When is the optimal time to pit - 20 minute race

[ascend]

No matter what, i typically qualify 5th - 8th and 90% difficulty / 90% AI aggressiveness

in a 20 minute race, i typically pit as soon as the pit window opens (10 minute window)

keeping my tops to 30 seconds (no change to body or suspension) just tyres.

no matter what i do, i always lose a lot of places and end up 15 - 20th

what am i doing wrong?

is the AI cheating ?

 

[Majuh]

Your pit stop might take longer if you don't park your car exactly at the right spot.

 

[RasmusP]

Maybe the AI aren't changing tyres?
Try to only re-fuel 1 L.

The ACC tyres easily stay fast for 20 minutes. They have a little drop in grip between 20-40 minutes, depending on the car, grip level and driving style and then come back for another 30 minutes and can be quick until they are worn out completely ("1.5" left in the setup menu for the driven tyre).

The tyres have a grippy surface layer for Qualy and the first 20 minutes and then transition to a sturdy, less grippy rubber for the rest of the wear.

 

[Deleted member 197115]

Your pit stop might take longer if you don't park your car exactly at the right spot.

That, and make engine start manual, that actually saves time.