Diogo Rodrigues - Training Plan No. 1

Goal

Progress from beginner to intermediate standard.

Conclusion

Great to get the first session in. It highlights a number of areas where we can concentrate on your technique. Let us know which assists you are currently using as this can have a large impact on how the car drives. The ultimate aim is to turn off assists but when playing on controller we need to find a balance between learning real driving skills and balancing controller inputs.

Assigned Task

Study the mistakes that have been highlighted below and really try to copy the reference lap. For example, write down the lowest gear that the reference lap uses per segment and use the same. Repeat this for 3 sessions of a minimum of 5 laps. This should start to feel like second nature and is the basis for your training. Learn a technique and drive multiple laps purely concentrating on achieving the goal set.

5a5798809538462e5a82d431.png
1st key mistake: Gear too low
Why it matters

There are many situations on track where it is better to run the car in a higher gear to gain full potential from the engine.

How much of a problem it is for you

This mistake happens a lot, 29% of your mistakes can be attributed to this.

See an example in your own sessions

An example can be found in Segment 2. Notice how the reference lap chooses to get into each gear quicker than yourself.

Learn to improve

You'll be surprised how much time can be lost by being in the wrong gear. Very important to test this, either by referring to the reference lap or by looking at the deltas when you drive. Carrying speed and staying in a higher gear can often be the difference of 0.3 - 0.5 seconds on your lap time!

5a5798809538462e5a82d431.png
2nd key mistake: Too harsh braking
Why it matters

Similar to too much braking and both affect the weight balance on the car. By stomping the pedal, the weight is shifted forward and control is trickier.

How much of a problem it is for you

A bit more than 24% of your mistakes are related to this so it's worth paying attention to.

See an example in your own sessions

A good example can be found in segment 1. This most likely is due to using a controller

Learn to improve

Hard and fast braking is very usefully (and works well on the controller), however be mindful that on high speed corners it is important not to brake too much. Try to use less than 100% braking in these situations. Tricky but with a bit of dexterity it is possible.

5a5798809538462e5a82d431.png
3rd key mistake: Too early on throttle
Why it matters

Being too early on the throttle is a contradictory mistake. You want to get the full gas quickly but not at the expense of possible wheel spin or having to come off the gas.

How much of a problem it is for you

19% of your mistakes are being too early on the throttle.

See an example in your own sessions

This is a perfect example of how your desire to reach full throttle quickly is actually costing you time on the track.  Segment 1, shows us that the early application of the throttle was too much and you had to 'back off' a little before getting to full throttle.

Learn to improve

Getting onto the throttle too early or slight nervousness in making the corner results in 'backing off' the throttle. Have conviction and trust your lines and be patient. If you get into the habit of 'lifting off' too often then it'll be hard to shake off.

Your predicted potential lap time improvement

1.1s - 1.4s

Check out your best session