The latest, in a current long-line, of Gran Turismo 7Lap 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…
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.
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.
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.
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