This is the number one question I get asked by new managers: “Hemal, I smashed Q1, but my Q2 time was 2 seconds slower! What happened?”
Relax. You didn’t break the car. You just discovered the Fuel Load Trap.
The Difference
Qualifying 1 (Q1): This is your glory run. The car runs on low fuel (fumes, basically). You push hard here to prove raw speed.
Qualifying 2 (Q2): This is the reality check. You are carrying your starting race fuel. Of course, you are slower—you are carrying 60+ liters of petrol!
The “Locked Setup” Hazard Here is the part that ruined my first season. In GPRO, the setup you choose for Q1 is LOCKED for Q2 and the Race.
If you set up your car purely for a “glory run” in Q1 (aggressive wing angles, crazy gear ratios), you might grab pole position.
BUT, that same aggressive setup will likely destroy your tyres or engine during the 300km race.
My Strategy I now sacrifice a bit of Q1 speed for Race stability. I set my car up for the Race first. I use the practice laps to find a setup that is kind on tyres and fuel. I use that setup for Q1. I might qualify 5th instead of 1st, but I’ll actually finish the race while the “Pole Position Hero” retires with a blown engine on Lap 20.
Learn more about GPRO Driver Feedback, or how to select tyre.
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