EXPERT SERIES

Conquer the challenging Expert Series events in Gran Turismo 5. Get expert tips and strategies for mastering the SLS AMG in the rain on the Nurburgring and more.

The Expert Series in Gran Turismo 5 presents a significant challenge, particularly the rain-soaked races featuring the SLS AMG. While four of the five races offer generous time allowances, allowing for some sliding, the final race on the Nurburgring without a driving line is particularly demanding. This guide provides sector-by-sector strategies to achieve gold times.

General Tips:

• Assist configurations vary widely among successful players; experiment with TC, ASM, Active Steering, and ABS to find what works for you. The default settings (TC 5, ABS 1) are a starting point.
• Turn up your sound to better hear the car's spin, which is crucial for maintaining control.
• Accelerate intermittently in a straight line, especially up to around 130 mph, to avoid spinning out.

Sector 1:

The target time to reach the first checkpoint is 57 seconds for a potential gold. The overall gold time is 1:40, with skilled drivers achieving times in the 1:37s. The final turn is treacherous due to rain, the car's power, and the absence of a driving line. Brake early on the preceding left curve and accelerate gently out of it. Prioritize clean driving over aggressive acceleration if you're close to the time limit.

Sector 2:

The gold time for this sector is 2:24. Plenty of room exists, as even with multiple mistakes, gold can be achieved. Aim to exit the grass around 30 seconds, navigate the sharp right hairpin, and be accelerating by 1:34. Pass the curbstones marking the end of the uphill right turn by 1:56 to secure gold.

Sector 3:

The target time is 2:09, with ample room for error. The car slides constantly, making acceleration during turns risky. Brake sooner than usual but maintain similar racing lines. Exiting the banked hairpin at 1:07 or less is necessary for a chance at gold if the second half is driven exceptionally well; exiting at 1:03 makes it significantly easier.

Sector 4:

This is the most difficult challenge, set on the Nurburgring in the rain with no driving line or checkpoints. The target time is 2:29. The strategy involves creating your own checkpoints and lines:

1. Start: Hug the left curb immediately to navigate the first turn without dropping below 60 mph.
2. Second Left Turn: Use the road's dip as a braking point, aiming for around 60 mph. Be through this section and taking the small left turn by 21 seconds.
3. S Curves: Take these as a straight line, using the grass if necessary. Position yourself left before the pavement drops and brake on the high side of the drop.
4. Right Curve: Slide through at around 70 mph, accelerating cautiously to avoid spinning.
5. Plateau: After the left turn uphill, check your clock. Aim for around 38 seconds to be on pace.
6. Next Left & Downhill: Feather the gas to stay in 4th gear through the left turn and down the hill.
7. Final S Curves: Accelerate through these, using the grass if needed.
8. Hated Right Turn: Brake early, aiming for 80 mph to prevent hitting the wall.
9. Next Left: This turn is sharper but manageable.
10. Control & Clock Check: After the left turn, check the clock. You need to be at 1:04 or less for a chance at gold.
11. Next Left (55 mph): Use the banked turn to stay on track.
12. Long Right Curve: Brake until shifting into 3rd gear, hit the inside dip, and control the car for maximum speed without losing traction.
13. Final Checkpoint (Red Sign): Aim to reach the red