09-11-2018, 02:02 PM
It also depends if you can run consistent pace on used tyres, not too much slower than on a fresh set. If you're in a battle with somebody, you may decide to pit late if you're running good pace on worn tyres, giving you the advantage late in the race having the fresher rubber (assuming fuel load at this point of the race is similar, seeing as though you have both made a stop and have the same distance to go). You may also be able to go for a softer compound. But if you find yourself seconds per lap slower and fighting the car, you may want to pit as soon as possible.
I have found my self using this strategy and being faster than the guy I was racing earlier on in the race simply because I was consistently fast on worn tyres, and had the fresher set when it came time to push that little extra. At the end of the day, it may just come down to how hard you use your tyres, and how consistent your driving style is.
Also as others have said, set up a pit strategy before the race. I made the mistake of not having one in my first 1Hr race and I pitted 3 time times in that race...
-1st time my strategy was no tyre change and no fuel. (1 liter of fuel or a tyre change is mandatory).
-2nd time I didn't put enough fuel to make it to the end of the race.
-3rd time was to correct my error.
Treat your first race as a learning experience. You'll take a lot away from it, even if it's learning the car as it evolves over the 1 hour.
** When I use the word fast, it's all relative to the position I'm in at the time and the pace I'm running. I'm rarely up there fighting for wins, if ever. Especially in the 1 hour races.**
I have found my self using this strategy and being faster than the guy I was racing earlier on in the race simply because I was consistently fast on worn tyres, and had the fresher set when it came time to push that little extra. At the end of the day, it may just come down to how hard you use your tyres, and how consistent your driving style is.
Also as others have said, set up a pit strategy before the race. I made the mistake of not having one in my first 1Hr race and I pitted 3 time times in that race...
-1st time my strategy was no tyre change and no fuel. (1 liter of fuel or a tyre change is mandatory).
-2nd time I didn't put enough fuel to make it to the end of the race.
-3rd time was to correct my error.
Treat your first race as a learning experience. You'll take a lot away from it, even if it's learning the car as it evolves over the 1 hour.
** When I use the word fast, it's all relative to the position I'm in at the time and the pace I'm running. I'm rarely up there fighting for wins, if ever. Especially in the 1 hour races.**