Lowering lap times is all about rhythm and the best way to learn the rhythm of a new track is to break it down into small sections.
Tip #1: It is not recommended to run half throttle around the entire track since you will fly out on most corners.
When in a new lane, cruise around the entire track using only as much power as needed to keep the car moving. This will help you spot any high spots or snags in the track. Also, any sections of track with power problems will be immediately obvious.
Tip #2: If you're not wide open, you should be on the brakes.
As your car gets to the longest straight section, give it a shot of full power and immediately let off. Before the car comes to a complete stop, give it just enough power to keep it moving again. The idea here is to determine how short of a straight you can use a "gas - brake" maneuver. Continue around the track with a short "gas - brake" on each straight section.
As you get used to applying full power, tagging the brakes and resuming the slow speed, hold full power and go a bit deeper into the straights.
Tip #3: Slowing down well before corners will keep you in the slot and let you find the rhythm of the track a lot sooner than trying to go fast and be continuously flying out.
With enough continuous laps in this manner, you will start to feel the "long-short-short-coast" rhythm of the track. Try going deeper and deeper into each corner before braking. Soon you will be using part of the corner to slow down and thus resuming speed half way around it. Go easy on the downshift or you'll have her sideways in no time.
Tip #4: Use your eyes rather than ears when getting into a rhythm or you may find yourself driving the wrong car.
As you watch your car go around the track, it's a good idea to move your head. Sure, you can track with just your eyes but moving the body creates a link between man and machine that will help you cope when you're running in the blur of the pack. If you're the only car on the track, it's easy to get into the rhythm of the car's sound but this technique doesn't work when there are other cars on the track.
