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I know the Nürburgring is a tough course and I have driven it in Forza over 20 times so far. I am wondering if anyone who has actually driven the Nürburgring has since tried the track in Forza (or Vice Versa, but the game is pretty new) and could do a comparison.

Also, do you think that with enough "track time" in Forza, I would be able to drive the real Nürburgring efficiently during my ED in July?

 

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I didn't play Forza, but I have 'almost' memorized the track on GT4.

I have driven on the real 'Ring the first time a few weeks ago. Believe me, after the second corner you are forgetting everything you have learned in the game All you are doing is trying to stay on the course and drive safely while checking your rearview mirror 10 times per second.

Do not forget that you are not driving against the clock, the Nordschleife (North Loop), as it is actually called, is an experience. You are there to enjoy the course, not to win. You won't get a prize at the end, but you'll have a bigass grin on your face once you completed your lap.

Read the link below:

http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/

It's a great source of information and it's in english language.

Do not forget one thing ; Respect the Ring, do not overestimate yourself. Once you left the gate, remember how much attention you paid when you first drove a car in your life, and drive like you did on that very first day.

Yes, you'll be able to drive on the 'Ring.

Thanks! That's the kind of feedback I was looking for. I am definately under no illusion that the video game will prepare me for the actual physics of the drive, but the difficulty would certainly be compounded if I was unfamiliar with the track itself. I'm not looking to go nuts the first time, I just want to experience the drive and make sure I am respectful of the better drivers on the course.

Thanks again for the feedback! :thumbup:

 

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I have attended 4 BMW Nurburgring schools (3 days each) and will go again this year in my new 330i. The Ring is exceptionally difficult to drive well, mostly because it is so long and complicated (13 miles and 160+ corners, many of them with blind entries). I haven't tried Forza, but I do have GT4, and I consider it a useful practice tool to help me refamiliarize myself to the track sequence. However, if you haven't actually driven it and learned where to place your car entering every turn, the video game won't help much. If you have done enough video laps that you can close your eyes and visualize an entire lap, naming each corner as you go, then it may help you to remember whether the track goes left, right, up or down after that blind crest you're approaching flat out in 4th gear. But video games are no substitute for actual driving. Don't go to the Ring thinking otherwise. As others have said, go, drive defensively, and have a good time. Do not try to go fast until you have mastered it in person. If you have significant track experience at US track schools, then you may want to sign up for the BMW Club school offered every year at the Nurburgring. Signups for US and Canadian students are done through BMW CCA. Watch the Roundel for information. And doing the Ring School is a perfect match with ED - you can drive the school in your own new Bimmer, instead of a rental car.

Thanks L Seca. For this time around, I think I'll just take it easy and make sure we stay out of the faster drivers' way. For the thrill of speed around the track, I'm thinking of going the M5 taxi route. I appreciate the feedback! :thumbup: