Track Guides

Master every circuit in Ride 5 with detailed track guides. Pinpoint crucial braking zones and optimal racing lines to achieve the perfect lap.

Welcome, seasoned riders and aspiring champions! This section is your ultimate companion to mastering every inch of asphalt in Ride 5. Forget aimless laps; here, we break down each track into actionable strategies, pinpointing crucial braking zones, optimal racing lines, and hidden advantages. Whether you're chasing the perfect lap time or battling for supremacy in a heated race, these guides will give you the edge you need.

Laguna Seca Raceway

Laguna Seca is a technical marvel, famous for its iconic Corkscrew. Mastering this track requires precision and a deep understanding of its elevation changes.

Sector 1: The Gauntlet

• Turn 1 (Andretti Hairpin): Approach wide, aiming for the outside curb. Brake hard just before the 100m board. Downshift to 2nd gear. Aim for a late apex, letting the bike track out to the very edge of the track on exit. Avoid over-accelerating, as the track narrows quickly.
• Turn 2: A quick left-hander. Maintain 3rd gear. Feather the throttle and aim for a mid-apex. You'll want to carry as much speed as possible through here to set up for Turn 3.
• Turn 3 (Rainey Curve): This sweeping right-hander demands commitment. Brake lightly as you enter, staying wide. Downshift to 3rd gear. Aim for a late apex, using the entire track width on exit. Be mindful of the slight elevation change mid-corner, which can unsettle your bike.

Sector 2: Elevation and Precision

• Turn 4: A relatively straightforward left-hander. Maintain 4th gear, a slight lift off the throttle should suffice. Aim for a mid-apex and prepare for the climb.
• Turn 5 (Reid Railton): This uphill right-hander requires good throttle control. Brake gently before the turn, downshifting to 3rd gear. Aim for a late apex to maximize your exit speed up the hill. Be careful not to run wide on exit, as the gravel trap is unforgiving.
• Turn 6 (The Corkscrew Approach): A short straight leading to the most famous section. Accelerate hard, but be prepared for a significant braking zone.

Sector 3: The Corkscrew and Beyond

• The Corkscrew (Turns 8a & 8b): This is where races are won and lost.
  1. Approach: Brake extremely hard just after the crest, before the 50m board. Downshift rapidly to 2nd gear.
  2. Entry (8a): Aim for the left-hand curb. You'll be turning left while dropping significantly.
  3. Exit (8b): Immediately transition to the right, aiming for the right-hand curb at the bottom of the descent. It feels like falling off a cliff, so trust your bike and lean heavily. Avoid over-correcting; smooth inputs are key.
• Turn 9 (Rainey's Corner): A fast, downhill left-hander immediately after the Corkscrew. Maintain 3rd gear. A slight lift off the throttle and a precise turn-in are crucial. Aim for a late apex to carry speed onto the final straight.
• Turn 10 (Schwantz Steer): A gentle right-hand kink. Maintain high speed, staying in 5th or 6th gear. This sets you up for the final turn.

Sector 4: The Finish Line

• Turn 11 (The Last Corner): A crucial right-hander leading onto the main straight. Brake moderately, downshifting to 3rd gear. Aim for a late apex, using the throttle to pull you out of the corner and onto the straight with maximum momentum. A good exit here can shave tenths off your lap time.

Brands Hatch GP Circuit

Brands Hatch is a classic British circuit, known for its undulating terrain and challenging corners. It demands a blend of bravery and precision.

Sector 1: Paddock Hill Descent

• Paddock Hill Bend (Turn 1): This is a true test of nerve. Approach at full throttle. Brake hard just before the 100m board, downshifting to 2nd gear. Turn in sharply while descending, aiming for a late apex. The compression at the bottom can be unsettling; be ready to counter-steer slightly. Accelerate hard up the hill towards Druids.
• Druids (Turn 2): A tight, uphill hairpin. Brake moderately after Paddock Hill, downshifting to 1st gear. Aim for a very late apex, almost touching the inside curb. Get on the power early on exit, using the uphill gradient to your advantage.

Sector 2: The Back Straight and Hawthorn

• Graham Hill Bend (Turn 3): A fast, sweeping left-hander. Maintain 3rd or 4th gear. A slight lift off the throttle and a smooth turn-in are required. Aim for a mid-apex, letting the bike track out to the right.
• Surtees (Turn 4): A medium-speed right-hander. Brake gently, downshifting to 3rd gear. Aim for a late apex to maximize exit speed onto the short straight.
• Hawthorn Bend (Turn 5): A crucial, fast right-hander. Approach at high speed. Brake lightly, downshifting to 4th gear. This corner has a subtle camber that helps you carry speed. Aim for a mid-apex, letting the bike run wide on exit.

Sector 3: Westfield and Dingle Dell

• Westfield Bend (Turn 6): A challenging, downhill left-hander. . Aim for a late apex. Be mindful of the track dropping away, which can cause the front wheel to lighten.
• Dingle Dell (Turn 7): Immediately after Westfield, this is a fast, uphill right-hander. Maintain 3rd gear, a slight lift off the throttle should suffice. Aim for a mid-apex, using the uphill gradient to help with grip.
• Stirling's Bend (Turn 8): A fast, sweeping left-hander. Maintain 4th gear. A gentle turn-in and a mid-apex are key to carrying speed onto the short straight.

Sector 4: Clearways and Clark Curve

• Clearways (Turn 9): A long, sweeping right-hander that leads onto the main straight. . Aim for a late apex, progressively opening the throttle as you exit. This corner is vital for a good lap time.
• Clark Curve (Turn 10): The final corner, a gentle left-hand kink. Maintain high speed, staying in 4th or 5th gear. A smooth line through here will ensure maximum speed across the finish line.