Brake bias refers back to the adjustment of braking power distribution between the entrance and rear axles of a race automobile. It is a important setting that considerably influences a car’s dealing with traits throughout deceleration. An inappropriate distribution can result in instability, compromising nook entry velocity and total lap time. For example, extreme entrance bias may cause entrance wheel lockup and understeer, whereas an excessive amount of rear bias could end in rear wheel lockup and oversteer.
Optimizing the distribution of braking power permits drivers to maximise deceleration charges whereas sustaining car stability. This adjustment is paramount for aggressive efficiency, granting enhanced management and confidence when approaching corners at excessive speeds. Traditionally, this stability was achieved mechanically, however trendy racing automobiles now make use of subtle digital programs for real-time adjustment primarily based on numerous sensor inputs, together with wheel velocity and yaw charge.
The particular settings employed in GTD racing are influenced by a number of components. These embody observe structure, tire compound, aerodynamic configuration, and particular person driver desire. Consequently, a static worth is just not relevant; as a substitute, a variety of adjustment is utilized, permitting groups to fine-tune the system for optimum efficiency in every distinctive scenario. Additional dialogue will elaborate on these influencing components and particular adjustment strategies.
1. Entrance-rear distribution
Entrance-rear distribution is a major element defining brake bias in GTD racing. It represents the proportion of complete braking power allotted to the entrance and rear axles. This distribution immediately impacts car habits throughout deceleration. Adjusting the ratio alters the load switch dynamics, influencing grip ranges at every axle. A ahead distribution will increase braking power on the entrance wheels, enhancing stopping energy however doubtlessly inducing understeer if the entrance tires exceed their grip restrict. Conversely, a rearward distribution will increase braking power on the rear, selling rotation however risking oversteer if the rear tires lose grip. A balanced distribution goals to maximise deceleration whereas sustaining stability.
The optimum front-rear distribution varies significantly primarily based on observe traits, tire situation, and aerodynamic configuration. For instance, on circuits with frequent onerous braking zones and minimal high-speed corners, groups usually favor a barely ahead distribution to use the upper potential grip of the entrance tires below heavy load. Conversely, on tracks with lengthy, sweeping corners, a extra rearward distribution can assist the automobile rotate into the flip, enhancing nook entry velocity. Tire degradation additionally performs a major function. Because the rear tires lose grip, a shift in the direction of a extra ahead distribution could also be needed to keep up stability and stop oversteer. Moreover, aerodynamic downforce influences brake bias. Elevated entrance downforce permits for a extra ahead setting, whereas elevated rear downforce permits a extra rearward setting.
Understanding and exactly adjusting front-rear brake distribution is subsequently basic for fulfillment in GTD racing. Its optimization includes rigorously contemplating the interaction between observe structure, tire efficiency, aerodynamic forces, and driver desire. Groups make the most of knowledge acquisition programs and driver suggestions to fine-tune the distribution, maximizing braking effectivity and total lap time. An improper distribution compromises car stability and will increase tire put on, finally hindering efficiency. The power to successfully handle and regulate the front-rear brake distribution is a key differentiator amongst aggressive GTD groups.
2. Driver adjustability
Driver adjustability of brake bias is a important characteristic in GTD racing automobiles, enabling drivers to fine-tune brake power distribution throughout a race. This real-time management permits them to adapt to altering observe circumstances, tire degradation, and gasoline load, optimizing braking efficiency and sustaining car stability.
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Cockpit Management Programs
GTD automobiles are usually geared up with cockpit-adjustable brake bias controls, comparable to rotary knobs or levers. These programs permit drivers to rapidly shift the bias ahead or rearward, responding to evolving observe circumstances. For example, as gasoline load decreases, the automobile’s weight distribution adjustments, necessitating a corresponding adjustment in brake bias to keep up optimum stability. The power to make these changes with out pitting is a major benefit, permitting drivers to remain aggressive all through the race.
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Adaptation to Tire Degradation
Tire degradation considerably impacts brake bias necessities. As tires put on, their grip ranges lower, altering the stability of the automobile. A driver may initially set a barely rearward brake bias to advertise rotation in corners. Nonetheless, because the rear tires degrade, the driving force could must shift the bias ahead to forestall rear-wheel lockup and keep stability below braking. This proactive administration of brake bias primarily based on tire situation is essential for extending tire life and maximizing stint efficiency.
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Compensation for Observe Situations
Observe circumstances, comparable to rain or altering grip ranges, necessitate dynamic brake bias changes. In moist circumstances, total grip is decreased, growing the danger of wheel lockup. Drivers usually shift the brake bias considerably ahead within the rain to enhance stability and scale back the chance of spinning below braking. Conversely, because the observe dries, drivers regularly transfer the bias rearward to regain optimum braking efficiency and nook entry velocity. These changes are made primarily based on driver really feel and visible cues from the observe.
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Effective-Tuning for Driving Fashion
Particular person driving kinds affect optimum brake bias settings. Some drivers want a extra aggressive braking fashion, favoring a barely rearward bias to induce rotation and maximize nook entry velocity. Others want a extra conservative fashion, choosing a extra ahead bias to prioritize stability and scale back the danger of oversteer. Driver adjustability permits every driver to fine-tune the brake bias to swimsuit their private preferences and maximize their consolation and confidence behind the wheel. This personalization is particularly essential in endurance racing, the place driver adjustments are frequent.
In conclusion, driver adjustability of brake bias in GTD racing is an important instrument for optimizing braking efficiency below various and evolving circumstances. It allows drivers to reply successfully to adjustments in tire grip, gasoline load, and observe circumstances, maximizing competitiveness and increasing tire life. This real-time management, mixed with driver ability and expertise, contributes considerably to total race success.
3. Observe particular setups
Brake bias optimization in GTD racing is basically linked to track-specific setups. Every circuit presents distinctive braking calls for dictated by its structure, floor traits, and nook varieties. Consequently, a generic brake bias setting is insufficient; as a substitute, groups meticulously tailor brake bias to use the nuances of every observe. For example, a circuit characterised by high-speed straights main into tight, acute-angle corners necessitates a brake bias that prioritizes most deceleration and stability upon preliminary braking. Conversely, a observe with flowing, sweeping corners may profit from a brake bias that facilitates rotation and permits for a extra seamless transition into the nook.
The composition of the observe floor itself additional influences brake bias settings. A high-grip floor permits for a extra aggressive, rearward brake bias, enabling drivers to brake later and carry extra velocity into corners. A low-grip floor, significantly in moist circumstances, calls for a extra conservative, ahead brake bias to mitigate the danger of wheel lockup and keep directional stability. Moreover, elevation adjustments introduce variations in weight switch throughout braking, requiring changes to brake bias to keep up optimum stability. Examples of tracks with distinct brake bias necessities embody circuits like Street Atlanta, recognized for its high-speed sections and heavy braking zones, which generally necessitate a ahead bias, and tracks comparable to Laguna Seca, the place the “corkscrew” requires a singular setup that balances rotation and stability, usually involving a extra impartial or barely rearward bias.
Finally, understanding the intricate relationship between observe traits and brake bias is paramount for reaching optimum efficiency in GTD racing. Groups make the most of subtle knowledge acquisition programs, driver suggestions, and simulation instruments to find out the best brake bias settings for every circuit. The power to precisely assess track-specific braking calls for and translate that evaluation into exact brake bias changes is a key differentiator amongst aggressive GTD groups. Ignoring the track-specific context leads to compromised braking efficiency, elevated tire put on, and decreased total competitiveness. The iterative means of refining brake bias throughout follow classes, primarily based on real-world knowledge and driver enter, is an integral part of race preparation.
4. Tire administration
Tire administration is intrinsically linked to brake bias in GTD racing. The distribution of braking power immediately impacts tire put on and temperature, influencing total efficiency and race technique. An improperly balanced brake bias can induce extreme stress on particular tires, resulting in untimely degradation and decreased grip ranges. For instance, a brake bias set too far ahead could trigger the entrance tires to lock up below heavy braking, creating flat spots and considerably shortening their lifespan. Conversely, a bias set too far rearward can lead to rear tire lockup, resulting in overheating and a lack of traction throughout nook exit. Tire degradation finally impacts dealing with traits, requiring drivers to adapt their driving fashion and doubtlessly prompting earlier pit stops. Optimizing brake bias, subsequently, turns into a important element of tire administration methods.
Efficient tire administration by way of brake bias adjustment extends past merely stopping lockup. Groups analyze tire temperature knowledge collected throughout follow and qualifying classes to establish imbalances. A tire exhibiting constantly larger temperatures relative to others signifies extreme load or slip, doubtlessly stemming from an unsuitable brake bias setting. Changes are then made to distribute the braking power extra evenly, decreasing the thermal stress on the affected tire and selling extra uniform put on throughout all 4 corners. This method allows groups to increase tire lifespan, keep constant grip ranges all through a stint, and optimize total race tempo. Moreover, drivers present essential suggestions on tire habits, indicating whether or not the automobile displays a bent to oversteer or understeer below braking, which helps engineers to additional refine the brake bias settings.
In conclusion, tire administration and brake bias are interdependent parts in GTD racing. The target is to strike a stability that maximizes braking efficiency whereas minimizing tire put on. This requires cautious consideration of observe traits, driver fashion, and real-time tire knowledge. Challenges come up from the dynamic nature of racing, the place altering observe circumstances and tire degradation necessitate steady changes. Mastering this interaction is crucial for reaching aggressive success and executing efficient race methods. The power to protect tire efficiency by way of optimized brake bias settings may be the decisive consider securing a podium end.
5. Brake temperature
Brake temperature serves as a important indicator of braking system efficiency and effectivity, immediately correlating with the distribution of braking power in GTD racing. Monitoring brake temperatures gives insights into how successfully every wheel is contributing to deceleration and helps diagnose potential imbalances or inefficiencies inside the braking system.
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Temperature Distribution Evaluation
Analyzing temperature distribution throughout all 4 brakes reveals the consequences of brake bias settings. Uneven temperatures usually point out an improper bias, resulting in both overloading or underutilizing sure brakes. For instance, considerably larger temperatures on the entrance brakes counsel an extreme ahead bias, doubtlessly inflicting entrance wheel lockup and inefficient braking. Conversely, hotter rear brakes may point out a rearward bias, growing the danger of rear instability. Sustaining balanced brake temperatures is crucial for optimum braking efficiency and minimizing tire put on.
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Threshold Monitoring and Fade Mitigation
Extreme brake temperatures can result in brake fade, a phenomenon the place the coefficient of friction decreases resulting from overheating, leading to decreased braking effectiveness. Setting acceptable brake bias helps regulate temperatures inside acceptable thresholds. Groups make the most of sensors and telemetry to watch brake temperatures in real-time, adjusting the bias to forestall overheating. Transferring the bias barely ahead can relieve the thermal load on the rear brakes, whereas shifting it rearward can settle down the entrance brakes, preserving braking efficiency all through a race stint.
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Materials Impression and Longevity
Sustained excessive brake temperatures can degrade brake pad and rotor supplies, shortening their lifespan and growing the danger of element failure. Correct brake bias contributes to even put on, maximizing the longevity of braking system parts. A bias that excessively stresses one set of brakes over the others may cause untimely put on and enhance the frequency of brake replacements. Optimizing brake bias not solely enhances efficiency but additionally reduces upkeep prices and improves total reliability.
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Affect on ABS and Traction Management
Brake temperature variations can affect the effectiveness of anti-lock braking programs (ABS) and traction management programs. ABS depends on correct wheel velocity knowledge to forestall lockup. Uneven brake temperatures can distort this knowledge, doubtlessly compromising the efficiency of ABS. Equally, traction management programs are affected by variations in tire grip, that are immediately associated to brake temperature. A correctly balanced brake bias ensures that these programs function optimally, enhancing each security and efficiency.
The great administration of brake temperature, subsequently, necessitates a radical understanding of its relationship with brake bias. By meticulously monitoring temperature knowledge and adjusting the distribution of braking power accordingly, groups can optimize braking efficiency, prolong element lifespan, and keep system reliability. This built-in method is indispensable for reaching aggressive success in GTD racing, the place even slight enhancements in braking effectivity can translate into important positive aspects on the observe.
6. Aerodynamic stability
Aerodynamic stability performs a pivotal function in figuring out optimum brake bias settings in GTD racing. The distribution of aerodynamic forces considerably influences car stability and dealing with throughout braking, thus necessitating a brake bias configuration that enhances the aero package deal.
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Downforce Distribution and Brake Bias
The relative quantity of downforce generated on the entrance and rear axles immediately impacts the best brake bias. A automobile with extra entrance downforce can usually help a extra ahead brake bias, permitting for elevated braking power on the entrance wheels with out inducing instability. Conversely, a automobile with larger rear downforce advantages from a extra rearward bias, selling rotation into corners. An imbalance in downforce necessitates cautious brake bias changes to keep up stability and optimize braking efficiency. For example, if a automobile experiences important understeer below braking resulting from inadequate entrance downforce, decreasing the entrance brake bias can assist alleviate this subject.
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Adjustments in Aerodynamic Stability Throughout Braking
The aerodynamic stability of a automobile is just not static; it shifts dynamically throughout braking. Because the automobile decelerates, weight transfers ahead, altering the distribution of downforce. This modification in aero stability requires drivers to regulate brake bias in real-time to compensate for the shifting weight distribution. If the entrance downforce will increase considerably below braking, the driving force could must shift the brake bias rearward to forestall entrance wheel lockup. Conversely, a lower in rear downforce could necessitate a ahead bias adjustment to keep up rear stability. Fashionable GTD automobiles usually incorporate subtle digital programs that mechanically regulate brake bias primarily based on sensor knowledge, optimizing efficiency below various circumstances.
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Impression of Aerodynamic Drag on Brake Bias
Aerodynamic drag, significantly at excessive speeds, influences the automobile’s deceleration charge and, consequently, the optimum brake bias. Vehicles with larger drag coefficients expertise larger deceleration forces, requiring a extra finely tuned brake bias to handle the elevated load switch. A automobile configured for prime downforce usually generates important drag, necessitating a brake bias that may successfully handle the elevated deceleration forces. Conversely, a automobile with decrease drag may require a barely totally different bias to realize optimum braking efficiency. Groups analyze aerodynamic knowledge from wind tunnel testing and on-track simulations to find out the best brake bias settings for numerous aerodynamic configurations.
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Observe Structure and Aerodynamic Sensitivity
The sensitivity of brake bias to aerodynamic stability is influenced by the observe structure. Tracks with high-speed corners and heavy braking zones demand a extra exact alignment between brake bias and aerodynamic configuration. On these tracks, even small imbalances in aerodynamic downforce can considerably affect braking efficiency and car stability. Conversely, on tighter, extra technical tracks, the aerodynamic affect could also be much less pronounced, permitting for a wider vary of acceptable brake bias settings. Groups take into account the aerodynamic traits of every observe when creating their brake bias methods, tailoring the settings to maximise efficiency in particular circumstances.
The complicated interplay between aerodynamic stability and brake bias in GTD racing underscores the significance of a holistic method to car setup. Reaching optimum braking efficiency requires a deep understanding of how aerodynamic forces affect car habits throughout deceleration and the flexibility to exactly regulate brake bias to enhance the aero package deal. Groups that successfully combine aerodynamic knowledge and brake bias settings acquire a aggressive edge, maximizing efficiency and enhancing driver confidence.
7. Digital management programs
Digital management programs are integral to optimizing brake bias in GTD racing, enabling exact changes and real-time responsiveness to dynamic observe circumstances and car habits. These programs surpass conventional mechanical changes, providing subtle management methods that improve braking efficiency and car stability.
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Anti-lock Braking Programs (ABS)
ABS prevents wheel lockup throughout braking, maximizing stopping energy whereas sustaining directional management. In GTD racing, ABS algorithms are finely tuned to permit for a level of wheel slip, optimizing each braking efficiency and nook entry velocity. Digital management manages brake strain individually at every wheel, responding to sensor knowledge indicating impending lockup. These programs work along with driver-adjustable brake bias, permitting the driving force to fine-tune the general stability whereas counting on ABS to forestall catastrophic wheel lockup. An instance is the Bosch Motorsport ABS system, extensively utilized in GTD automobiles, which gives configurable parameters for slip thresholds and strain modulation.
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Brake-by-Wire Know-how
Brake-by-wire programs exchange the mechanical linkage between the brake pedal and the brake calipers with digital alerts. Sensors detect the driving force’s brake pedal enter, and a management unit interprets this enter to actuate hydraulic strain at every wheel. This expertise facilitates exact and fast brake strain changes, enabling subtle management methods comparable to automated brake bias adjustment primarily based on telemetry knowledge. The absence of mechanical linkages reduces weight and permits for larger flexibility in car design. A sensible software is using brake-by-wire to implement torque vectoring, the place braking power is utilized selectively to particular person wheels to boost cornering efficiency.
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Telemetry Integration and Knowledge Evaluation
Digital management programs generate huge quantities of information associated to braking efficiency, together with brake strain, wheel velocity, and brake temperature. Telemetry programs transmit this knowledge to the crew’s engineers in real-time, permitting them to research braking habits and establish alternatives for optimization. Knowledge evaluation can reveal imbalances in brake temperatures, indicating an improper brake bias setting. Primarily based on this evaluation, engineers can remotely counsel changes to the driving force or modify the management algorithms to mechanically compensate for altering circumstances. An instance is using brake temperature knowledge to foretell brake fade and proactively regulate brake bias to keep up constant efficiency.
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Traction Management Programs (TCS)
Whereas primarily designed to handle wheelspin throughout acceleration, traction management programs additionally work together with brake bias throughout deceleration. Subtle TCS algorithms can detect impending wheel lockup below braking and modulate brake strain to forestall lack of management. This intervention enhances the operate of ABS and enhances total stability throughout nook entry. Furthermore, TCS may be built-in with brake bias management to optimize the distribution of braking power primarily based on out there grip. For instance, if the TCS detects important wheelspin on the rear axle, it might sign the brake bias management system to shift the bias barely ahead, enhancing rear stability. These built-in programs present a complete method to car management, maximizing efficiency whereas minimizing the danger of driver error.
In abstract, digital management programs profoundly affect brake bias settings in GTD racing. These programs supply exact management, real-time responsiveness, and complicated knowledge evaluation capabilities that surpass conventional mechanical changes. By integrating ABS, brake-by-wire expertise, telemetry knowledge, and traction management, groups can optimize braking efficiency, improve car stability, and obtain a aggressive edge.
Incessantly Requested Questions
The next questions deal with widespread factors of inquiry concerning the appliance and significance of brake bias in GTD racing.
Query 1: What vary of brake bias adjustment is usually out there in a GTD race automobile?
The vary of adjustment varies relying on the precise laws and automobile design. Nonetheless, it’s common to have a variety permitting for a major shift within the share of braking power utilized to both the entrance or rear axle. This vary allows drivers to compensate for altering observe circumstances and tire put on.
Query 2: How does observe temperature have an effect on the collection of brake bias?
Observe temperature considerably influences tire grip ranges. Increased observe temperatures typically end in elevated grip, permitting for a doubtlessly extra rearward bias. Decrease temperatures necessitate a extra ahead bias to forestall rear wheel lockup and keep stability.
Query 3: What are the implications of utilizing an incorrect brake bias setting?
An incorrect setting compromises car stability and braking effectivity. A brake bias set too far ahead can result in entrance wheel lockup and understeer, whereas a bias set too far rearward could trigger rear wheel lockup and oversteer. Each situations enhance stopping distances and scale back nook entry velocity.
Query 4: How do groups decide the optimum brake bias setting for a given observe?
Groups make the most of a mix of simulation knowledge, historic observe knowledge, and real-time telemetry throughout follow classes. Driver suggestions additionally performs a vital function. The target is to establish a setting that maximizes braking efficiency whereas sustaining car stability and minimizing tire put on.
Query 5: Do brake bias settings change throughout a race?
Sure, brake bias settings are often adjusted throughout a race to compensate for adjustments in gasoline load, tire degradation, and observe circumstances. Drivers usually have cockpit-adjustable controls that permit for on-the-fly changes.
Query 6: How does aerodynamic downforce affect brake bias choice?
Aerodynamic downforce immediately impacts the quantity of grip out there at every axle. Increased entrance downforce usually permits for a extra ahead brake bias, whereas larger rear downforce permits a extra rearward bias. Brake bias have to be rigorously balanced with the aerodynamic configuration to optimize efficiency.
Efficient brake bias administration is crucial for aggressive success in GTD racing. It requires a radical understanding of car dynamics, observe traits, and the interaction between numerous efficiency components.
Additional dialogue will deal with the instruments and applied sciences used to fine-tune brake bias settings.
Optimizing Brake Bias in GTD Racing
The optimization of brake bias in GTD racing necessitates a nuanced understanding of car dynamics, observe circumstances, and driver preferences. The following pointers present actionable steering for maximizing braking efficiency.
Tip 1: Prioritize Knowledge Acquisition. A complete knowledge acquisition system is indispensable. Monitor brake pressures, wheel speeds, and brake temperatures in any respect 4 corners. These knowledge factors present insights into braking effectivity and stability, revealing potential areas for adjustment.
Tip 2: Perceive Observe-Particular Calls for. Conduct thorough observe evaluation, contemplating nook varieties, floor circumstances, and elevation adjustments. Circuits with frequent, onerous braking zones usually require a unique brake bias setting than tracks with flowing corners.
Tip 3: Account for Aerodynamic Configuration. Consider the aerodynamic stability of the car. A automobile with extra entrance downforce could help a extra ahead brake bias, whereas a automobile with larger rear downforce advantages from a extra rearward bias. Modify brake bias to enhance the aerodynamic package deal.
Tip 4: Combine Driver Suggestions. Worth driver enter. Drivers present essential subjective assessments of car dealing with below braking. Solicit suggestions on oversteer, understeer, and stability points to refine brake bias settings.
Tip 5: Monitor Tire Temperatures. Tire temperatures are a direct indicator of brake bias effectiveness. Uneven tire temperatures counsel an imbalance in braking power distribution, necessitating changes to equalize thermal masses.
Tip 6: Modify in Actual-Time. Make the most of cockpit-adjustable brake bias controls to adapt to altering circumstances. As gasoline load decreases and tires degrade, real-time changes keep optimum braking efficiency.
Tip 7: Think about Climate Situations. In moist circumstances, a extra ahead brake bias usually enhances stability and reduces the danger of rear wheel lockup. Modify brake bias to swimsuit the prevailing climate circumstances.
By diligently making use of these rules, groups can optimize braking efficiency, improve car stability, and decrease tire put on, finally enhancing lap instances and race outcomes.
The next part will present a concluding overview of the important features of brake bias administration in GTD racing.
Conclusion
The dedication of brake bias employed in GTD racing is a posh and dynamic course of. It isn’t a hard and fast worth, however slightly a frequently adjusted setting predicated upon a confluence of things. These components embody observe structure, climate circumstances, tire compound and degradation, aerodynamic configuration, gasoline load, and driver desire. Groups meticulously analyze knowledge from simulations, telemetry, and driver suggestions to optimize brake bias for every particular situation. This optimization goals to maximise braking effectivity, improve car stability, decrease tire put on, and finally enhance lap instances.
Mastery of brake bias adjustment represents a important aggressive benefit in GTD racing. The continuing evolution of digital management programs and knowledge acquisition applied sciences will undoubtedly additional refine the precision and responsiveness of those changes. Continued analysis and growth on this space are important for sustaining a aggressive edge and pushing the boundaries of braking efficiency within the demanding surroundings of GTD competitors.
