Wet weather is here and many are seemingly struggling to adapt. So here are some beginner’s top tips on how to improve in the rain on iRacing.
Image credit: iRacing.com
Earlier this week, iRacing finally released the much-anticipated new weather system, Tempest. Bringing wet weather driving to a number of series in the game, the latest Season 2 of 2024 update is a revolution to the online racing service.
However, sitting as one of the most realistic wet weather racing simulators available, many are struggling to get up to speed. From picking out the right lines to adjusting driving styles and even setting up the car, Tempest brings a plethora of new challenges. Whilst we are also finding our way around the new update, here are some beginner tips on how to prepare for iRacing in the rain.
FIA F4 among the iRacing cars compatible with rain. Image credit: iRacing.com
That being said, one can also run these models against the AI in a variety of conditions. So if online competition is not giving you the wet thrill you are looking for, setup an offline session.
But one thing the service does not do in its present state is fit said wet tyres in rainy conditions. Good practice would be to always check the setup screen before embarking on laps in the rain. When active, your crew chief will point out that you are on the wrong tyre before leaving the pits as a final warning.
In a recent post to X, iRacing gave players an insight into the life expectancy of the new tyre compound. As one would expect, the wet tyre compound will suffer from overheating on a dryer surface. So make sure to use the correct compound for the conditions. In addition, it seems a wet tyre will last no longer than two stints. For the upcoming Sebring 12 Hours, that key piece of information is sure to come in handy.
If you are feeling more adventurous, have a go at adjusting the setup yourself. To reduce the impact of standing water, raise the ride height of your car. Do this by stiffening springs, raising the height on the Aero screen, or adjusting the Packers.
Much like any setup on a dry track, softer anti roll bars will help with letting the tyre find more grip. On high downforce cars, also try adding wing angle and softening the third spring. This final adjustment is for wet conditions only however as in the dry, a soft third spring will kill any downforce.
With that in mind, it is important to reign in the speed whilst driving in the rain. In wet conditions, you will want to be more progressive on the power and brakes. Furthermore, bring your braking points further forward, extending the braking zone. The last thing you want is to lock up and end up spearing off onto the grip-less, wet grass.
Finally, whilst downforce cars will allow for aggressive, sudden steering inputs in the dry, one must be more gentle in the wet. Rather than trail braking to turn the car, get your braking done early and coast into corners whilst gradually applying steering angle. This should help the tyres cope and avoid understeer.
In general, it will take some time to adjust to each circuit’s unique needs when racing in the rain. Therefore, do not get frustrated from the odd spin on your first laps out the pits. Take the time to find the right lines and point out the standing water. It is also a good idea to keep away from other cars and their spray when adjusting to a new circuit.
The good news is that it seems puddles tend to form almost strategically on iRacing circuits to force players away from this low-grip tarmac. Braking zones will usually see more standing water on the dry line, pushing you to the inside. Often times, these puddles will also sit on the apex of corners. These also help to visually avoid the rubbered-in inside line.
Even when puddles are not present, due to a lack of heavy rain, it is worth avoiding the standard line. Braking and getting on the power on the inside are key to staying off the slick rubber. But in longer corners, you will also want to move to the outside for better mid-corner grip.
What tips would you offer newcomers to racing in the rain on iRacing? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
Image credit: iRacing.com
Earlier this week, iRacing finally released the much-anticipated new weather system, Tempest. Bringing wet weather driving to a number of series in the game, the latest Season 2 of 2024 update is a revolution to the online racing service.
However, sitting as one of the most realistic wet weather racing simulators available, many are struggling to get up to speed. From picking out the right lines to adjusting driving styles and even setting up the car, Tempest brings a plethora of new challenges. Whilst we are also finding our way around the new update, here are some beginner tips on how to prepare for iRacing in the rain.
Rain Compatible iRacing Cars
Before jumping into the many ways one can adapt to driving in the rain, it is important to point out which cars will require such adaptations. In fact, in its initial release, the Tempest system’s wet weather racing is only compatible with a select few models. These include:- Acura ARX-06 GTP
- BMW M Hybrid V8 GTP
- Cadillac V-Series.R GTP
- Porsche 963 GTP
- Dallara P217 LMP2
- Audi R8 LMS GT3
- BMW M4 GT3
- Ferrari 296 GT3
- Lamborghini Huracan GT3
- Mercedes-AMG GT3
- Porsche 911 GT3 R
- Toyota GR86
- Super Formula Lights
- FIA F4
- Ray FF1600
FIA F4 among the iRacing cars compatible with rain. Image credit: iRacing.com
That being said, one can also run these models against the AI in a variety of conditions. So if online competition is not giving you the wet thrill you are looking for, setup an offline session.
All About Wet Tyres
It may sound obvious, but when running in the rain, it is important to be on the correct tyre compound. With the introduction of wet weather, iRacing also gains rain tyres for select cars – those included in the list above.But one thing the service does not do in its present state is fit said wet tyres in rainy conditions. Good practice would be to always check the setup screen before embarking on laps in the rain. When active, your crew chief will point out that you are on the wrong tyre before leaving the pits as a final warning.
In a recent post to X, iRacing gave players an insight into the life expectancy of the new tyre compound. As one would expect, the wet tyre compound will suffer from overheating on a dryer surface. So make sure to use the correct compound for the conditions. In addition, it seems a wet tyre will last no longer than two stints. For the upcoming Sebring 12 Hours, that key piece of information is sure to come in handy.
iRacing in the Rain Setup Tips
Whilst you are at it, there are a few generic setup tweaks one can make for wet conditions. Before fitting wet tyres to your car, why not load up the title’s standard wet weather setup? Open the iRacing Saved Setups and load the wet baseline tune. Whilst far from fast and feeling somewhat lethargic, this should help avoid major incidents on-track.If you are feeling more adventurous, have a go at adjusting the setup yourself. To reduce the impact of standing water, raise the ride height of your car. Do this by stiffening springs, raising the height on the Aero screen, or adjusting the Packers.
Much like any setup on a dry track, softer anti roll bars will help with letting the tyre find more grip. On high downforce cars, also try adding wing angle and softening the third spring. This final adjustment is for wet conditions only however as in the dry, a soft third spring will kill any downforce.
iRacing Rain: Patience is Key
One thing every simulator portrays when it comes to wet weather driving is an overall loss of grip. Be it through cold tyres or less contact between rubber and tarmac, a wet circuit is a slippery circuit.With that in mind, it is important to reign in the speed whilst driving in the rain. In wet conditions, you will want to be more progressive on the power and brakes. Furthermore, bring your braking points further forward, extending the braking zone. The last thing you want is to lock up and end up spearing off onto the grip-less, wet grass.
Finally, whilst downforce cars will allow for aggressive, sudden steering inputs in the dry, one must be more gentle in the wet. Rather than trail braking to turn the car, get your braking done early and coast into corners whilst gradually applying steering angle. This should help the tyres cope and avoid understeer.
In general, it will take some time to adjust to each circuit’s unique needs when racing in the rain. Therefore, do not get frustrated from the odd spin on your first laps out the pits. Take the time to find the right lines and point out the standing water. It is also a good idea to keep away from other cars and their spray when adjusting to a new circuit.
Avoid the Puddles
Unlike the majority of simulators, simply adjusting your inputs will not suffice in iRacing‘s rain. Wet tarmac on-track becomes extremely slippery, forcing racers to search for grip off the traditional racing line. This is something one will typically see in real life.The good news is that it seems puddles tend to form almost strategically on iRacing circuits to force players away from this low-grip tarmac. Braking zones will usually see more standing water on the dry line, pushing you to the inside. Often times, these puddles will also sit on the apex of corners. These also help to visually avoid the rubbered-in inside line.
Even when puddles are not present, due to a lack of heavy rain, it is worth avoiding the standard line. Braking and getting on the power on the inside are key to staying off the slick rubber. But in longer corners, you will also want to move to the outside for better mid-corner grip.
What tips would you offer newcomers to racing in the rain on iRacing? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
