Mastering Spa-Francorchamps in Gran Turismo 7 requires precision, understanding of the track's layout, and strategic use of your car's capabilities. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you improve your lap times and performance on this iconic circuit.

Starting Your Lap: The Bus Stop Chicane

Begin your lap cautiously at the Bus Stop Chicane. It's crucial not to spin out, so consider using traction control if you're struggling with stability. This section sets the tone for your flying lap, so focus on a smooth exit to carry momentum onto the main straight.

Eau Rouge and Raidillon

The Eau Rouge and Raidillon complex is where you can gain significant time. Approach with full throttle, making sure to cut the left as quickly as possible to set up for the right-hander at the top. This section demands courage and precision, as the right line will allow you to maintain high speed without lifting off the throttle.

Strategic Braking Points

Identify and memorize braking markers for each corner. Braking just before the right marker allows you to approach corners with the right speed to maximize exit velocity. Braking in a straight line ensures stability and prevents lock-ups, which are crucial for corners like the downhill hairpin where early braking is beneficial.

Cornering Technique

Cornering at Spa is all about getting as close as possible to the walls or bollards without making contact, especially in tight corners where grazing the wall can mean a faster line. Use gentle throttle inputs to avoid spinning, particularly in rear-wheel-drive cars where traction control can be a lifesaver.

Les Combes and Bruxelles

Approach Les Combes with a focus on braking at the right point and shifting down to optimize turn-in. Get close to the bollards on the right to set up for the left-hander, then quickly move to the left to open up the next right-hander. Bruxelles requires early braking due to its downhill nature, allowing for a tight line and preventing running wide.

Pouhon

Pouhon is a high-speed, double-apex left-hander that demands early braking and patience. Wait until you're confident you can stay flat out before fully committing to the throttle. This corner is about finding the balance between entry speed and the ability to maintain momentum throughout the entire turn.

Fagnes, Stavelot, and Blanchimont

These sections require precise braking and throttle control. For Fagnes, brake just before the curb starts, aiming to get close to the bollards for the best line. In Stavelot, focus on early braking to set up for a full-throttle exit. Blanchimont is a high-speed kink where minimal lifting might be necessary, but aim to keep it as flat as possible.

The Bus Stop Chicane (Ending Your Lap)

Your lap ends with another precise navigation of the Bus Stop Chicane. Braking just after the 150 marker in a straight line allows for a controlled approach. Clamber over the curb on the inside, then square off the exit by getting over the left-hand curb, applying power only when your car is straight to avoid spinning.

Conclusion

Consistency, braking precision, and throttle control are key to mastering Spa in Gran Turismo 7. Practice these techniques, focusing on the unique challenges each section of the track presents. Remember, every corner at Spa is an opportunity to improve your time, so approach each lap as a chance to refine your skills and strategy.