Dieter Ritgen - Training Plan No. 2

Goal

Improve driving technique.

Conclusion

Nice driving and a few more areas to explore. Don't worry too much that you are now braking too early, this is normal and being conscious of honing in on a good braking point is important. Let's start using the width of the track so that you can get on that throttle quickly and speedily.

Assigned Task

Concentrate on the exit kerbs with this weeks assigned task. On the first few laps just drive on the kerbs, feel how they react. Do they throw the car, do you have to drive perfectly straight on them. Understand each kerb and its differences. This is aimed at giving you the confidence to use the kerbs to expand the track width so that you can really get on the throttle and push for faster times.


5a5798809538462e5a82d431.png
1st key mistake: Braking too early
Why it matters

This is often the case that when you were originally braking too late, braking too early shows as a mistake. Not a problem, this is a balance of fine tuning your driving and ensuring that you are consistent.

How much of a problem it is for you

Nearly 20% of your errors are a result of braking too early.

See an example in your own sessions

Segment 9 highlights that you are getting on the brakes too early here.

Learn to improve

As mentioned above this back and forth is normal until you find the perfect braking point for your speed. Good peripheral vision is important to ensure you hit the same braking point each time. Also fast feet are very important as without them, there will be more luck than judgement as to when you exactly brake.

5a5798809538462e5a82d431.png
2nd key mistake: Too late to full throttle
Why it matters

Same as last week, very important to get to full throttle quickly so that the car is at full optimal pace for the straight sections after a corner.

How much of a problem it is for you

With 22% of your mistakes coming from 'late to full throttle', we have to keep pushing this.

See an example in your own sessions

Look at segment 2.  The reference lap is getting more throttle down than you at this stage. This translates into your time in segment 3 as well.

Learn to improve

Try to speed up how quickly you press on the throttle when you are exiting the corner. It is a fine line between near perfection and spinning out. It is important to push this line though and really see what the car is capable of doing. The issue is that you need to do this multiple times in order to start to developer the muscle memory required to become consistent.


5a5798809538462e5a82d431.png
3rd key mistake: Not using enough space on the exit
Why it matters

Getting on the speed earlier requires as much width to maximise the lineal acceleration compared with the struggle of lateral pressures of the corner.

How much of a problem it is for you

A bit more than 11% of your mistakes are related to this.

See an example in your own sessions

Check out how you are positioned on and through segment 7. Your corner radius is steeper than the reference lap thus a little time is being lost.

Learn to improve

As this is your first training plan, here is a video focusing on which kerbs to tackle and which ones to avoid.  Remember the kerbs are often there to help you exploit the full width of the track.  Remember, entry-apex-exit strategy.

Your predicted potential lap time improvement

1.0s - 1.2s

Check out your best session