We're heading back to Fuji International Speedway for this event which is almost a repeat of the second ever Time Trial almost exactly two years back. However, where that used the Super Formula SF19, we're going to be tackling the hot-lap challenge in the newer Super Formula SF23.
Added in the 1.32 update in April 2023, the Dallara-built SF23 replaced the SF19 as the car used in the Super Formula series. Like its predecessor, it's available with both Honda and Toyota engines. There's some subtle differences between the two powerplants but they can be considered close enough to identical for most of us.
Unusually, the SF23 is slightly heavier and produces slightly less downforce than its predecessor and, on paper, is a little slower. That's due to the focus on sustainability, under Super Formula's "Next50" environmental targets; the new car actually uses a flax-based composite body rather than carbon fiber. Downforce changes aimed to reduce dirty air to encourage closer racing.
However, you'll be looking to go faster than the similar event back in July 2022 as — whichever of the two cars you choose — you'll be running grippier Racing Soft tires. Not to mention the change in game physics between the two events; it's a good job this one closes before the physics update coming in 1.49…
Currently the record for this event is a 1:19.9, setting the gold time at a 1:22.3. With the fine margins involved in driving a Super Formula car, we reckon the final world record will be in the 1:19 range somewhere — though with the talent on display in Time Trials, we can't guess where. Figure on a 1:19.4 and a gold threshold of 1:21.7, aiming for a 1:21.5 to be more sure.
Last week's Mercedes 300 SL time trial still has another week to run too, and the position is pretty close to how it was seven days back. As we expected, times have not fallen too far, with the world record being a 1:32.6 and requiring a 1:35.4 for gold now. A low 1:35 ought to be enough, but aiming for the 1:34.9 is probably sensible.
In order to access the Online Time Trials, you'll need to unlock Sport Mode, by completing Menu Book 9 ("Championship: Tokyo Highway Parade") in the GT Cafe single player hub. As it's just you against the clock and not a direct, head-to-head multiplayer event, PlayStation Plus is not required.
You'll usually need to be within 3% of the fastest time globally once the event finishes in order to secure "gold" status and a 2m credit bonus prize. There's smaller prizes of one million for being within 5%, and 250,000cr for bronze at 10% off — although the X2019 event sets bronze at +20% and awards 500,000cr.
The events update every Thursday, with each individual challenge remaining available for two weeks and the oldest of the two events being replaced each week. You can look forward to the next new Time Trial arriving at 0700 UTC on Thursday July 18.
Gran Turismo 7 Lap Time Challenge July 11 – Fuji Speedway
- Track: Fuji International Speedway
- Car: Super Formula SF23 Honda/Toyota – Garage/Rental Car
- Power/Weight/PP Limit: BOP (M)
- Tires: Racing Soft
- Settings: Fixed
Gran Turismo 7 Lap Time Challenge July 4 – Willow Springs
- Track: Willow Springs – Big Willos
- Car: Mercedes-Benz 300SL (W194) '52 – Garage/Rental Car
- Power/Weight/PP Limit: BOP (M)
- Tires: Comfort Medium
- Settings: Fixed
