Well, here you are, moving into a very difficult region of gold medaling.
Before venturing into getting all of the IA Licenses gold, you need to keep a few things in mind.
1 - Take breaks often. If you are here reading this guide for some help, it is more than likely true that you are already frustrated with some of the tests. Taking a break for even 15 minutes can make a world of difference.
2 - Drinking or smoking when you are getting all worked up is probably not going to help you out. Think about it, in the real world, when you drink or smoke does your driving ability get any better? Ya, I believe we can all realistically say there is only one answer here, in fact, the answer is worse than no. Your skills and abilities most definitely are hindered anywhere from slightly to severely. Since this game is actually simulating pretty close to real world physics, it is safe to say that drinking or smoking will only unsettle your nerves the same as it would in real life.
3 - Take lots of breaks. Oh, I already said that? Well, take note: breaks will make your life a whole lot easier. I will also say it again; even a short 15-minute break from the game will allow your brain time to settle down and assimilate any information it has taken in.
4 - Have fun. I mean really, what is the point of playing this game if you are not having any fun? This is after all a game. When your, 'Fun factor,' begins to deteriorate, walk away, give yourself that minimum 15-minute break.
Ok, ok, I will stop hassling you now, just remember to take some damn breaks!
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IA1 - Mid-Field Raceway, Complex Corners; Jaguar XJ220 `92
Well, at least for those of you who have played any of the other games in the Gran Turismo series, you know the track, and it has not changed very much at all. Begin turning in very shortly after the test gives you control of the car. Start braking as you approach the corner, until you cross the apex, at about 70 mph. Coast out to the middle of the track, maintaining no less than 64 mph, and start throttle modulating towards the second right.
You should be at full throttle about two car lengths before the apex, and stay on full throttle, the little blip that occurs does not disrupt the car movement very much. You should be able to get the car to about one car width from the right side rumble strip, accelerating past 100 mph.
Just after the rumble strip starts, turn in aiming to get the car on the rumble strip, but you will not actually get to the rumble strip just yet. Once the car is no longer able to turn due to its speed, brake heavy down to about 65-66 mph, all the while holding the steering locked to the left. Use modulating throttle control to get the car up to about 71-75 mph and onto the rumble strip, you should be on full throttle once you can see past the barrier to your left and down the hill. Shift into 3rd at 105 mph.
Stay wide to the right, and come across the track gently and smoothly, you want to just touch the rumble strip to your right, and the brakes really hard for the turn in, which should slow you down to about 130 mph, coasting across the right side of the short ess. Start full braking once you get to the apex of this turn.
Aim to get two wheels onto the rumble strip for the 180-degree turn, you should be going at least 44 mph through here, and you will have to wait until about three-quarters of the way around the rumble strip to get on full throttle. This will put you wide into the outside rumble strip, so gently steer back towards the track, but only enough to avoid hitting the pole supporting the finish line banner.
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IA2 - Suzuka Circuit, Complex Corners; Alfa Romeo Spider 3.0 V6 24V `01
The first half of this test should be fairly easy; you have already driven it on two other tests. Get on over to the right side, and coast as you turn in, keeping up at least 70 mph and getting a lot of the car over the rumble strip. Come off of the rumble strip smoothly accelerating to straighten out the attitude of the car. Go back to coasting and give the brakes a quick/light tap to reduce the speed to about 66 mph, trying to stay on the dark black groove. Go full throttle up the hill and then coast/quick light tap of the brakes to reduce speed to about 65 mph. Once you get to the apex full throttle until the car starts to push too hard to the outside, and brake lightly/coast to about 60 mph, still trying to follow the darkened groove on the road.
The double left up ahead can be taken at full throttle, but you need to be setup almost perfectly for that, so, as you get to the apex, coast briefly to scrub off about 1-2 mph (maintaining about 70 mph), and keep to full throttle. You will swing very wide to the outside, but, I think that is what we are supposed to do, use as much of the track as available. Keep a smooth line, gradually making your way over to the left, and shift into 4th at 90 mph.
This next turn is so deceptive I can hardly believe it sometimes. Just like the last time you drove through here, the key is to brake early, and turn in a lot sooner than you think you should. The turn can be taken above 80 mph, but even as fast as 77 mph will be okay. I suggest braking about halfway between the 100m and 50m signs off to the left, and only very briefly, as you are not traveling much faster than 80 mph.
Stay high on the rumble strip at full throttle, start full braking right at the end of the rumble strip, all the way down to about 53-54 mph. Coast briefly so the car can settle, and get back on full throttle. Now, if you managed to stay above 53 mph for this turn, stay in 3rd gear. However, if you end up going between 49 and 52 mph, go into 2nd gear, shifting into 3rd at 60-61 mph.
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IA3 - Fuji Speedway `90's, Chicanes; Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec II (R34) `00
The key to this test is the first hard right turn; you need to brake as
late as absolutely possible. To start you need to have the car steering to the right very lightly, staying on the left edge of the darkened asphalt. You will reach about 118-119 mph before braking, which is just before the darker groove gets to the left edge of the track. Brake all the way down to about 54-55 mph while turning in. You should almost get the entire car onto the rumble strip at the right.
Get back on full throttle as you get to the apex, still steering hard right. You should be almost right on the centerline of the track, and you will need to start braking and steering left at the same time. Start doing this as the rumble strip to the left is just starting. You will need to slow down to about 42-43 mph, followed by light throttle application. You want to make a very late apex on this turn, as the groove of the track dictates this to be the faster line. Get back on full throttle by the time you get to the apex.
Getting onto the rumble strip to the left is a terrible idea, it will just cause some wheel spin and the car will drift faintly. The problem is, at such a low speed the car will not accelerate very well while in even slightest drift. Now you are following the darkened asphalt again, try to avoid getting on the right side rumble strip, but you can just graze it without losing too much speed. Shift into 3rd at 72-73 mph while maintaining a smooth line, you will probably be steering very faintly all the way to the finish, which is okay it will not cause too much of a speed loss.
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IA4 - Apricot Hill, Chicanes; FPV GT `04
Shift into 3rd at 68-69 mph. Avoid getting on the rumble strip to the left, but stay very close to it. Turn right very smoothly, you do not want to initiate any kind of drift, because it scrubs off lots of speed. Smoothly get back to the right side of the track, and start braking hard just as the right side rumble strip ends. Start your turn-in aiming to get on the left side rumble strip, shifting into 2nd as you get onto the rumble.
The best line through the quick chicane is nearly straight, taking the first turn on a late apex, and the 2nd as a textbook out-in-out. Drifting out of the latter turn of the chicane is fine, so long as it is a light controlled powerslide. Shift into 3rd at 69 mph and you will have to coast just after turn in until you get near to the apex of the turn, maintain at least 78 mph. Go back to full throttle and maintain a smooth line to the finish.
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IA5 - El Capitan, Full Pace Lap; Seat Ibiza Cupra `04
Launch in 1st gear at 3500-5000 RPM, shift into 2nd gear at 37 mph, into 3rd gear at 67 mph. Keep a smooth line following the Skyline around the gentle right. Brake hard down to about 60 mph, and stay in third, and maintain 57-60 mph throughout the majority of the turn. Keep a smooth line, and try to trace the same line as the Skyline. Once you are nearing the exit, downshift to 2nd gear, and stay tight to the rumble strip. On exit you should end up near the right side grass, shifting into 3rd at 66 mph.
Stay closer to the right side, and make a very smooth left turn. You do not need to slow down at all, and you can actually increase your speed through this turn if you are smooth enough. Stay towards the left side on exit, and hold off from braking until that bright yellow turn sign has left your screen on the right side. Slow all the way down to about 60-63 mph, and get back on full throttle. Aim to apex both the short right and left turns at the top and bottom of the hill following a straight line. Follow the Skyline's line towards the tunnel. Your T1 should be about 50.000 to 50.350.
Maintain full throttle all the way up the hill and just before you turn in, brake hard down to about 69-72 mph. Really, you can handle going through the turn at full throttle, however, the damn Skyline slows down a lot and you will either pass it, or slam into the rear bumper. Ideally you will either give the Skyline a gentle push, or just miss making a contact. Stay in the draft until about half-way around the long sweeping left. Coast through the midsection, and get back to full throttle towards the end. Shift into 4th as you exit, at about 99-100 mph, getting back to the left side. Start braking hard as the dark grey guardrail appears on the left. Slow all the way down to about 47-48 mph, coasting for the first bit of the turn-in. Get back on full throttle, aiming to hit a slightly late apex.
This should put you relatively in the same line that the Skyline is following, you will need to coast slightly about halfway through the left turn, down to about 54-55 mph, and then get back on full throttle while maintaining left lock steering. This should put you just over the inside rumble strip, with plenty of breathing room on exit. Shift into 3rd at 67 mph. Stay to the right side, and coast as you turn in, getting back on full throttle before apexing on the rumble strip. This should allow you a fast turn with plenty of breathing room from the bridge on exit. T2 time should be around 1'39.400 to 1'39.800.
Start braking just before the end of the bridge, slowing all the way down to about 54-55 mph. Turn in hard, and maintain the angle. This turn is quite a bit sharper than it seems. You should exit near the outside rumble strip and be on full throttle just after the mid-point of the turn. Shift into 3rd at 67 mph, while smoothly getting over to the left side. Brake late for this turn. Typically as you start turn-in, start braking, slowing down to about 56-57 mph, and coasting until you have exited and are approach the centerline of the track. Gradually increase the throttle pressure, and coast on down to about 53-54 mph for the second of the two rights, getting back on full throttle well before the apex. Stay full throttle all the way through the next two gentle left bends. Shift into 3rd at 67 mph.
Coast through the right turn, getting back on full throttle just before the apex and maintaining at least 80 mph. You should exit just about on the centerline of the track. Stay on full throttle through the first bit of the turn, coasting through the middle. Maintain at least 73 mph, and once you see the turn start to open up, the Skyline will pull away, this is your signal to go back to full throttle, and from here, just try to stay smooth and inside the draft of the Skyline.
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IA6 - Autumn Ring, Complex Corners; Honda S2000 Type V `00
Stay in the line the demo releases you in at first. Make a very smooth left while maintaining 2nd gear. You should stay to the right on exit with minimal drifting. Shift into 3rd as you turn in for the right, aiming to get as much of your car over the rumble strip as possible. Lift off the throttle while steering hard to the right. However, do not lift too much or steer hard right for too long or the car will swing around on you.
Ideally, you want to induce a minimal drift, maintaining about 60-63 mph all the way through the next left. Just before reaching the apex of this left turn, downshift into 2nd to help stabilize the car and turn to the right gently. This should put you over the right rumble strip at about 62-63 mph, and heading outwards to the left. Start braking a little early, down to about 56-62 mph. There is such a wide range in speed here because the speed really depends on your angle to the turn, and how much room you have to accelerate. The tighter your line, the slower you need to go.
Get on full throttle just before the apex, getting slightly onto the inside rumble strip. This will induce a drift on exit, so try to minimize the steering when you are leaving the rumble strip. Continue to accelerate until just about where the pit lane meets up with the track, brake hard all the way down to about 38-39 mph. Coast until you get to the apex, which should be about 36-37 mph, and get back on full throttle. Once again your goal is to get most of the car overtop of the rumble, with minimal steering so you do not put the car into a big drift on exit. Try to make sure the car is straight and not sliding at all towards the finish line.
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IA7 - Trial Mountain Circuit, Complex Corners; RUF CTR "Yellow Bird" `87
Stay in 3rd gear, and get a little closer to the right side wall. Start a medium turn-in just before the shadows over the track end. Begin heavy braking about a half-second after starting the turn in. This will induce slight oversteer, which turns into a large drift due to the banking of the turn, and the nature of the CTR. Slow all the way down to about 56-57 mph in 2nd gear, and immediately go full throttle to continue the drift. Once the tires connect, lift slightly to keep away from the outside wall on exit. Shift into 3rd at 80-81 mph.
Get back over to the left side, and just after starting turn-in, coast a little so the car is in better shape for the next turn. Brake hard down to about 80 mph just before reaching the apex of the hill. Coast for a second as you apex the hill, so the car does not get terribly out of shape for the next turn. Once past the hill, brake hard down to about 57-59 mph, coasting to the apex. Get back on full throttle just after passing the apex, and smoothly get the car to the right side, preferably before heading down the hill. Start braking hard, and steering in lightly once you get to the bottom of the hill. Slow down to about 53-54 mph, and use throttle control to bring the car around the turn, ideally getting on full throttle as you move past the centerline of the track. Stay smooth to the finish line.
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IA8 - Hong Kong, Complex City Street Corners; Alfa Romeo 156 2.5 V6 24V `98
Smoothly get over to the right side of the track, shifting into 3rd at 58 mph, and into 4th at 87 mph. Watch out for the red and white striped concrete barrier. Start heavy braking about half-way between the concrete barrier and the rumble strip, slowing down to about 27-29 mph, turning in as late as possible. Get back on full throttle before the apex, the car will just not accelerate out of the turn otherwise. Stay to the right side on exit, shift into 3rd at 57 mph. Start braking just as the rumble strip starts, slowing down to about 41-42 mph and coasting past the apex. Get on full throttle just after passing the apex. This should put you on the outside rumble strip at about 45-47 mph, depending on how early you were able to get on the throttle.
Get back over to the left side, shifting into 3rd at 57 mph. Start braking just before the rumble strip starts, which is also just after you pass underneath the 50m overhead sign. Slow down to about 46 mph, and continue to coast through the apex. You should go over the rumble strip with the right side wheels, getting back on full throttle just after the apex. Smoothly get over to the right side, and watch out for where the guardrail begins, as it is an instant fail should you hit it. There are no good markings for the braking point of this turn, except for faint yellow lines on the ground. It will probably take several passes to see them clearly, but start braking and turn in at the same time. Slow down to about 52-53 mph, coasting through the apex, and get back on full throttle before slowing below 46-47 mph.
Stay in 2nd gear, there is no need to shift to 3rd. Smoothly get over to the left side, and tap the brake two or three times, follow by coasting through the apex of this turn. Keep up to at least 37 mph, but stay closer to the right on exit. Turn in hard and then tap the brakes and coast to the apex for the final turn, getting on full throttle just before the apex. Maintain at least 39 mph, and stay smooth to the finish line.
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IA9 - Opera Paris, Complex City Street Corners; Citroen Xsara VTR `03
Shift into 3rd at 59 mph, staying to the right side. Hold off on braking until you are passing the yellow advertisement signs to your right. Slow down to about 47 mph, very light throttle through the apex. Maintain light throttle all the way until just before you reach the apex of the second chicane. You should get out to about the centerline of the track between the chicanes, which is highlighted nicely by a dark patch of bricks. Shift into 3rd at 59 mph, smoothly getting over to the left side of the track.
This next turn is extremely odd - it seems half like a chicane, but followed by a decreasing radius J-turn. Start braking hard down to about 49-53 mph, just before going under the big red
Opera sign. Get onto the right side rumble strip and as you come off of it, give the brakes a quick stab to slow down to about 39-40 mph, coasting through the apex. When done correctly you will gently push up onto the outside rumble strip with a little breathing room to the wall. Get back on full throttle shortly after passing through the apex.
Stay up on the rumble strip, and brake very late down to about 28-29 mph, and once the car is actually turning, go back to full throttle. Do not even think about going into first gear; it sucks terribly. Leave it in second until the finish line. From here, the car lacks the power to do anything. What you need to do is just steer as smoothly as you can, continually increasing your speed from the apex of the tight double left/hairpin all the way to the finish.
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IA10 - Fuji Speedway 2005, Full Pace Lap; Toyota Caldina GT-Four `02
Launch in 1st gear at anything above 4000 RPM, shift into 2nd at 47 mph, and into 3rd at 87 mph, all the while slightly getting over to the left to stay directly behind the Skyline. Start braking just as the Skyline makes its turn-in, and start your turn-in late. It is faster to take this turn using the late apex technique. Slow all the way down to about 38-40 mph, coasting briefly to avoid possible contact with the Skyline. Get on full throttle just before getting to the apex, and follow the Skyline (smoothly, not erratically), trying to stay in the draft. You should be able to stay in the draft all the way through this straight, up until just before you start braking.
Once again, start braking just as the Skyline makes the turn-in, slowing down to about 72-73 mph, and coasting to the apex. Just before reaching the apex, get back to about three-quarters throttle, and bring it up to full throttle as you cross the apex. This should leave you pretty much in the draft of the Skyline, but it will pull away from you quickly. Shift into 3rd at 87 mph, and start a light, moderate right turn. Maintain the same turn angle while full throttle until about half way through the turn, you should be just left of the centerline of the track. Give the brakes a quick stab and shift into second, keeping your speed at about 73-74 mph, while going to full right lock. Gradually increase your speed to about 76-77 mph using modulating throttle pressure until just past the apex, and then go full throttle.
Get over to the right side of the track as best as possible, and brake hard down to about 46-47 mph, coasting the rest of the way to the apex. Get on full throttle just before getting to the apex, and if done correctly, you will exit right up the Skyline's tailpipe. Stay in the draft, shifting into 3rd at 87 mph. As soon as you see the brake lights of the Skyline, brake hard, staying just off of the rumble strip. Slow all the way down to about 43-45 mph, all while going straight. Coast through the apex, further slowing the car to about 36-38 mph, and then its back to full throttle after getting past the rumble strip.
You will probably need to lift a little to correct your turn angle for the gentle left, maintaining at least 42-43 mph. Try to stay in the draft, but more than likely, the Skyline will once again tear off into the distance without you. However, do your best to follow the same line as the Skyline, and start braking as you cross the centerline of the track, slowing down to about 50-53 mph. You should get most of the car over the rumble strip here, and be able to go full throttle just as you hit the apex. Again, follow the Skylines line as best you can, and coast for a bit when you see the Skyline brake, maintaining about 58-60 mph.
Brake early for this turn, slowing the car to about 42-44 mph, and coasting through the apex. The exit is a very odd shape, and getting on the throttle too early will push the car outside the extent of the track. Now you are once again trying to follow the same line as the Skyline, except this time you are also trying to brake at the same point(s) as it brakes. Slow down to about 45-46 mph, getting both right side wheels onto the rumble strip. More than likely you will exit the turn wider than the Skyline, but very quickly you will be in the draft without too much steering input. As usual, stay in the draft with minimal steering input to the finish.
Unfortunately, there are no split times for this layout of Fuji, however, there is one big tip to getting a gold time; Smooth flowing lines. All but two or three of the turns on this layout are highly technical, and maximizing track usage with smooth flowing lines is the key to success.
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IA11 - Swiss Alps, Double Hairpin; Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution Rally Raid Car `03
Shift into 4th as you crest the top of the hill immediately upon starting. Make a hard turn-in just after landing from the last bump/jump along the straight, braking down to about 63-66 mph shortly afterwards. When done correctly the car will be pointing along the same direction as the short stretch between the two immediate turns. Maintain this angle until about halfway between the two turns, then go to left lock while braking down to about 19-23 mph in 1st gear.
Once you are facing the same direction as the next straight, go back to full throttle. This should be almost immediately after you have finished braking. Shift into 2nd at 41-43 mph, staying near the centerline of the track. Shift into 3rd at 62 mph, and begin a medium turn-in shortly after that. Once you are headed into the turn, go to a full lock turn and coast/throttle steer the car all the way around. You should be able to maintain at least 47 mph, and straighten it out just as you can see down the straight. Unless you were really flying through the latter part of the turn, you will not need to shift into 3rd.
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IA12 - Chamonix, Driving on Snow and Ice; Toyota Celica GT-Four Rally Car (ST185) `95
The biggest difference between racing on dirt, and racing on snow is getting the car to rotate. In the snow it happens a lot faster, and is a whole lot more difficult to overcome/correct. Having said that, as long as you take your time and try to be smooth here at Chamonix the gold is not too tough to get.
Maintain full throttle and do not turn yet. Once you can see the turn, coast/light throttle, reducing your speed to about 46 mph before going back to full throttle. Continue full throttle and shift into 3rd at 60 mph, start braking hard pretty early, you should only get up to about 68 mph. The big thing about snow is slow in, slow out. Slow down to about 40 mph while drifting into the apex, and get on full throttle briefly just as you pass the apex.
Give the brakes a very hard and brief press to slow down sufficiently for the kink to the next turn, about 38 mph is good. Once past the apex of the kink, brake hard while steering in to rotate the car. Be careful not to over rotate the car, as a spin is quite possible. Maintain about 27-28 mph through the turn, and also maintain the angle. You should exit just short of an impact with the outside wall, and accelerating away while correcting the drift.
For this tight turn the big trick is to brake much sooner than the game implies. Start braking and a mild turn-in, as this turn does not need to be done in a full drift, just a slight powerslide. Maintain about 33-34 mph through the apex, getting back on full throttle shortly thereafter. Once again, you should just miss impacting the wall on the outside. Shift into 3rd at 60 mph, and follow the bank as it veers slightly to the right. Start braking a little earlier than the game suggests, slowing down to about 45-46 mph in 2nd gear. Use modulating throttle to maintain the speed and angle of the car, going back to full throttle just past the apex.
You will not need to shift into 3rd, and brake down to about 37 mph just as you would think you need to shift to 3rd gear. This will induce a mild drift, and you should continue to coast down to about 34-35 mph, staying just right of the centerline on exit. Briefly go to full throttle, getting you up to about 44-45 mph, and brake hard while turning in, slowing you down to about 28 mph. Use throttle modulation to maintain this speed, and your angle should be a mild drift, about half way between a typical road style tracking angle, and a typical 'facing the apex' rally style drift. The turn continues for quite some time, and shortly after passing the apex, gradually increase throttle pressure until you can see the coming straight.
Continue full throttle until you need to correct your angle to take the next turn. As you start turning right, brake hard down to about 33-35 mph, going full throttle as soon as possible. Ideally you will maintain a typical rally style drift, where you are facing the apex at all times, maintaining about 38-39 mph. Coast past the apex of the second right before going back to full throttle. From here, go full throttle to the finish line, you do not need to worry about slowing down or turning the car since the finish line is at the beginning of the next turn.
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IA13 - Nurburgring Nordschleife, Complex Corners; BMW M5 `05
This test is very intimidating, as the BMW reaches speeds in excess of 150 mph, and the car is very unstable at these speeds. As usual, a quick break down of the two main sections of the test makes dealing with the instability of the car quite a bit easier.
Do not touch the steering to start, maintain the line you are left on, it will safely clear the first rumble strip. Shift into 5th at 140 mph, and smoothly steer a little left, then right, and left again, staying between the rumbles, but maintaining as straight a line as possible. Make sure to be right beside--
not on--the right side rumble strip approaching the fast left. Getting the braking point correct is quite difficult; it will likely take you more than three attempts. However, it is shortly after the rumble strip starts to your right. Slow down to about 123-124 mph in a straight line, and start turning in and coasting very early. Ideally the left side of the car will be completely on the rumble strip, maintaining no less than 117 mph. This should leave you at about the centerline of the track on exit, and briefly go back to full throttle shortly after passing the apex.
As you cross the first bit of grafiti on the track brake hard down to about 84-85 mph in 3rd gear, aiming to get as much of the car as you can on the inside rumble strip. You should be able to maintain at least 85 mph through this right turn, getting back on near-full/full throttle just after leaving the rumble strip. Shortly after passing the purple grafiti on the track, brake down to about 60 mph while turning in hard to the left. Ideally this will induce a slight power oversteer, making the continually decreasing radius left turn easier to navigate towards the end. You should be able to maintain at least 54 mph through the end of the left, using throttle modulation to maintain the angle and speed. Once you get to the apex, briefly go to full throttle up to about 60 mph, while steering moderately heavily to the right. This will again induce a slight power oversteer, while you get onto the rumble strip. This turn is taken best as a late apex, and once again, you want to get as much of the car atop the rumble as possible, maintaining at least 58 mph. Go back to full throttle (you should have been throttle modulating this whole time, maintaining angle and speed around 58-59 mph) once you are on the rumble strip. If you are exiting the turn too wide, simply shift into 3rd as you leave the rumble strip to retard acceleration briefly. If you are managing a good exit, shift into 3rd at 73 mph. Keep smooth to the finish line, you should not need to steer very much at all.
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IA14 - Twin Ring Motegi Road Course, Complex Corners; TVR Tamora `02
The big trick to this test is to avoid using 2nd gear, as it is not needed at all. Maintain the line you are given and shift into 4th at 77 mph. Very shortly after shifting, you will need to make a smooth turn in to the left, aiming to be about one car width wide of the inside rumble strip. Stay wide on exit, and let the car start to come back into the track before braking very quickly to about 78 mph in 3rd gear. Leave it in 3rd gear all the way to the next turn, and start braking down to about 46 mph just after passing the apex of the first turn of this chicane. The car should naturally flow onto the second curb of the chicane, and as soon as it touches the curb, go back to full throttle, using slight lifting to avoid going off to the outside should your angle be slightly off. Maintain a smooth line to the finish and gold should come fairly quickly.
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IA15 - Nurburgring Nordschleife, Full Pace Lap; Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5 - 16 Evolution II `91
I highly recommend that you go into arcade mode, find a decent handling rear-wheel-drive car with about 220-240 horsepower and learn Nurburgring if you do not already know all of it. This will greatly reduce your frustration on this test, as trying to learn the lines from the Skyline is just plain annoying. There are at least 8 spots where you can run into the Skyline from behind, which will fail you, and you will likely forget half of the turns you made up to this point. The gold time for this test is quite easy to get, as long as you know at least 60% of the turns. Much like most of the longer tests, getting a gold time only requires that you keep smooth lines, and do not push the car too hard. However, I still recommend going into Arcade Mode and making sure you know nearly the entire track before proceeding with this test.
Some good car choices:
Chrysler Crossfire
Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe
Infiniti G35 Coupe
Lexus SC300
Mazda RX-7 Bathurst
Nismo 270R
Amuse S2000 (
Not the R1)
BMW Z4
BMW M3
And of course, if you have unlocked the Same Benz (190 E2.5 - 16 Evolution II `91) that would clearly be a great choice.
Having said that, each turn (except for chicanes, esses, and other 'double' turns) will be given its own paragraph for approach, entry, maintaining the line, and exit.
One final note; When I mention that the Skyline is going to pull away very quickly, I am telling you that so you are anticipating it. It is just a part of the test, the Pace Car will naturally increase it's pace when you are going along at a fast pace.
Launch 2nd gear full revs, once the revs drop down to 3000 RPM shift into 1st gear, maintaining full throttle, shifting back into 2nd gear at 40 mph. The entire time, smoothly get over to the right wall.
Turn 1 - Continue accelerating to about 52-53 mph, and brake hard to about 43-44 mph while turning in. Getting on medium throttle until apex, (maintaining 43-44 mph) go full throttle as you pass the apex.
Turn 2 - Full throttle, shift into 3rd at 67 mph, into 4th at 94 mph.
Turn 3 - Tap the brakes on turn-in, and coast to the apex, going full throttle just after passing the apex, maintaining about 92+ mph through the heart of the turn.
Turn 4 - Full throttle, follow the Skyline. Stay in the draft.
Turn 5 - Brake hard as you just begin to catch the Skyline, and slow to about 87-88 mph while turning in.
Turn 6 - Maintain a smooth line from the last turn, and brake hard and in time with the Skyline (you should not be directly behind), slowing to about 59-60 mph, going immediately to full throttle.
Turn 7 - Maintain full throttle and follow the same line the Skyline takes, tap the brakes just at the end of the turn.
Turn 8 - Back to full throttle after tapping the brake, and continue to follow the line of the Skyline.
Turn 9 - Brake hard as you cross the centerline of the track, slowing to about 63-64 mph, while turning hard left. Full throttle just before touching the rumble strip.
Turn 10 - Brake to about 60-62 mph, maintaining a smooth line, accelerating after passing the apex. Stay in 3rd gear.
Turn 11 - Stay in the same line as the Skyline at full throttle. Through the entire last section you should have been right on the Skyline almost constantly in the draft. Shift into 4th at 97 mph.
Turn 12 - Full throttle, follow the Skyline. Stay in the draft. Your T1 should be no slower than 1'00.500.
Turn 13 - Just as you land from the little jump, tap the brakes once or twice to slow the car to about 102-103 mph, coasting through the majority of the turn. Go back to full throttle once you know it is safe (typically as you cross the centerline of the track).
Turns 14, 15, 16 and 17 - Full throttle, follow the Skyline, shift to 5th at 136 mph. At this point you are probably right in the Skyline's tailpipe, just ease off the throttle to maintain about one to two car lengths distance.
Turn 18 - Slow to about 130 mph in 4th gear. Stay right on the rumble strip through the whole turn.
Turn 19 - Start braking in time, or just as you see the brake lights come on from the Skyline. Follow the same line as the Skyline, slowing to about 55-56 mph, and throttle modulating to maintain that speed. Go full throttle just as the Skyline begins to pull away, shifting into 3rd at 67 mph just as you exit the turn. Your T2 should be no slower than 1'42.000.
Turns 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 - Follow the Skyline, shift into 4th at 97 mph, 5th at 136 mph, and get to the right side going uphill, but stay off of the rumble strip.
Turn 25 - This is one of the most problematic turns of the test, since the Skyline slows down far too early, and far too much. Begin braking much the same as you did in the M5, just after passing the beginning of the rumble strip. Slow to about 95-97 mph, and follow the Skyline around the turn, going full throttle as the Skyline pulls away.
Turn 26 - Just maintain a smooth line behind the Skyline. You will not be pushing your car at all, and it is easy to stay right on the Skyline without hitting it.
Turns 27 and 28 - Again, just stay in time with the Skyline. You will not be pushing the car too hard, and it is much easier through here than it was in the M5. Exiting turn 28, you can go full throttle very early, and you will notice the Skyline pulls away from you very quickly.
Turns 29 and 30 - Full throttle, following the Skyline, your T3 should be no slower than 2'17.500. Shift into 4th at 97 mph.
Turn 31 - Brake hard to about 93-94 mph when you go over a large amount of graffiti, turning in at almost the same time. Use about half throttle to maintain the line without going too wide on exit. Get back to full throttle when you know it is safe.
Turn 32 - This turn is strange - it just keeps going, much longer than it looks like it will. Slow to about 60 mph and maintain that until you are headed uphill and can see the next turn.
Turn 33 - Full throttle, follow the Skyline.
Turn 34 - Brake down to about 54 mph in 2nd gear, and coast for a bit. Wait before getting back on full throttle, as the turn tightens up towards the end. Shift into 3rd at 67 mph.
Turn 35 - Tap the brakes or coast through the turn, which is not nearly as tight as it seems. Maintain at least 87 mph.
Turn 36 - Full throttle, follow the Skyline, shifting into 4th at 96 mph.
Turns 37 and 38 - Brake slightly and coast through the first turn in 3rd gear, gradually going back to full throttle. You should be at full throttle about halfway between the two turns, all the while smoothly turning right. Shift into 4th at 97 mph.
Turn 39 - Brake late while turning in. You should not come too close to hitting the Skyline. Aim to get the right side of the car onto the rumble strip.
Turns 40 and 41 - Coast briefly before slowing to about 40 mph in 2nd gear, and maintain moderate throttle modulation through the apex of the tight left. You should be on full throttle as you exit the left, and smoothly steer through the right turn, shifting into 3rd at 67 mph, just as you exit. Your T4 should be no slower than 3'20.000.
Turns 42 and 43 - Begin braking hard just before you reach the end of the rumble strip to your right. It is also a good idea to turn in a little early because you will probably end up right on the bumper of the Skyline. Slow to about 60 mph and go back to full throttle immediately.
Turns 44 and 45 - Turn 44 is the setup turn for 45. Just stay to the left and brake quickly and hard to about 63-64 mph as you apex turn 44. Follow the early turn-in point of the Skyline, and maintain about 63-64 mph past the apex before going to full throttle.
Turns 46 and 47- Full throttle. Stay in the draft.
Turn 48 - This is the same as IB2, and the brake point is nearly the same, with nearly the same approach. Stay wide to the left (
do not get onto the grass at all), and begin braking as the bright green sign leaves your screen on the right side. Slow all the way to about 56-57 mph in 2nd gear, coasting through the apex. Get back on full throttle shortly after the apex, and shift into 3rd gear to avoid impacting the wall on the outside.
Turns 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 and 57 - Full throttle staying in the draft of the Skyline. Points of note: your T5 should be no slower than 4'08.000, shift into 4th at 96 mph, shift into 5th at 136 mph. Turn 55 in particular, the Skyline will make easy as it is about the only confusing turn in this sequence. For turns 56 and 57 you will notice that you have once again crept right up the tailpipe of the Skyline, however, same as in the beginning of the lap, coast to maintain about two car lengths.
Turn 58 - Brake quickly to about 100-102 mph in 4th gear, and follow the same line as the Skyline. Your T6 should be no slower than 4'42.000
Turns 59 and 60 - Follow the Skyline, staying in the draft. Turn 60 might require a quick lift/brake tap if you are not following the line of the Skyline closely.
Turn 61 - Brake hard as you see the brake lights of the Skyline come on. Slow down to about 49-50 mph in 3rd gear. Keep it in 3rd just for the sake of ease - 2nd is faster, but if you are near my suggested split times, you are well ahead of the gold time. The lost 0.500 or so should not make a great big difference. Coast/light throttle through most of this tight turn, getting back to full throttle as you apex.
Turn 62 - You should be able to maintain a more or less straight line up the hill, so I will not count the two kinks as turns. Begin braking as you near the top of the hill and can really see the turn. Slow down to about 40-42 mph in 2nd gear, and hold it steady on the strange concrete patch. Go full throttle once you can see the exit.
Turns 63, 64 and 65 - Follow the Skyline, trying to stay in the draft, but it likely will pull away quite a bit. Either way, just follow the same line at full throttle, shifting into 3rd at 67 mph and 4th at 95 mph.
Turn 66 - This turn can throw you off quite a bit. Just pay close attention to when the Skyline turns in, and attempt to mimic that. You should be able to maintain full throttle all the way around. However, lifting a little will not hurt your time very much.
Turns 67 and 68 - Continue to follow the Skyline as closely as you can; this turn can be taken quite a lot faster than you initially think. Slow down to about 75 mph and turn in hard, aiming to just get the left side of the car onto the rumble strip, going to full throttle as you apex.
Turn 69 - Full throttle following the Skyline. Your T7 should be no slower than 5'45.000.
Turn 70 - Brake hard as you crest the hill and begin a slight downhill. Slow the car to about 53-54 mph in 2nd gear, and hold it near that speed briefly. Full throttle once you pass the apex, shifting into 3rd at 67 mph. This is the same as the A license graduation test (A16 in the RX-7 Spirit R), and the technique is much the same.
Turn 71 - Full throttle following the Skyline.
Turn 72 - Shift into 4th at 93 mph, and coast once you do this. Coast until the apex, and get back to full throttle for a moment.
Turn 73 - Brake quickly to about 82-83 mph, staying tight to the left rumble strip. Full throttle once you reach the apex.
Turn 74 - Again, brake quickly slowing the car to about 79-80 mph, coasting past the apex, and going full throttle as you cross the centerline of the track.
Turn 75 - Brake hard as the rumble strip to the left ends, slowing to about 72-73 mph in 3rd gear. Use light throttle to the apex, maintaining that speed, and go to full throttle just after passing the apex.
Turn 76 - Do not shift into 4th. Brake hard while turning in (follow the same line as the Skyline), slowing down to about 62-63 mph, and almost immediately get back to full throttle.
Turn 77 - Begin braking hard just before the brown brick/curbing to the left ends, slowing to about 62-63 mph while turning in. Coast past the apex, getting back on full throttle as you cross the centerline of the track.
Turn 78 - Brake hard to about 60 mph, holding that speed to the apex, gradually bring it back up to full throttle after apexing to ensure staying out of the dirt to the left.
Turn 79 - Brake a little bit late, slowing to about 63-64 mph, and turning in hard. This turn is tighter towards the top of the hill, and you can stay outside when you brake a little late.
Turns 80 and 81 - Full throttle following the Skyline, you should be exceeding 90 mph before reaching turn 81, and if you are, make certain you are in 4th gear before hitting the apex of turn 81. Your T8 should be no slower than 6'37.000.
Turn 82 - Again, I will not count the two kinks along the road, as you can travel a straight line through them. Brake hard as you leave the little hill, slowing to about 75 mph and turning in with the Skyline. Use full throttle all the way up the hill, smoothly following the rumble strip and curve of the road.
Turn 83 - More than likely, you will have to lift as you enter the turn and go back to full throttle at the apex. This turn can be taken full throttle, but you have to get it just right.
Turns 84, 85, 86, 87 and 88 - This should be taken at full throttle, but you may need to lift here and there depending on how smooth your line is. Just try to follow the same path the Skyline is leading, and like I said, full throttle, maybe two or three lifts if you are uncomfortable or get slightly out of shape. Your T9 should be no slower than 7'05.500
Turn 89 - Brake to about 85 mph in 3rd gear, coast/light throttle to the apex, and go back to full throttle at the apex.
Turn 90 - Stay to the right side on exit of turn 90, and begin braking hard as the dark brick/curbing to the right ends. Slow down to about 71-72 mph, getting back on full throttle as you get to the apex.
Turn 91 - Stay to the right again, and brake hard down to about 59-60 mph in 3rd gear. Try to maintain a smooth line on the strange concrete patches. It is difficult; just keep your steering consistent and smooth. You can nearly go full throttle once you are in the turn, but at least go to one-half to three-quarters throttle until you can see the exit.
Turn 92 - Follow the Skyline, and brake slightly down to about 75-78 mph as you cross some grafiti going up the hill. This is a long sweeping turn that just keeps going and going. Maintain a smooth line, gradually increasing your speed from about 80 mph as you crest the top of the hill, to 100+ mph in 4th gear as you get onto the straight.
Straightaway - Pretty straight forward here, just stay in the draft, and just like before, as you get too close for comfort on the bumper of the Skyline, let off a bit to maintain about three to four car lengths. Your T10 should be about 7'59.000 or faster.
Turn 93 - Take note of the bridge going over the track, as that is the location of turn 94. Go full throttle, following the Skyline. Your T11 should be 8'27.000 or faster.
Turn 94 - Stay on full throttle, and stay near the centerline of the track.
Turn 95 - Brake hard down to about 110 mph, and maintain very smooth steering input.
Turn 96 - Turn in and begin braking as you start to gain on the Skyline. Continue slowing and staying to the left side of the track, all the way down to about 55 mph in 2nd gear. Coast through the apex, and go back to full throttle once past the apex.
Turn 97 - Continue full throttle staying tight to the rumble strip, or slightly on the rumble strip.
Turn 98 - Start braking hard as you pass the white concrete to your left, slowing down to about 41-42 mph in 2nd gear. Follow the Skyline up the hill.
Turn 99 - Oh wait... that is correct, you are done
Wheeeeeeeeewwwwwww.... that was a lot of work.
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IA16 - Circuit De La Sarthe II, "The 240 mph Test"; Nissan R92CP Race Car `92
First of all, no, you will never get to 240 mph. However, this test became notorious very quickly between a lot of friends as the 240 mph test. And yes, the first two-thirds of the test is boring, as you can make yourself a pot of coffee, check your email, and have a smoke before getting to the second turn. I advise against doing that however, because you do want to maintain 233-235 mph as much as possible without wandering all over the track. One last important note, it seems as though wheel users are having little to no difficulty whatsoever with this test, so I am almost exclusively speaking on behalf of those of us using the "Hand Vibrator."
Another point to note; I do not care what you think, or what anyone tells you is the legal limits of the track, for now, let us just worry about getting to the second turn as quickly as possible. If that means going between the bright blue/yellow rumble strip and the grass, then do it. After you feel you have mastered the fine art of throttle controlling this beast, be my guest and get the gold according to more strict standards. I warn you though, if you plan on doing that now, you are on your own.
First rule of this test:
DO NOT use 2nd gear.
Second rule of this test: Other than the first turn,
never,
ever try to apply throttle while on a rumble strip.
Ok, I guess now that I have all of those points out of the way, you are ready to batter your brain and thumbs on controlling this thing at low speeds (high speed is real easy, there is probably a good three to four thousand pounds worth of downforce being generated).
Full throttle up to about 129-130 mph, and brake hard, then turn in. Ideally, you will maintain no less than 117 mph through this turn. And like I said, for now, I really do not care what anyone thinks the limits of the track are, if the game passes you, it is
ok. The line I take through this turn is simple; brake hard and go to medium throttle as you cross the right-side blue and yellow rumble strip, getting most or all of the car onto the brown. By the time you are at the apex here, you should be back on full throttle. The car will ideally stream across the track and cross the blue and yellow rumble again, getting all or most of the car into the brown. Make sure to keep the car in 4th gear. If you are in third gear and touch the rumble strip while on full throttle, expect to become extremely dizzy. The rear end will snap around on you so fast you will not see it coming.
Shift into 5th at about 182-186 mph, it is hard to gauge where the actual shift point is because of how rough the road surface is. Through the gentle right bend, use minimal steering input and maintain a smooth line to maximize your speed.
Now instead of making that pot of coffee, concentrate on keeping the car on the centerline of the track. However, I do not recommend constantly giving it small steering inputs; just give it some here and there as you need to in order to stay relatively close to, or on, that centerline. The right bend seems treacherous the first time through, however, it too is easy. You will know when you are almost there because there will be a bunch of bright green cones that you go whizzing by. How they manage to stand still if beyond me - I am sure that the vortex of wind coming off of the rear wing is incredible.
You can actually see the turn coming; just give it a soft smooth right steering input, staying between the two heavy white lines. The road seems rougher outside of those two lines, thus why you should be trying to stay on the centerline. After completing the gentle right bend, get closer to the left side heavy white line, but stay to the right of it!
You will have to steer pretty hard to the right (and only momentarily). Upon letting go of the steering input, brake,
hard. Push that Square button through the DS2 if you have to; this car needs to come out of warp speed in a hurry. Since the car is still generating loads of downforce, you can somewhat gently steer the car to the left side of the track. And I mean
very gently.
Now, I know this sounds absurd, but slowing the car down to 40 mph, turning, making sure it is straight and lined up for the next coffee-pot-athon, then getting back on the throttle (no more steering input,
I'm serious) is much, much faster than trying to do all three things at once. Ideally though, you will only have to slow down to about 53-57 mph.
Remember to stay in 3rd gear. Do whatever you can to avoid these rumble strips. I do not care how well you can manipulate and control the "X" button with your thumb; you will light up the tires. Just as a reference, I messed up this turn (on the run I am writing this guide from) and slowed down to 42 mph, never touching a rumble, and not giving any throttle while turning. I also never touched any of the three rumble strips. I still made a gold time with nearly a quarter second to spare.
Once again, you are attempting to stay on that centerline as best you can. Wandering from it slightly is ok, but through the quick right bends use that centerline as your guide. You cannot see much else anyways, just a bunch of blurry greens and greys. Shift into 3rd at about 135 mph, and into 4th at about 185 mph.
Hold off from braking for this "Moderately-harder-than-the-last-two" right turn. I started to brake once I could see that tiny little bit of rumble strip. Slow the car to about 155-160 mph, steering hard to the right. Get back on full throttle once past the apex, and stay to the right side of the track now. You will only be on full throttle for about a half-second, and go to full braking, gradually bringing the car over to the left. You should slow down to about 65-70 mph, and take this turn like a textbook "Out-in-out" turn.
Once again I will remind you that if you attempt to give her full throttle while still having the front wheels turned at all, you are going to break the rear tires loose. Luckily, in my run I happened to break them loose, and can tell you what to do in the event that you also break them loose. Hold the throttle down until about 90 mph, and then give it three or four quick taps and releases. Typically this will not stop them from spinning completely,
but it will impede the amount of tirespin, and you will still accelerate faster than just holding full throttle.
Track your way over to the left side of the track, and you will not need to shift into 4th gear. As you get to about 127-129 mph, start braking hard. I know that the game suggests braking later than this, but try it and discover for yourself that you are likely to slide into that nice black wall.
Start turning in at the end of your braking, keeping in mind you have to coast through the turn and apply the throttle once you are straight and no longer need to give it any steering input. Slow to about 40-45 mph, depending on how good your line is. If you really are that good at throttle control, you can manage to give it an extremely slight pressure from the apex until the car is aligned with the track properly. Once the car is pointed at the finish line, let the throttle fly (make sure to wait until you are not pushing left or right anymore), and you should be able to rocket your way to the finish line without breaking the tires loose.
Now you can go make that pot of coffee.
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Well, here you are again, having completed another set of license tests. This time, the golds are
very well earned and deserved; the last two tests in particular took me a total of about 6 hours to get through the first time I did them. The key is to keep your spirits up, when you get discouraged, just take a break. The game will be sitting there waiting for you when you have a chance to return to it, so don't worry about how quickly you get through everything. At this point, you should be looking at a total of
64 gold medals. Once again I think youve earned yourself the right to stand up and strut around a little, like youve just accomplished something extraordinary.
Your three new cars desperately awaiting some abuse:
Nismo 270R `94
Nissan GT-R Concept `01
Dome Zero `78
All three of these cars look pretty cool and fun to use. However, it is late and I am short on words, so, how about I shut up and you can go on to the S Licenses (unless of course you need a break!)
i bow down to you oh great one
