I haven't found any real difference using the '19 vs the '23, and I only chose the '19 because I have a nice livery for it. I haven't tried this on controller, but even on wheel the inputs are very minimal to take big moves, so it may take a bit of practice to nail down on the sticks... I don't envy your challenge! When I used controller I had an extender on the steering stick which helped a LOT with softening inputs.
Some (a lot of, haha) tips:
The AI is slow in turn one, through the uphill esses, through the bus-stop, the corner after the bus-stop (turn 5), are slow to exit the next few turns (6 and 7), and are slow through the last two turns as well (10 and 11). Take advantage of these opportunities to pass!
IIRC, drop down to third for turn one and be patient using all of the exit curb on the left, power up through the esses choosing lines that will take you
around the AI, lightly tap brakes LATE and down to 5th for the BS (eating all the curbs) and stay left in preparation to be
flat-out for turn 5's right hander. I didn't always hit it right!
For the following downhill left (6) the apex is late... (all these subsequent late-apex corners have a defined "kink" at their apex, find them!) drop to third and wait for it, then as straight as possible throttle out once you're clear. The next uphill right (7) also takes a lot of patience, and is also late apex, so wait for the kink then smoothly apply throttle (don't get too aggressive) and you should rocket up behind the AI. The next sharp right (8) they always brake super early (brake at the 200 and don't be afraid to rush them on the inside). The following uphill left (9) is probably the trickiest, because its not only another late apex corner, but traction is LOW, so I was overly cautious here. Once again, gentle and smooth on the throttle.
The final two corners (10 and 11) are FAST. Second to last FLAT OUT, and the last corner just about flat, making sure to turn in a little earlier than you might feel like.
There are a lot of people saying you need RM or RS and I don't think that's the case at all because the wear will be tragic if you're pushing, and minding that while under pressure is more likely to lead to mistakes. The SF is plenty fast and planted on RH, and while the wear has an effect, it is much more managable than a set of completely worn softer tires or wasting the time it takes to pit for a new set.
I don't use TCS and play on max difficulty, so this race is entirely doable at all levels!
I think I was running in the 1:21-22s with a clear track, and the lead AIs still took a while to catch up to, so it might be worth it to put in some practice laps and get really familiar with the car and the Glen.
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Good luck, you got it! As long as you're having fun with it it's all good.
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Rallycross Layout__1 by 2cam16, on Flickr
