Everyone’s nightmare is a crash on the first lap. Or on any for that matter. We will show you five tracks that are easy to drive in F1 2020.
Photo Credit: Codamsters/F1 2020
Driving a Formula car is hard no matter the circumstances and F1 2020 is no different in that department. It may not compare to the real experience, but newer drivers can find themselves in the wall more often than not. We will show you five tracks that can help you learn the game and are easy to drive.
1: Paul Ricard – France
Paul Ricard is regarded by many as somewhat of an unexciting circuit. It offers many high-speed sections and a few slow corners. The French course has generally provided limited racing action, which is precisely why you should give it a go if you’re on the lookout for an easy ride.
As you can see from the shape of the circuit, it is rather straightforward, though a few chicanes can prove tricky. Especially turns eight and nine after the gigantic straight are an invitation for track limit violations and lock-ups.
But what is more important is the excellent amount of run-off area every corner possesses. Even if you go straight on at a turn or spin, it most likely won’t be the end of your race as there is plenty of colourful, grippy tarmac for you to use.
2: Montreal – Canada
Many good memories have been made at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Named after the legendary Canadian driver, it provides players of F1 2020 with the chance to make legendary memories themselves. But most importantly, it allows for clean driving on a fairly straightforward course.
We can see some similarities to Paul Ricard, namely some slower corners and a gigantic straight with a tricky chicane. Turn 15 is called the ‘Wall of Champions’ due to its reputation for attracting former and future champions into its barrier.
Aside from this turn, there aren’t too many obstacles during a lap of Montreal. Some corners like the entry to the very tight hairpin have to be practiced under racing conditions. Cars often nearly grind to a halt there, which can seem strange at first. But once you have mastered that, Montreal gives you everything a racing fan’s heart desires and a newcomer needs without getting too tricky. That’s why the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is our second pick.
3: Australia – Melbourne
The Albert Park Circuit is a staple of the F1 calendar. Many seasons have started here, and for many players, it may be the first track they ever drive. It offers a variety of challenges that are relatively simple to overcome.
Melbourne’s racing track is an unusual street circuit. Traditionally, such tracks are very narrow and can be a nightmare for newer racers. One characteristic of a street circuit remains, though, which is the relatively slow pace. Most of Albert Park’s corners are sharp and therefore require hard braking to get through. The lower speed naturally reduces the risk of crashing here.
Many think the circuit is offers uneventful racing, but that can be advantageous to those starting out. However, there are still tight corners that can cause havoc and gravel traps ready to punish errors. Compared to some other street circuits, these are still manageable, though.
The new 2021 #AusGP circuit map 👀
— F1 Australian Grand Prix (@ausgrandprix) April 1, 2021
What do you like most about the changes to this iconic #F1 track? pic.twitter.com/R1a7RGZ3t2
There have been reports about a new layout of the track featuring in 2021. For F1 2020 however, Melbourne remains one of the easier tracks on the calendar.
4: Monza – Italy
While Ferrari’s home is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious tracks on earth, it doesn’t change the fact that it is excellent for a nice and easy drive. Most corners are manageable and a lap is very short, making the circuit extremely beginner-friendly.
As can be seen, the track is no rollercoaster. The trickiest part is the chicane at turn one, which can see cars bunching up on lap one of a race. After that, it is smooth sailing for the most part. The immense downforce on formula cars makes it simple to conquer the high-speed corners in the rest of the lap.
A particular highlight is the Parabolica at the end of the lap. It gives less experienced drivers a chance to get a feel for high-speed corners without punishing too much if an incorrect line is taken. Monza, therefore, is one clear pick for the most accessible tracks in F1 2020.
5: Red Bull Ring – Austria
Last but not least is the Austrian track of Spielberg. Or, as it is more commonly known, the Red Bull Ring. The track is probably the closest thing to an F1 oval that there is. It is fast-paced and rewards a good setup rather than outright skill.
At first glance, the Red Bull Ring looks a little minimalistic. There are lots of things missing that other circuits include. There are no real chicanes or a hairpin and the overriding characteristic of the track is a straight followed by a corner and then another straight. However, what might sound boring is exactly the opposite. The high pace that F1 cars can generate here is refreshing and a treat to see.
It also provides a lot of room to learn for newer drivers. The track is undoubtedly easy to drive and a great way to get a feel for speed. Many corners are not very punishing, but a short trip into the gravel can ruin a race as well. So push hard, but remain cautious.
Do you have any additional suggestions for our list? Tell us your opinion on Twitter @OverTake_gg or leave us a comment down below!