Jake Heeneke - Training Plan No. 3

Goal

Improve race technique and lower lap times.

Conclusion

Some good driving and an interesting issue with the throttle. There are a number of corners where the throttle isn't functioning at 100%, it is maxing out at 95-97% quite often. The simplest solution is to add a little deadzone to the top end of the throttle in the settings. Also, have a quick check that the pedal is mechanically functioning smoothly.

Assigned Task

Ensure that you have fixed the throttle issue. This is time lost due to no fault of your own. After this, practice your exit strategy, examine when is the earliest point that you can confidently apply the throttle knowing that you won't have to release it at all

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1st key mistake: Braking too early
Why it matters

This is about absolutely nailing your braking points. It goes without saying that braking later reduces your lap time(assuming you make the corner). Even corners where the reference lap approaches the braking phase at a higher speed, you sometimes brake earlier. Focus on keeping your steering wheel straight to be able to brake as late as possible.

How much of a problem it is for you

14% of your errors are involved with braking too early

See an example in your own sessions

Examine segment 1, braking just a little later and maintaining 100% a little longer would stabilise the car and might help with avoiding the excessive steering angle.

Learn to improve

The overall corner strategy was good. It was a little wide on the apex mainly because you didn't slow the car down enough, in the last stage of turn in. Other than this the majority of time was lost due to the throttle not functioning at 100%.

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2nd key mistake: Gear too low
Why it matters

Gear choice is the understanding of which gear can be used in the corner to maximise control and most importantly speed of the car. Drop into too low a gear and the car could slow to match the gear ration, too high a gear and your acceleration won't be optimal.

How much of a problem it is for you

Gearing errors is 10% of your total errors.

See an example in your own sessions

Segment 6 shows how you are using 5th gear while the the reference lap doesn't drop below 6th.

Learn to improve

The easiest and quickest way to improve gearing mistakes is to copy the reference lap. Put all your thoughts aside as to whether it sounds wrong or feels strange. Start by just copying the lowest gear in a segment.

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3rd key mistake: Too late to full throttle
Why it matters

Full throttle is where the speed is. As long as you have control, the general aim is to get to full throttle as quickly as possible.

How much of a problem it is for you

Late to full throttle is a common mistake with F1, as there is a fear of spinning the car. With around 25% of your mistakes here. Focused practise is important.

See an example in your own sessions

Segment 5 is a good example of how you apply your throttle. Here you lose around two tenths by getting on the throttle too late and coasting too much around the corner.

Learn to improve

Take a moment to watch one of our videos that emphasises the need to get to full throttle quickly.  Think smooth but fast, on / off the throttle will nearly always be slower than quick and smooth.

Your predicted potential lap time improvement

0.6s - 1.1s

Check out your best session