Jon Earle takes us on a hot lap around Zandvoort in the BMW M4 GT3, sharing key tips for tackling this tight and twisty circuit. With its combination of technical corners and flowing sections, Zandvoort challenges both precision and commitment. Follow this guide to master the track and improve your lap times.
Turn 1 (Tarzanbocht)
Braking: Look for the red line on the track as your braking marker and brake hard.
Turn-in: Downshift to second or first gear, trail brake into the apex, and get on the throttle early.
Exit: Let the car run wide, using as much track as possible to carry speed into the next section.
Turns 2-3
Braking: Begin braking just before the end of the curb.
Turn-in: Hug the apex and keep the car balanced through this section.
Exit: Stay in the middle of the track to set up the next braking zone.
Turn 4 (Hugenholtzbocht - Banked Corner)
Braking: Use the Assetto Corsa Competizione board as your braking point.
Turn-in: Hug the inside of the banked corner, and use the camber to get on the throttle early.
Exit: Run out wide onto the curb while maintaining momentum.
Turns 5-7 (Flat-Out Section)
Line: This section is flat-out. Hug the inside for Turns 5 and 6, and smoothly switch to the inside for Turn 7.
Focus: Maintain a clean line to maximise speed.
Turn 8 (Blind Right-Hander)
Braking: Brake at the orange marker on the left.
Turn-in: Hug the inside and use the positive camber to your advantage.
Exit: Get on the power early and carry speed through the next section.
Turn 9 (Downhill Right-Hander)
Braking: Brake as the track starts to dip.
Turn-in: Third gear, clip the apex, and quickly get back on the throttle.
Exit: Stay smooth to avoid unsettling the car.
Turn 10 (Right-Hand Hairpin)
Braking: Spot the red ambulance (or its position) as your marker and brake hard.
Turn-in: Hug the inside, keeping it as tight as possible.
Exit: Get on the throttle early and run out wide to use the curb.
Turns 11-12 (Right-Left Section)
Braking: As you crest the hill, brake just before the curb on the left.
Turn-in: Downshift to second, clip the inside curb (but avoid the sausage curb).
Exit: Use the cambered road to get on the throttle early and smoothly.
Turn 13 (Right-Hander)
Braking: Use the orange marker on the right as your guide.
Turn-in: Third gear, hug the inside curb, and get on the throttle as early as possible.
Final Corner (Arie Luyendykbocht)
Line: This corner is flat out if you get the entry right. Hug the inside and let the car run wide onto the astro turf.
Exit: A small touch of grass is fine here, but stay controlled to carry speed onto the main straight.
Summary
Zandvoort’s tight and twisty nature demands smooth driving and a strong focus on maintaining momentum. Key areas to work on include precision in the technical banked corners and carrying speed through the flat-out sections. Master the blind braking zones to optimise lap times.
PR Executive and sim racing nerd. Combing over 8 years of real world motorsport experience and 20 years of sim racing experience. Founder of the Fri Guys Motorsport community: https://tinyurl.com/bdf5hd9j and twitch streamer: https://www.twitch.tv/earlofipswich
