Overview and Car Selection

Dragon Trail is renowned for its technical layout and the infamous "death chicane" that can make or break a lap. The Subaru WRX stands out as the go-to car for setting qualifying times, but don't overlook the potential of the GTR, Supra, and Dodge Viper. A new feature allows racers to view their global ranking directly in the game, offering an added incentive to improve your times.

Key Strategies and Turns

• Start/Finish Straight: Maximizing your exit speed from the final corner is crucial due to the long straight that follows. Staying in third gear and hooking up the curb on the exit can give you the launch you need.

• First Sector: The first major braking point is at the start of the black and white curb on the right, just before the 100-meter board. Downshift to third gear, and use the inside curb to aid rotation. The next right-hander requires cutting the curb cleanly; if you're going to cut it, ensure your tires clear the inside edge to avoid unsettling the car.

• Mid-Sector: Look for the grass changing to sand as your braking marker for the next turn, moving down to third gear quickly to assist in rotation. The orange barrier signifies your cue to dab the brakes and downshift to fourth, aiming to get your left tires onto the curb for optimal cornering.

• Death Chicane: Approaching the chicane, position your car to take as much of the curb as comfortable, transitioning smoothly from one side to the other. The key is to cut the inside of the second curb with your right tires to avoid unsettling the car. Precision and early turning are vital to navigate this section confidently.

Lap Breakdown and Tips

• Final Sector: After conquering the death chicane, use the 100-meter board as a reference for braking into the following corners. Keeping the car in third gear can offer a speed advantage, although briefly shifting to second may help with rotation in tighter turns.

• General Tips: The WRX benefits from shifting up at the end of the gears, though it's essential to recognize points where a gear shift isn't necessary for optimal performance. The guide also emphasizes the importance of braking markers and the use of curbs for rotation and stability.

Conclusion

A lap time of 1:46.077 in the WRX stands as a strong starting point, with aspirations to break into the 1:45s as the week progresses. This guide aims to provide you with the strategies and insights needed to tackle Dragon Trail more effectively, particularly the critical "death chicane" section. Remember, mastering this track requires practice and precision, but with these tips, you're well on your way to improving your lap times and global ranking.