I haven't played that long and deff. not with a manual, i passed both of the tests so far i've tried with it. that would be the first and second. but the second one took me a good while. still passed it though.
i found if you fly into the turn, slam the brakes, then turn with no little no acceleration period of time, then you can go around the corner faster then the comp. sooo how i do it is when you are going into a turn you slam the brakes and give it gas. I don't know if i really explained myself good, and if i did this idea will work with everyone, but it atleast works with me.