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Gran Turismo 7’s Lap Time Challenge, 19th Oct-2nd November

Gran Turismo 7’s latest Lap Time Challenge features the frankly bizarre Alsace Test Course combined with a pre-eminent Gr.4 car.

Gran Turimso 7 Lap Time Challenge, Mazda GR4, October 2023 Alsace

The latest, in a current long-line, of Gran Turismo 7 Lap Time Challenges is at a test circuit that arugable should remain just that – a test circuit.

Mind you, while it’s only suited to racing the slowest vehicles in the game, at this with an Online Time Trial, it’s just you and the track…

Gran Turismo 7 Lap Time Challenge, Mazda GR4, October 2023 Alsace Test Course Reverse

Yes, that’s right, it’s the diminutive Alsace Test Course Reverse. At just 1.32 miles, the lap is over in a flash, and expect the leaderboard times to be extremely close.

This is the layout that features a steep hairpin that saps momentum quicker than running through a swimming pool filled with custard. It also looks like something created in Gran Turismo 6’s Track Path Editor.

While you can select any Gr.4 you own or rent for free, the timetable is dominated by the new meta in this class – the MAZDA3 Gr.4 which was added to the game last month. Its torquey engine and all-wheel-drive stability seem to be a perfect match not just here, but any Sport Mode event in Gr.4 at present.

Recommended car: MAZDA3 Gr.4 (Brand Central, 350,000 Credits or free rental)

Alsace Test Course Reverse track guide

At the time of publication, Gran Turismo World Series competitor and Porsche Esports Challenge USA 2023 runner-up Robby Heck was leading the times, although, with a week left, we expect the times near the top to change on a daily basis.

The first corner, a right-hander, is easily flat-out and use as much kerb as possible. The banked turn two is tricky, as there’s no clearly defined ‘correct’ line around here, but aim low, tap the brakes, go down one gear to fourth and hug the inside until, near the exit, there’s a crown in the road.

Gran Turismo 7 Lap Time Challenge, Mazda GR4, October 2023

The uphill section requires precise steering inputs, hopping across all of the kerb at the bottom of the climb, before descending. Mid-way through your clip, brake, shift down to third and use all of the kerb, all four wheels over it, at the peak.

The final braking zone for the left-handed hairpin is relatively straightforward. Simply start braking just as the blue and yellow kerb begins on the right.

Gran Turismo 7’s Lap Time Challenges explained

GT7‘s Lap Time Challenge is a time trial mode where you compete against other players to set the fastest time on the leaderboard. However, there’s a caveat: setting a lap within three per cent of the fastest time nets players 2,000,000 Credits.

If you aren’t quite quick enough, then lapping within five per cent gains you 1,000,000 Credits, while a time inside 10 per cent of the fastest results in a 250,000 Credit payout.

Gran Turismo 7 Lap Time Challenge, Mazda GR4, October 2023 Alsace Robbie Heck

Lap Time Challenge

Race Information

Track: Alsace Test Coure Reverse

Entry Period: 19th October-2nd November 2023

Regulations

Useable Tyres: Racing Hard, Intermediate, Wet

Wide body: Prohibited

Nitrous/Overtake: Prohibited

Specified Car: MAZDA3 Gr.4

Car Restrictions

Bop/Tuning Forbidden: Mid-speed

Car Used: Garage Car, Event-Specified Car

Car Settings: Specified

Race Settings

Track Limit: Normal

Penalty Settings

Shortcut Penalty: Invalidate Time

Wall Collision Penalty: Off