My two cents worth...

Cheers

 

[Adrenaline]

I agree, especially for people who like to change cars.
Use the 'best lap' to match-make, but each race lineup should be set prior to the race.

 

[tryin125]

To anwser the topic: no I don’t like it.

How to do it differently is difficult. Opponents are chosen according DR and SR, so it should be possible to have a real qualifying session with the higher ranked SR players.
Heck that way you can also benifit from learing other racing lines, and figure out where you need to improve your own.

Let PD at least reset the qualification times once a day,and only from the moment that the race is open.

 

[Shottah072]

I like your idea of qualifying against your race comp., but i think at the very least you should have to re-qualify each time you enter. 15-20 minutes of qualifying would be a decent amount of time without being too much.

Today I had a thought about having a qualifying session with cars on track together to make it more realistic. It wouldn't work because it would most likely lead to griefing and being abused, but with the right group of people it would be fun and interesting- interject some additional strategy and racecraft.

I think 10-15 minutes is still to long. At least for this short daily races. Its not going to be hard to get close to PB if u get 5+ attempts. 1 or 2 attempts max really puts the pressure on the drivers wich is what i like to see. You'l get to do 1 banker lap and 1 all out lap.

 

[R3LF1313]

I think 10-15 minutes is still to long. At least for this short daily races. Its not going to be hard to get close to PB if u get 5+ attempts. 1 or 2 attempts max really puts the pressure on the drivers wich is what i like to see. You'l get to do 1 banker lap and 1 all out lap.

I get what you are going for, but 2 laps seems artificially short. A qualifying session in a motorsport like MotoGP is 15 minutes long and there's two of them. I think it seems long in this format because you can do it over and over again, but ultimately you want qualifying to reflect people's actual speeds and one flyer leaves too much possibility of a jumbled field and less clean racing. 15 minutea also allows for trips to the pits to fine tune settings and go back out. I would rather the racing be good than the qualifying be artificially stressful, but again, I do understand what you are going for.

I think we are all in agreement though that letting one fast lap stick for days is a problem.

 

[OdeFinn]

It's quite good as is.
I'm doing bit under max laps for qualification if I want to attack on race, race pace qualification speed if want enjoyable tight race, and for winning then pushing quick qualification time.
GTS seems to keep track your actual speed and use it on matching, means for me when taking part with 2:05 Q-time and actual race laps are 2:00-2:02 I'm matched with people doing 1:59-2:02 on race. Their Q-times mostly on same level as actual race speed, I'm just getting last place on grid and funny catching race.

 

[Timlour]

I'm not sure how to feel about aids being allowed during qualifying. I almost always have traction control set to 1 when I'm on the track. However, recently I tried TC 2 through sector 1 at the Nurburgring becuause I was struggling through that particular sector. I found that my sector time, and therefore my total time, was significantly quicker than before. I never even tried TC 0 because I am sure it would take a lot of getting used to.

What do you guys think? Should aids be allowed during qualifying? Again, I'm not sure what to feel about it since TC 1 is my comfort zone.

 

[R3LF1313]

I'm not sure how to feel about aids being allowed during qualifying. I almost always have traction control set to 1 when I'm on the track. However, recently I tried TC 2 through sector 1 at the Nurburgring becuause I was struggling through that particular sector. I found that my sector time, and therefore my total time, was significantly quicker than before. I never even tried TC 0 because I am sure it would take a lot of getting used to.

What do you guys think? Should aids be allowed during qualifying? Again, I'm not sure what to feel about it since TC 1 is my comfort zone.

Whatever is allowed in the race should be allowed in qualifying, but with that said, I think sport mode should only allow assists that have a real life equivalent-- so TC and ABS, but no countersteer assist and all that noise.

 

[vicbol]

In my opinion the qualy is fine but think the start positions between each car is very big. I mean if you dont have time to do a lap because you login the room too late and you start in last position its imposible to get a good result. You start very far (at least with a 4 laps race in Gr4 ones).
I think the cars should be closer eachother. Why no races starting from the grid?

 

[DriftMethod]

@GTR365 @VFOURMAX1 Maybe we should continue discussing Qualifying here.

GTR365 brought up the idea (on another thread) of not allowing qualifying from one car to count when the driver switches to another car. I'm not sure how I feel about this. Is there an advantage to using a "qualifying car" then switching to a "race car" or are they just shooting themselves in the foot by switching to a slower car and getting in everyone's way?

 

[Nando deBem]

In my opinion the qualy is fine but think the start positions between each car is very big. I mean if you dont have time to do a lap because you login the room too late and you start in last position its imposible to get a good result. You start very far (at least with a 4 laps race in Gr4 ones).
I think the cars should be closer eachother. Why no races starting from the grid?

Please, no. First turn would be hell!

 

[spidermonkey]

Im all for this as I dont drive near the same in a sport race vs qualifying. Like OP said I can run laps all day and turn a good time but when I decide its time to enter the actual race I cant reliably turn consecutive laps like I did in qualifying.

 

[Sven Jurgens]

@GTR365 @VFOURMAX1 Maybe we should continue discussing Qualifying here.

GTR365 brought up the idea (on another thread) of not allowing qualifying from one car to count when the driver switches to another car. I'm not sure how I feel about this. Is there an advantage to using a "qualifying car" then switching to a "race car" or are they just shooting themselves in the foot by switching to a slower car and getting in everyone's way?

You could qualify in a faster more difficult to control car for a daily C race, then switch to a more fuel efficient more stable car with better tire wear to actually run the race. I agree the qualifying time should be tied to the car used.

Re qualifying for every race is a bit much, I don't enjoy qualifying personally and there isn't always enough time between daily C races to run 2 laps, sometimes not even one. I would actually prefer not qualifying and being able to use my average lap time from previous races instead. Average of best 3 laps, that would give me something to aim for while racing for 8th with hopes of climbing up without having to qualify again.

Normally I just do a couple qualify laps to establish my brake markers for the car I'm driving, then a couple races, then if enough time between races, do a qualify lap again to update it to my race pace.

 

[DriftMethod]

I do like the idea of having to qualify before every Sport mode race, so we have to qualify "under pressure" and in the same car that we will race in, but does it take up too much time? It would definitely mean less frequent races.

 

[spidermonkey]

I do like the idea of having to qualify before every Sport mode race, so we have to qualify "under pressure" and in the same car that we will race in, but does it take up too much time? It would definitely mean less frequent races.

For me, I only do 1-3 sport races a day or few days so time wouldn't be a big deal. Now, there are probably drivers on here who all they do are sport race after sport race so if this were to happen it would need to be quick. I think 2-4 lap qualify would be good depending on track.

 

[Sven Jurgens]

Instead of the 1 minute warm up, you could have 5 minutes to qualify for daily C races. That should be enough for 2 laps on all tracks except Nurb 24. Should still be enough time to have 2 races per hour. You don't need the pause in between anymore to qualify.

 

[sabamber]

@GTR365 @VFOURMAX1 Maybe we should continue discussing Qualifying here.

GTR365 brought up the idea (on another thread) of not allowing qualifying from one car to count when the driver switches to another car. I'm not sure how I feel about this. Is there an advantage to using a "qualifying car" then switching to a "race car" or are they just shooting themselves in the foot by switching to a slower car and getting in everyone's way?

I think as time goes on people will view the sport mode races as just that - Sport. FIA races are where it's at and what really "counts", I'm sure when it's no doubt expanded beyond its current form of 2 races people will use the sport mode to have fun and top JP their ratings.

With this is mind I feel that qualifying is fine : you turn up with a car, have 10 mins to qualify and then you race the same car and that's that.

Sport = pick up + play trash and means nothing
FIA = the meat of the game

 

[DriftMethod]

I think as time goes on people will view the sport mode races as just that - Sport. FIA races are where it's at and what really "counts", I'm sure when it's no doubt expanded beyond its current form of 2 races people will use the sport mode to have fun and top JP their ratings.

With this is mind I feel that qualifying is fine : you turn up with a car, have 10 mins to qualify and then you race the same car and that's that.

Sport = pick up + play trash and means nothing
FIA = the meat of the game

My big issue with the FIA races is the times don't work with my schedule. I might be able to do some weekend ones, but not enough to really get into a season. I guess I could get an account for a different region.💡

The other thing is the FIA matches based on DR and SR rating (right?) so Sport mode is kind of a qualifying series for it. Lobbies would be the meaningless fun part.

 

[VFOURMAX1]

Is there an advantage to using a "qualifying car" then switching to a "race car"

Using a car that you can hang out on the edge and get away with it but too unstable to race multiple laps without risk could be exploited under the current Q system.

Use the on edge car to set a Q time to start up front and the more stable car to run the race. Yes that can be an advantage as starting at the front may well give you clear track with not battling other cars which will slow the pace of the other racers.

You should no question have to race what you qualify. Change cars must requalify with the new car.

A racers actual pace would be better measured with a particular car on a set circuit by using multiple laps averaged to determine pace rather than 1 hot lap garnered from multiple unlimited attempts as is done now.

I think as time goes on people will view the sport mode races as just that - Sport. FIA races are where it's at and what really "counts", I'm sure when it's no doubt expanded beyond its current form of 2 races people will use the sport mode to have fun and top JP their ratings.

I disagree as most people like to be able to race more when they want on their schedule rather than a schedule set for you by the game.

Currently Sport mode allows that, FIA does not..

Also unless some changes are made the FIA races cater to the very fastest racers and those that are in a lower tier have no incentive to actually race the series.

 

[GTR365]

@GTR365 @VFOURMAX1 Is there an advantage to using a "qualifying car" then switching to a "race car" or are they just shooting themselves in the foot by switching to a slower car and getting in everyone's way?

I didn't make my practices clear. I do not run a car with intent to lay down a sweet Q lap but race another car. That is an intriguing tactic i never considered.

I like to try different cars & I do not place ultimate importance on my race results. I naturally am able to extract better performance from one or two cars than others. Yet, i them am 'stuck' with a time which poorly (over)represents my ability using lesser capable cars later. I would choose my Q lap of record to be for the very same car I run for the race.

 

[sabamber]

I disagree as most people like to be able to race more when they want on their schedule rather than a schedule set for you by the game.

Currently Sport mode allows that, FIA does not..

Also unless some changes are made the FIA races cater to the very fastest racers and those that are in a lower tier have no incentive to actually race the series.

So what you're saying is that the PD have made FIA mode much like real motorsport which requires commitment and a dedication to show up when the race is on, even if you have plans with your friends! Try asking your local clubman cup organiser to move Sunday's race because you have family plans...obviously it would be a no so why should this be any different?

Only 3 out of 5 FIA races are needed from each competitor over a week-long "season" and there's 5 days each with a 5 hour window in which to do that, is that really such a huge ask that you bother to show up 3 times a week for 45 minutes a time? If you can't then perhaps you need to re-evaluate what you want out of the game?

What about when the best of the best start participating in major e-sport events or even real life racing - I bet they will find time then! Work and social stuff gets in the way obviously but tough - make a choice between FIA and other stuff. Having participation restricted like this automatically weeds out those who can't/won't commit at an early stage, which truly will whittle down the pool of potential stars to a group of fast,consistent and most importantly COMMITTED players.

Like I said, sport mode is only really there for the people who just want to have a fun race and pick up and play. If qualifying was forced each time I imagine it would be a barrier and a hassle for any potential new players.

I also don't buy the statement that sport mode is essential for maintaining good ratings, if you deserved your rating it would get up to a level and stay there, you could skip sport mode all together and still participate with the best players.

 

[VFOURMAX1]

So what you're saying is that the PD have made FIA mode much like real motorsport which requires commitment and a dedication

I am glad that you find a video game to be of more importance to you than other things that go on in your life that you arrange your schedule around such game.

Most people take a game to be that a game and play the game when it fits into their schedule not the other way around.

I would guess the majority of adult gamers that gaming is no where near a top priority in their lives.

What about when the best of the best start participating in major e-sport events or even real life racing -

Again how this is currently set up affects a very select few out of many thousands that own the game that participating or not participating will not affect them any way at all so has no reason to take any sort of priority status for any reason at all..

Like I said, sport mode is only really there for the people who just want to have a fun race and pick up and play.

Those racers that just want to race and have fun with Sport Mode will be the majority that actually dictates whether this game will continue to be supported by PD long term. FIA championship is nothing but a very small minority which make it a priority I am sure.

 

[sabamber]

So keeping in mind what you have said above... how do you feel about forcing these casual gamers in sport mode to qualify pre-race and use the same car for quali and race?

 

[VFOURMAX1]

So keeping in mind what you have said above... how do you feel about forcing these casual gamers in sport mode to qualify pre-race and use the same car for quali and race?

I have no problem that to race in a daily race that you must enter a Qualifying time with the car you are going to race.

This would only be one qualifying per day for the daily race whether you race in that race once or 5 times that day. The only way you have to requalify is if you changed the car you were going to race.
Whatever car you race the qualifying lap for that car must be entered that day.
Just part of racing, you can qualify anytime that day prior to your first race. Current system would be about 5 minutes actually required.

 

[sabamber]

And you can't see how being effectively restricted from using all the cars GT has to offer during daily races (without having to grind out new quali laps for each one), could put casual gamers off?

 

[PJTierney]

I like the current Sport Mode Qualifying system.

I know that I can revisit and compare my best laptimes across multiple cars, gradually learn the track/car combo for the day and get faster. There’s also no pressure to race right away; I can set my lap, do something else in the game (or life) and come back knowing that the laps I put in today can still be used to help with my evening races. One real-world application of this I have done a few times: set my Qualifying time on the console I have at work during lunch, then jump into a race right away when I get home without needing to re-run the session.

If I want the pressure of a “real” qualifying session I’ll go take part in the FIA races, and on most days I don’t. I am happy to put in a few Qualifying laps at the start, run the same race over and over, and maybe try improving my time along the way. Daily races are a good “pick up and play” experience for me where I don’t need to put in a lot of commitment to take part.

My only real suggestion for Qualifying would be to see the overall leaderboard for the day. I’m never going to hit Top 10 but seeing if I got a Top 500 or finding out what cars the people at my pace level are using can be a good motivator.