Achieving a competitive setup for Imola in F1 24 requires a balance between straight-line speed and nimble handling through its chicanes and medium-speed corners. This guide provides a professional baseline.
Aerodynamics
Imola demands a well-balanced aerodynamic package. Too much wing will hinder straight-line speed, while too little will compromise grip in crucial sections like Acque Minerali and Rivazza.
- Front Wing Aero: Typically set slightly lower than the rear to aid turn-in, but not so low as to induce excessive oversteer. A range of 25-30 might be a good starting point.
- Rear Wing Aero: Higher than the front to ensure stability under braking and traction out of slower corners. Consider a range of 23-28. Fine-tune based on feel and sector times.
Transmission
Optimising power delivery is key for Imola’s traction zones.
- On-Throttle Differential: A setting around 50-55% allows for good traction out of corners like Variante Tamburello and Variante Villeneuve without being too aggressive and causing wheelspin.
- Off-Throttle Differential: A slightly higher setting, perhaps 55-60%, can help with car rotation into the corners.
Suspension Geometry
This is crucial for tyre wear and responsiveness.
- Front Camber: Towards the maximum negative values (e.g., -2.70° to -3.00°) to maximize grip during cornering.
- Rear Camber: Less negative than the front (e.g., -1.20° to -1.50°) to aid traction and stability.
- Front Toe-Out: A small amount (e.g., 0.05° to 0.08°) can improve turn-in response.
- Rear Toe-In: A small amount (e.g., 0.20° to 0.26°) enhances stability under acceleration and braking.
Suspension
Imola has some notable kerbs, especially in the chicanes, so a completely stiff setup is not ideal.
- Front Suspension: A moderately soft setting (e.g., 25-30) helps absorb kerbs without unsettling the car.
- Rear Suspension: Slightly softer than the front (e.g., 8-12) to further aid traction and kerb riding.
- Front Anti-Roll Bar: Stiffer (e.g., 8-10) for responsive change of direction.
- Rear Anti-Roll Bar: Softer (e.g., 1-3) to help with traction and prevent snap oversteer.
- Front Ride Height: Low, but not scraping (e.g., 30-35).
- Rear Ride Height: Higher than the front to create some rake (e.g., 35-40), which can aid aerodynamic performance and rotation.
Brakes
Good braking stability is essential for Imola’s heavy braking zones.
- Brake Pressure: Typically 100%, adjust if locking up too frequently.
- Brake Bias: Around 54-56% towards the front. Shift rearwards if experiencing front locking, or forwards if the rear is too loose under braking.
Tyre Pressures
Tyre pressures significantly affect grip and wear.
- Front Tyre Pressures: Start around 22.5-23.5 PSI. Lower pressures can increase grip but also wear and overheating.
- Rear Tyre Pressures: Often slightly lower than the fronts to manage rear tyre temperatures and aid traction, perhaps 20.0-21.0 PSI.
Note: These are baseline settings. Always test and adjust based on your driving style, track conditions, and car behaviour. Focus on achieving a car that is stable, predictable, and allows you to attack the kerbs confidently. Monitor tyre temperatures and wear throughout practice sessions.
