GTPlanet’s GT6 Track of the Week 26: Yas Marina Circuit

After the challenge of trying to perfectly land all the jumps at Oakhill Road, the 25th GTP TOTW, it’s with a slight sigh of relief that we arrive at this week’s featured track. Crafted – as many replicas are – on Eifel Flat, we’re at the lush Yas Marina Circuit, care of member Cole Morgan.

Download Yas Marina Circuit from our GT6 Track Database

Yes, you read that right: lush. Okay, a recreation of the Arabian circuit’s arid surroundings is outside the scope of the Track Path Editor. No, Death Valley is not an acceptable substitute. Cole has nonetheless strove for as much authenticity as possible, with a length very similar to the real circuit. The start line has migrated to the second main straight of the circuit, while the minimal elevation changes of the original have obviously been flattened. So how does it hold up?

I’ll admit I’m not a huge fan of the Tilke-designed circuit, but have nonetheless become intimately acquainted with it, as it’s a popular online destination in another game. I like the different starting location for the lap, turning the tight chicane separating the two back straights into a crucial setup spot for a final dash to the line.

That chicane in particular feels easier (and crucially, far less awkward) here than on the traditional Yas Marina. There, the move uphill for the second half turns the apex into a blind one, but it’s always been a rhythm-ruiner to me. Now, the car works with the camber, digging in and changing direction with authority.

A personal favourite of mine is the three-corner complex found at 0:40/2:58 in the video. Turns 15 through 17 on the real circuit, these now show up near the front of a lap, and seriously test a driver’s commitment to the racing line. The first might be flat-out, but the second – at least in the Boss 302 – requires the perfect blend of trail-braking to line up for the final apex.

Oh, and one final bonus point for Cole: nice touch on the small kink on the final straight!

Submissions For Week 27 Still Open

Have you created the next great race track? Add your track to the GTPlanet Track Database now, and submit it to the Week 27 Submission Thread for your chance to have it featured next week. The deadline for submissions is 20:00 GMT today, so don’t wait!

See more articles on GT6 Course Maker and GT6 Track of the Week.