Twin Ring Motegi West Course
The West course is the shortest ribbon out of the Motegi circuit, and features two long straightaways along with two slow-speed sections. When approacing this course it is important to remember to accelerate as much as possible when exiting the turns, as your top speed on the straightaways will probably make the biggest different in your lap times. Make sure to follow a line that allows you to get on the throttle as early as possible, even if it means taking the corner at a slightly slower pace. Depending on your cars characterisitics it might be beneficial to use a different strategy, so make sure to experiment with different lines. Along with maximizing your speed on the straightaways, braking is another very important thing to consider. Finding consistent braking points will allow you to decrease your overall lap times, so spend some time investigating these points along with your cars braking abilities.
Turn 1 and 2: Double Apex Right Hander
The first two turns on Motegi’s West course is the same as on the Road Course, and as a result the same techniques apply. A precise line is needed to maximize your speed going down the first straightaway, so make sure to hit the outside edge of the track after you have passed the first apex. Run as far to the outside as you can, as this will give you a better angle when approaching the second apex. Once you reach the second apex get on the throttle as early as possible and accelerate to the exit.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turns 1 and 2
Turn 3, 4 and 5: Complex rhythm section
After a long straight away you will come up on a section where your line and braking points can drastically alter your lap times. Approach this section with caution, as too much speed will put you out onto the grass. Find the right braking point that will allow you to make an early turn in going into the sharp right hander. You want to aim for the inside rumble strip when taking this turn in order to set yourself up for the quick left hander that follows. If you hit the inside apex with an early entrance you will find that a quick switchback is enough to clear the left hander that follows. The timing for this switchback is crucial, so check out the video for a rough estimate on when you should be making the switch; generally speaking you should aim to hit the left hand rumble strip and hold the left side line in order to set-up for the final right hander.
The final turn is tricky as you will need to get on the brakes while shooting towards the outside of the track in order to hit the proper line. Aim for the outside edge of the track and make a slightly late entrance towards the inside ruble strip. You want to make sure you hold the outside line until you actually reach the corner. With a late apex you should be able to hit the throttle as soon as you reach the inside rumble strip, giving you maximum speed going onto the front straightaway.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turns 3, 4 and 5
// Continue to the Motegi East Track Guide //