A Lap of the Brands Indy Circuit

Brands is a good driver's course as there are a variety of corners in terms of speed and track cambers. Average speed for the circuit is just under 100mph, and this includes the two fairly low speed corners at Druids and Clearways.

You cross the start/finish line on the Brabham Straight by the pit wall in fourth gear and then move to the far left of the track. The line to the turning-in point for Paddock is curved but to have the car balanced so you actually drive a straight line. The entrance to this corner is an excellent overtaking spot and there's always plenty of action here! A dab of the brakes to slow the car from about 130mph down to 90mph and select third gear. From the turn-in point you apex against the curbs and then the car drifts out to the exit point just short of the bottom of the hill. Stick to the left hand side of the track, staying in third gear up to Druids.

You brake as you go under the footbridge and select second. The key at Druids is to apex just past the middle of the bend and get the power down as quickly as possible. The car exits towards the far curbing, but you need to get to the other side of the track to have the correct line for Graham Hill bend. Graham Hill bend was re-profiled in 1999. Instead of being a flat out 3rd gear corner we now grab third early going down the hill from Druids before braking as late as possible and changing back into second for the new Graham Hill bend.

A late apex allows you to get the power on as early as possible for the Cooper Straight. You accelerate to 7000rpm in second, take 3rd gear, accelerating hard again before you enter the next bend.

The next bend is in fact two, being an S bend called Surtees and McLaren. The turn-in point is critical for this corner as it dictates the line through both sections and at 110mph there's not much room for error! Stay flat-out in third and turn-in positively to clip the apex; this line will automatically allow you to clip the second apex. Immediately past this apex, break hard and select second, keeping in a straight line to set-up for Clearways. You turn-in almost mid-track and aim for the V-shaped curb, accelerating hard through the corner. Just past the apex select third, and then, as you clip the curbs on the exit, select fourth. Continue this curve all the way through until you hit the main straight and finally cross the start/finish line to start all over again. A fast lap should take under 49 secs to complete. From the vantage point of the hospitality suite it is possible for you and your guests to watch the cars for 90% of this lap.

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