I guess a lot of console converts would use aids as in most console games the physics are so bad you have to use them!!
In race sims the only time I use TC is in the F1 cars on RFcator as its impossoble without! Early versions of GTR too were tricky without TC, makes th racing better aswell coz people dont keep spinning.
To the noob, all I can offer is practice mate!! Try as many tracks as you can and try and fiddle about a litttle with setup. things like brake pressure, steering angle, gear ratios make a huge difference to your ability to RACE, then it's literally all about learning.
ANother good tip is to go online and watch some of the aliens from the camera? Watch their lapping from the TV and you may learn something, you wont be able to beat them coz they are quite special!! but you may learn a few tricks about line etc.
Some tracks are harder than others, Zandvoort, Brno, are bumpy in places and quite trivky to learn, obvious line isnt alwats fast, but try Brands, Oschersleben, Valencia and youll be fine!!