Well, it took me an evening to get it. But I can believe the time you quote. That's only 5 seconds a lap better than a close win, after all.
The test is the one where you chase down a Bentley Speed 8 in an Audi R8, with various annoying slow cars getting in your way. I think in setting the goald time they allowed lots of time for you waiting behind slow cars for a good passing opportunity.
The big kicker seems to be the Bentley slows down dramatically at the end. I was seconds behind (more than 2 for sure, probably more) at the last checkpoint, and still passed it after the last hairpin, going to the finish line. You wouldn't be able to do that if it was racing in earnest.