Server
I really have no idea what happened (and might still be happening) with the server. Definitely something wrong, because even after you all managed to switch from Phil's to Uwe's server, I got disconnected and then couldn't join for 10 minutes or so, betting a time out. But I can assure you it has nothing to do with the password. I remember a similar problem during the last Screamers season, but it wasn't a problem that everybody had, so go figure... I will ask Uwe to check if there's something wrong.
Brakes and handling
As for the car handling and the way it gets loose under braking, here's the deal. I don't know if you're aware, but real racing cars use A LOT of front braking bias. I bet this car in reality was running anything from 60 up to 75 front BB, just to make it driveable with conventional pedal set and gearchanging. FWD cars run even higher, I've seen cars with 85 front BB!
Many mods have artificially high rear tires grip dialed in, without simulating that with load sensitivity instead, which at the end makes it possible to use a lot lower brake bias. As an example, I usually run around 51-52 in other mods, but here I am using 54-55 (which is set as default, why original default was 60). Even with that, I would still lose it if I brake too deep and start turning in while still hard on the brakes, despite my rather heavy use of throttle under braking.
Evidence
Just on the Monaco video, which you can assume the cars were going rather slowly at, you can see two guys loosing it under braking and entry, with one of them spinning around completely. So try to use more front BB and brake on time, changing gears only when the revs drop a good deal and blip accordingly.
Race report
As for the race, I didn't get a great start and with the mirrors not showing much of what's going on behind and on the sides I didn't want to take risks. Once the tires were up to temperature (mine were running in optimal 85) I could pass for 1st and build a gap, but then tire wear became a real issue and I decided to pit for a new set of tires. Came out 3rd and started closing in on the top 2 who were struggling with worn out tires, then we had a little battle, but one of them (Daniel?) went off into the last turn and handed me over the lead. From there on I had no problems, except spinning on the final lap and losing some 10 seconds before I could continue.
Track choice
I agree on the track, it's terribly made, the ugliest and bumpiest Brands I've ever seen, lol. But it's the same for everyone and the back section is real fun in this car. It's not my call, so whether or not this is used for the real race next week (hopefully, finally!), I can't tell.
Cheers,
-=Hristo=-
P.S. To diminish the spinning tendency of the car under braking and corner entry, add more locking to the coast side of the differential, as well as trying the 2 preload options. I read somewhere the cars had a much more locked differential than the road version, so that makes sense. I still seem to prefer less locking on power side though.
Edited by avatar7, 11 September 2009 - 01:29 AM.