Dynamic weather makes a return to Gran Turismo 7‘s ranked Sport Mode Daily Races this week, after the treacherous Spa-Francorchamps two weeks ago.
This time, however, the rain arrives at the Circuit de la Sarthe in the rapid Gr.2 machines, a vicious combination.
Sport Mode offers ranked online racing where you will be placed within races based on your previous performances. Race clean, improve your Safety Rating, score great results and boost your Driver Rating.
RACE A
Insert something about Bauhaus stying here. Whichever automotive journalist trope you’d like to bring up about the first-generation Audi TT, it’s hard to deny how much of a looker it is.
With numbers dwindling as the Mk4 Volkswagen Golf underpinnings slowly rot away, seeing one on the road today is a rare treat.
While not known for its handling prowess – understeer and body roll are its forte – there was some technical wizardry, as VAG’s now ubiquities double-clutch gearbox (DSG) debuted in this particular 3.2-litre TT. Well, technically, it was the Golf R32, but that was only in Germany. This was the world’s first taste.
With the West Reverse layout of Maggiore in use, watch out for the uphill left-hander Turn 11, which required a deft touch to the brakes, making sure the weight hand transferred, before turning in. If you’re ever-so-slightly wide here, you’re in the wall.
Recommended car: Audi TT Coupe 3.2 quattro ’03 (Brand Central, 57,800 Credits or free rental)
Race B
Race B is a straightforward affair this week – Gr.3 cars and the Yamagiwa layout of Kyoto’s Driving Park.
Simply five laps on Racing Hard tyres, nothing fancy here with strategy or weather.
The track is the most challenging element. After the opening long left-hander, the circuit flows up hill and there will always be someone trying to go side-by-side up here. Stop it, don’t try it, you’re just going to crash.
The penultimate corner is tricky too, a downhill right into a left with a large kerb that’s as tempting as a Cadbury’s easter egg. Tasty, but don’t take too much as it will spit you into the barrier.
We’re going with the Supra this time – if in doubt, Toyota – although we’re sure the Porsche is just as quick.
Recommended car: Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept ’18 Gr.3 (Brand Central, 450,000 Credits or free rental)
Race C
The big one, at this time it’s just five laps at Le Mans with 1x tyre wear and 1x fuel usage in the quick Gr.2 class. Easy.
Except…
Dynamic weather is switched on, and trust us when we say you do not want to be driving down the Mulsanne on slicks when the heavens open.
Make sure you’ve purchased the Intermediate and Wet tyres – if not renting a car – before entering, and have buttons mapped to switch between the race radar and the weather radar. Once the rain arrives, don’t be afraid to pit for the grooved rubber.
It’s tempting to enter with the Mercedes-Benz CLK-LM ’98, as it’s a rocketship down the straights, but in the rain, the venerable Nissan GT-R Nismo GT500 from 2016 is more stable.
Recommended car: Nissan GT-R Nismo GT500 ’16 Gr.2 (Brand Central, 800,000 Credits or free rental)
Lap Time Challenge
There are three Lap Time Challenges to tackle this week, including a qualifying event for the 2023 Olympic Esports Series.
Lap Time Challenge B Recommended Car: Mercedes-AMG GT3 ’20 (Brand Central, 450,000 Credits or free car rental)
Lap Time Challenge C Recommended Car: Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm ’20 (Brand Central, 220,000 Credits or free car rental)
A new Lap Time Challenge will become available on the 11th of May at 7 am GMT.
Race A
Race Information
Track: Autodrome Lago Maggiore – West Reverse
Laps: Four
No. Of Cars: 12
Start Type: Grid Start
Duration: 15 Minutes
Fuel Consumption: 1x
Tyre Wear: 1x
Regulations
Useable Tyre and Types: Comfort Soft
Wide Body: Prohibited
Nitrous: Prohibited
Regulations (Specified Car)
Audi TT Coupe 3.2 quattro ’03
Car restrictions
BoP/Tuning Forbidden: Mid-speed (M)
Car Used: Garage Car, Event-Specified Car
Car Settings: Specified
Race Settings
DR Updates: Off
SR Updates: Off
Mechanical Damage: Light
Minimum No. of Pit Stops: None
Track Limit: Normal
Penalty Settings
Shortcut Penalty: Light
Penalty for collisions with other cars: On
Pit Lane Line Cutting Penalty: On
Race B
Race Information
Laps: Five
Track: Kyoto Driving Park – Yamagiwa
No. Of Cars: 16
Start Type: Rolling Start
Duration: 15 Minutes
Fuel Consumption: 1x
Tyre Wear: 1x
Regulations
Useable Tyres & Types: Racing Hard, Intermediate, Wet
Category: Gr.3
Wide Body: Prohibited
Nitrous: Prohibited
Car restrictions
BoP/Tuning Forbidden: Mid-speed (M)
Car Used: Garage Car, Event-Specified Car
Car Settings: Specified
Race Settings
DR Updates: Yes
SR Updates: Yes
Mechanical Damage: Light
Minimum No. of Pit Stops: None
Track Limit: Normal
Penalty Settings
Shortcut Penalty: Light
Penalty for collisions with other cars: On
Pit Lane Line Cutting Penalty: On
Race C
Race Information
Laps: 5
Track: 24 Heures du Man Racing Circuit
No. Of Cars: 16
Start Type: Rolling Start
Duration: 25 Minutes
Fuel Consumption: 1x
Tyre Wear: 1x
Regulations
Useable Tyres: Racing Medium, Intermediate, Wet
Wide Body: Prohibited
Nitrous: Required
Category: Gr.2
Car restrictions
BoP/Tuning Forbidden: High-speed (H)
Car Used: Garage Car, Event-Specified Car
Car Settings: Specified
Race Settings
DR Updates: Yes
SR Updates: Yes
Mechanical Damage: Light
Minimum No. of Pit Stops: None
Track Limit: Normal
Penalty Settings
Shortcut Penalty: Light
Penalty for collisions with other cars: On
Pit Lane Line Cutting Penalty: On
Lap Time Challenge B
Race Information
Track: Fuji International SpeedwayEntry Period: 27th April – 11th May 2023RegulationsUseable Tyres Racing: Hard, Intermediate, WetCategory: Gr.3Wide Body: ProhibitedNitrous: ProhibitedCar RestrictionsBop/Tuning Forbidden: Mid-speedCar Used: Garage Car, Event-Specified CarCar Settings: SpecifiedRace SettingsTrack Limit: NormalPenalty SettingsShortcut Penalty: Invalidate Time
Lap Time Challenge C
Race InformationTrack: Red Bull RingEntry Period: 27th April – 4th May 2023RegulationsUseable Tyres Sports: HardWide Body: ProhibitedNitrous: ProhibitedRegulations (Specified Car)Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm ’20Car RestrictionsBoP/Tuning Forbidden: Mid-speedCar Used: Garage Car, Event-Specified CarCar Settings: SpecifiedRace SettingsTrack Limit: NormalPenalty SettingsShortcut Penalty: Light
