GT5 Tips: Wet Driving

Wet at Circuit de La Sarthe

Now, you may have experienced wet driving before in GT4 or GT3, but it was only on one track. For GT3, it was Special Stage Route 5. For GT4, it was Tsukuba Circuit. In GT5, however, you will be succumb to wet conditions on many tracks, including Circuit de la Sarthe, Autodromo Nazionale Monza Circuit, Special Stage Route 7, the Nürburgring, and many more. There's no two ways getting around it. You will face wet driving, that's why I've developed some pointers on how to take on the wet.

Monza Wet Speed

First and foremost, check your car setup. Like drifting, it is important that your car is set to take on the wet conditions. What I would do is turn Traction Control on, Skid Recovery Force on, and Active Stability Management on. With these driving aids on, you'll have better grip in corners on the wet surface. Speaking of grip, make sure you have Rain Racing tires on. These are by far the best tires to use when driving in the wet. You could have Racing Mediums on, but those tires are best used in the dry. In the wet, they aren't as good. Also, don't be an idiot. Make sure your rain grip at the very bottom of the driver settings is turned low. Unless you are a professional race driver, keep these setting at low, or else you won't be winning any wet races at all. Once you have everything the way you want it to be, you are ready to take on the wet

Hydroplaning

Since this is a real driving simulator, all the sciences about speed and physics are applied. This includes hydroplaning. Now, if you've taken driving school, you probably already know about hydroplaning, but I'm going to explain it again anyways. Hydroplaning is the affect when the connection between the road and the car's tires are separated by a light film of water. Naturally, you're supposed to reach hydroplaning at 35 MPH. But, since you'll be going more than that when racing, assume that this always happens. So, why is this important? Braking. This is crucial. Like in real life, the ABS (Antilock Braking System) of a car doesn't work as well in the wet. So, slamming on the brakes in the wet is strongly discouraged. That's why you see so many accident reports on the news during a rainy day. The same science applies here. If you slam on the brakes in the wet, you won't control the car as well and will end up sliding off onto the grass or worse, the wall. Make sure you brake light and early when coming into a corner. Also, turning will be very difficult in the rain thanks to hydroplaning. So, make sure you turn lightly as well, or you will spin out.

Wet Ford

Even though it's a race, speed isn't the answer to everything. Sometimes it's best to be slow, especially in the corners. Now, if you have an all-wheel drive car, you may have some leniency, because these cars have more traction in the corners and can get by some wet corners with ease. But, most high-end GT1 cars are Mid-engined and rear-wheel drive. So, make sure you take corners gingerly and don't overdo it, or it will be on you if you wreck your vehicle.

Citroën Speed 

Another key aspect of wet racing: keep your distance. GT5 physics have changed, so bumping into your opponent in front of you won't only do damage to their car. It will do damage to your car as well. And, it's even worse in the wet, 'cuz you'll spin out and wreck your car. So, it's important to keep your distance between your opponents. When you find an opening to overtake them, take it. You may never have that chance again.

So there you are: some wet driving tips. Be careful out there on the track and make sure you dress appropriately! Just kidding.