Feature: SimHQ’s Fast Lap:
Virtua_LM’s “Le Mans ’79”
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Dunlop Curve (tire bridge): In the VLM’s edition of Le Mans ’79-‘86, the track thankfully does not yet feature the speed-sapping chicane just prior to the bridge, which will let you reach some exciting speeds as you hurtle past the throng of race fans watching you from the grandstands. You’ll encounter a gentle right hand bend as you crest a rise, feeling the car get just a little light on the tires as you roar under one of the most recognizable icons in motorsport — the Dunlop Tire Bridge. Once past the bridge, you’ll hurtle down a shallow descent to the first real curves of the circuit. Reaching the braking zone in 5th gear, you’ll want to start braking in time to get the car settled for the first turn entry.
The Esses: Every time I enter the Esses, my mind conjures up images of Steve McQueen’s Le Mans movie during the opening lap of the race. This is not good for my lap times, because the Esses demand excellent timing and car placement to negotiate them quickly.
Dropping to 2nd gear under braking, you’ll aim the car towards the left hand wall for a slightly late apex to better set the car up for the second, right-hand bend of the corner. A gentle ‘breathing’ of the throttle in mid corner, followed by very smooth and judicious application of throttle on corner exit is what’s required to keep the speed up through this challenging corner. Enter a little too hot and you’ll spoil the exit. Cob on the throttle with a heavy right foot, and you’ll most likely spin the car into the inside wall as you exit the Esses, which includes a small hump in the pavement just past the apex. But when you get it right, it feels fantastic.
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