MRDC10A Setup Guide

The MRDC Setup Pack

As part of the MRDC approach, a setup pack is provided that contains a standard base setup with variations to suit different events (e.g. Qualification, Sprint and Feature Races) and different conditions - namely different downforce levels.

The idea of this approach is to allow MRDC drivers who don't want to get embroiled in setup details to just jump in and concentrate on the driving. Just as the aim with the MRDC design - to create a good car that is fast enough - so it is with the setups. These setups are proven fast and yet are well-behaved, so not too daunting to handle. If drivers choose, they could reasonably just grab these and stick with them for the season.

Issue 1 of the Setup Pack for the 2010A season is here MRDC10-01-Setups.

Issue 1 contains base setups with a reasonably firm foundation.

Issue 2 of the Setup Pack for the 2010A season is here 02-MRDC-10A

Issue 2 contains an additional set of base setups with a softer foundation. Brake pressure is increased to 86% on all setups. If you find your brakes are locking too frequently reduce this to 80%.

Some thoughts on using the setups in the pack:

- the naming convention is MRDC10A-01-XXXX-ZZ-YYYY, meaning MRDC, Season 10A, Issue 01, XXXX indicates the FIRM or SOFT foundation, ZZ is the rear wing and YYYY is the event (RACE, SPRINT or QUAL). So MRDC10A-01-SOFT-20-RACE is a feature race setup with a 20 degree rear wing based on the soft foundation.

- gearing has been set to just top out in 5th in straight line testing on the main runway at Midpack Aerodrome. Speeds vary from about 280 kph for a 35 deg rear wing to 321kph for a 10 deg rear wing. This will tend to give a car that is slightly overgeared on any particular circuit, but it will be a good starting point.

- fuel has been set to 72L for RACE setups and 20L for the others. Initial calculation has shown this should enough, but until we see race distances we can't be 100% certain.

Future steps for the setup pack:

• provide circuit recommendations
• try out the NN tyres. Current setups assume KK.
  
• create further versions of setups. The next update is likely to take account of more detailed experience gathered preparing for the first couple of rounds.
  

Given all this, a reasonable procedure for starting with a new circuit might be:

• check the guide to see which one or two setups are recommended as being best suited
• settle into the track by trying to get a consistent pace
• maybe adjust front wing to correct balance (more front wing - more oversteer, less front wing - more understeer)
• maybe adjust gears to suit the track. Most likely this would mean looking at 5th to make it fits the right top speed for the track, and maybe looking at 2nd to make sure it suits the slow corner

Any more than that is strictly optional. The car has good adjustability, allowing variation of the CG fore and aft, which will also change the balance, so if you're interested in setups, get stuck in. However, I find it easy to get lost and waste a lot of time fiddling for no gain or even a net loss. So for the midpack driver, my suggestion would be to not worry too much about setup unless it's really causing you trouble. Otherwise, drive round it's limitations and focus on what you're contributing to the overall outcome.