Tyres are critical in sim racing. Apart from the obvious role it plays, the connection to the virtual track and feedback generated from this is of key importance in sim racing. With iRacing’s latest overhaul of the GT3 tyre model, that connection just got a major upgrade. For me the tyre models in iRacing in general is a bugbear, but I was pleasantly surprised after sampling the updated model. It finally made me hopeful that I might be able to tame the iRacing GT3’s and drive the cars a little more like what drivers like David Perel seem to be doing in real life.
Tyre Modelling Is Like Walking a Tightrope
Sim developers require real word data to develop tyre models. Slip curves, heat cycles, pressure sensitivities and compound behaviour all impact how the tyres react during a lap or stint. This is not always readily available as this is key to what makes a tyre or race team competitive in the real world. Developers are thus using track telemetry, driver feedback and available tyre specification amongst other things to simulate the tyre behavior.
Remember, there is no physical G-forces at play in the virtual word. Your only way to “feel” the tyres are through force feedback, sound, visual cues and instinct. For developers getting this “feel” right is like walking a tightrope. Make the tyres too grippy and it feels arcade like, too slippery and it feels “broken”. Read up on when iRacing introduced the LMDh class cars to get a better picture of this challenge.
What’s New in the iRacing GT3 Tyre Model?
With the latest build, iRacing rolled out a significant update to how GT3 tyres behave. The aim of which was to satisfy the omnipresent demand from Sim racers for real-world race tyre dynamics and a more immersive experience.
Here’s what’s changed:
- More realistic grip curve: Tyres now behave more progressively as they reach (and exceed) their limits.
- Cold tyre behaviour is harsher: The first few laps are noticeably slick, requiring extra caution.
- Improved heat and wear dynamics: Tyre temperature and wear now build more gradually and impact grip more noticeably.
- Enhanced slip angle feedback: Oversteer and understeer are easier to feel and correct.
In short, the tyres will now behave more like they would in real life and considering the broader feedback on the web it seems like this has greatly been improved.
How It Affects Your Racing
I have only done a handful of laps since the update but in general I was super pleased and impressed with how the model affected the handling of the Ferrari 296 GT3, the only GT3 class car I currently own on iRacing. For longer races these updates should make GT3 racing more strategic and technical. It rewards smooth driving, with managing tyre temperatures and degradation being just as important as ultimate lap time. The grip will now build up and taper off during longer stints. These are aspects that I always felt was lacking. I am looking forward to experiencing this in the 2x 25minute races during the last race week of this seasons iRacing Masters series.
Key takeaways before your next iRacing GT3 races are:
- Tyre warm-up is critical; Cold tyres now offer far less grip, especially in the early corners of a race.
- Driving style matters; Smooth inputs are essential to avoid spikes in temperature and grip loss.
- Stint management is key; Longer races now demand tyre conservation, not just flat-out pace.
Final Thoughts
The updated iRacing GT3 tyre model makes racing feel more alive, more realistic, and more rewarding. For me it made the car feel more “drivable” whereby inputs made a significant difference and more critically, I could feel what the car was doing and even catch slides that normally would have resulted in a spin.
Want to join the Masters Grid?
Want to experience the new iRacing GT3 tyre model in an online league? We would love more drivers to join us in the series. The joining fee is minimal, and you will become a faster driver whilst enjoying the racing and getting to know some industry stalwarts in the process! More information can be found here: https://masters-series.co.za/Entry