Bigpower

Hi all,

I'm not remotely into computer games but will be doing the 'ring next year at some point and am interested in learning a bit beforehand this winter. Do the assembled 'ring enthusiasts here use a simulator for learning purposes? Does it require the latest xbox/playstation or is the not-quite-latest one any good? (am wondering if I can pick up something s/h for not too much dosh, given that I'll not be playing any other games on it)

Pal on a Yamaha R1 did 9:30 on his first lap there recently (and subsequently got into the 8:50's) after practicing beforehand on playstation!

cheers
Andy

Pick up a Playstation 2 and Gran Turismo 4 and Fritz is your uncle!

Be careful though Andy - the real thing is way different. PS2 is useful for learning a rough order of corners but it bears no relation to reality for lines, speeds, gradients or road surfaces.

dynamix wrote:Be careful though Andy - the real thing is way different. PS2 is useful for learning a rough order of corners but it bears no relation to reality for lines, speeds, gradients or road surfaces.

For sure, and gradient is another thing you miss in the simulation.

Can't see it being useful for a short circuit, but it has become a useful tool for Isle of Man TT for example (which is 4x longer circuit than the ring). Learning curve has changed significantly in recent years.

Yeah I played the Ring on GT4 loads before our trip, could not believe the actual gradients on the track !!! It's almost as if the game track was flat !!

It is worth doing though, GT4 and the Forza 2 ones are pretty good.

But I'd also look at the vids on youtube etc as this will give you a better understanding.

If you have access to a PC Andy (for gaming) try the Live for Speed version. Not at all frilly but accurate and the car physics takes some beating.

Games are great for getting the rough 'heads up' on corner layouts and even better for getting your general bearings. One of the biggest problems with 'using' games to learn is that the fear is removed in the digital version. The kerbs don't scare you, the armco can't hurt you and there are no Polizei in the games to spoil your afternoon (or your bank balance)

Keep me posted as to your plans. Have been talking to Gerry about the same thing next year

Forza 2 I used and it was great but no substitute for the real thing!

Ok, going to borrow a pal's PS2, and pick up a copy of GT4 and what seems to be the wheel of choice - Logitech Driving Force Pro. Do these steering wheel consoles attach to a table top or summat? With force feedback I can imagine it jumping around a bit in yer lap!

Andy

Andy916 wrote:Ok, going to borrow a pal's PS2, and pick up a copy of GT4 and what seems to be the wheel of choice - Logitech Driving Force Pro. Do these steering wheel consoles attach to a table top or summat? With force feedback I can imagine it jumping around a bit in yer lap!

Andy

That particular one has clamps that attach to a table top Andy. The biggest thing to familiarise yourself with is the amount of input needed to get the car moving]may[/i] be able to borrow the race pod that resides at APT. This uses the same wheel you refer to with a proper Cobra chair and frame set up. The decision would be up to the guys though as I know it's quite popular with their clients.

stuart wrote: ... the race pod that resides at APT. This uses the same wheel you refer to with a proper Cobra chair and frame set up...

Hehe, this very one perhaps:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0270544111

I showed that to Lucy and she said NO

Andy