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AVF GRAN TURISMO 5: GUIDE TO ONLINE RACING & ETIQUETTE
There have been many discussions recently regarding the do's and don'ts of online racing here at AVF. Most of the regular racers here are in agreement regarding how we should all conduct ourselves when racing in our private lobbies and organised race nights. Hence the following is a guide to racing cleanly, fairly and competitively during AVF race nights:
OFF THE START LINE AND INTO THE FIRST CORNER.....
...is a great place to make up a position or two but, as with real-life racing, the likelihood of a collision is at its highest here. Cars will often approach the first corner three or four across, so be aware of other cars around you and respect each other's space. Don't force drivers off the track/into the barrier. Remember, tyres will be cold and grip levels reduced, so be prepared to brake much earlier than usual and take the corner at a slower speed (this applies to the first lap as a whole). A slightly more conservative approach is the best way for everyone to negotiate the first turn in one piece.
**Races are rarely won at the first corner but are very often lost here. Take it easy.**
BE AWARE OF OTHER DRIVERS
It can be easy to lose other drivers in your blind-spots. Keep a regular check on your mirrors/rear/side views when racing in close proximity to other cars.
BRAKING
Be aware that due to different cars, setups and driving styles, braking-points may differ between drivers. Do not assume that your braking-point applies to everyone. When following another car closely, be prepared to brake earlier than usual. If you are unfamiliar with a particular circuit or car then the flashing gear indicator is a good visual aid for when to start applying the brakes.
OVERTAKING.....
...should be attempted in a clean and fair manner with minimal contact. Please avoid over-ambitious or unsporting moves such as diving into small gaps or cutting corners to pass other drivers.
A classic example is diving down the inside on a tight corner and using the opponent you are overtaking as an extra brake pedal / steering aid/ battering ram to get you round the corner. This is totally unacceptable especially if there is no space for your car to pass.
Also, be careful not to cut across other drivers when passing.
When attempting to overtake be patient and wait for a good opportunity. Reckless or impatient moves, particularly when trying to out-brake an opponent, often end badly.
DEFENDING YOUR POSITION
As in real-life racing, driving a more defensive line is standard practice when trying to defend a position. However, deliberate weaving and blocking – for example: to disturb a car in your slipstream - is considered unsporting conduct.
CONTACT
Unintentional, light contact such as nudges and scrapes are an accepted part of racing in GT5. However, heavy contact is not. Deliberate ramming is not tolerated, nor side-swipes or trying to push other cars off the track. If the full damage setting is used then racing essentially becomes non-contact due to the sensitive damage mechanic in GT5.
DEALING WITH COLLISIONS
Everyone makes mistakes and nobody is expected to drive perfectly. When collisions inevitably occur its how you deal with them that matters.
*** Important ***
If contact is made whereby you cause another car to spin, leave the track, hit a barrier or run wide then it is considered good practice to slow down, wait for the other car to rejoin the race and concede the position you may have gained. This doesn't apply to drivers not involved in the incident.
It's always worth offering an apology in the lobby following a collision for which you may be at fault.
If you spin or leave the track then care must be taken when attempting to rejoin the race. Check for approaching vehicles and if necessary wait for traffic to pass.
QUALIFYING
Some races require qualifying. Take care not to obstruct or slow down another driver who is on a 'hot lap'. Please take care when exiting the pits (see below).
PIT-STOPS
Longer races may require a pit-stop. On exiting the pits please stay within the white line. It's there for a reason - to keep slower cars rejoining the circuit off the racing line. Do not drift straight out onto the racing line as this could cause a collision with a much faster car on the start-finish straight.
BACK-MARKERS
The lack of a blue flag system in GT5 doesn't help here, but try to be aware of faster cars approaching and move off line to allow them to pass easily without being slowed down. Do not attempt to 'race' or impede faster cars.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST.....PLAY FAIR!
Deliberate acts of unsporting behaviour such as corner-cutting and riding along barriers will not be tolerated here. Leave that for the random lobbies.
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The above may seem obvious, and is common sense for the most part, but by racing with the above in mind we should be able to ensure clean, fair and competitive racing. Collisions are often unavoidable, and aggressive driving is all part of racing, but there can be a fine line between aggressive and reckless. Race in a considerate, sportsman-like manner and we can all enjoy many great AVF race nights ahead.
Have fun!
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Thanks to mark74uk for helping to put this together. If anyone has any further suggestions, and would like to see anything added or amended, please let me know. |
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27-11-2019 00:33:17
