Although the Sebring track is no stranger to the Forza series – it’s previously appeared in part four – it’s never looked better than it does in Forza Motorsport 5. Florida’s premiere race track has been home to several events over the years, but it’s here you can make it your own. That said, you’ll want to get some assistance from us if you truly want to master it.
The first thing you’ll probably realize with the Sebring track is that it’s larger and comes with more turns than several of Forza’s tracks. It’ll take you a while to get around for each lap, but that’s a benefit for you, especially if you’re trying to play catch-up on cars that are ahead of you. It’s important that you don’t get too impatient with trying to take the lead, as cutting a corner the wrong way could easily cost you. Patience and perseverance are the keys here.
When you first start out, you’ll come across an immediate left corner, followed by a few other turns, including two that go together in a left-right pattern. When you come to these turns, try to follow our previously given advice with other tracks. Watch for what other cars are doing as they approach this turn, and try to stick to the outside so you have a prime passing opportunity. There is a slight chance you could bump into these cars along the way, and if you can live with the damage, that’s great. If not, tap the “rewind” and you can try to pass again without worrying about an impact. (Just remember, there’s a small deduction from your winnings with its use.)
Dealing with the two small turns that tie in together, it’s important that you keep a moderate enough speed to get around the corners without sliding off the road, while also making sure you don’t go too slow. By that, we mean more aggressive drivers may find a way to loop around you if you take the “granny” approach to a turn. Try to find a good enough pace where you can handle the turns, but not sacrifice too much speed as a result. It may take you a lap or so in to get an idea of what kind of speed is right. Don’t let it worry you, as you can always restart a race if necessary.
After you get through the turns, you’ll be able to go straight for a little while before coming up on a really sharp right hairpin turn. In this straightaway, you’ll have the opportunity to pick up a good amount of speed, distancing yourself from the slower cars. Depending on your model, though, you may find a car that’s trying to pass by you. What you’ll want to do is make sure you’re on a stable enough part of the track where you know you won’t hit anything, and tap down on the right analog stick.
Doing this will allow you to look behind and see where your racers are – you can also check the grid in the lower left corner of the screen to see where they’re positioned. If you see a driver trying to pass you on either side of the road, don’t be afraid to veer over so that you stop that pass attempt. You may take a slight nudge as a result – some of these drivers don’t mind dishing out a little damage – but you’ll protect your lead and stop their push in the process.
Once you get back into the turns, you’ll want to make sure you have a good speed going. Even if you’re a veteran Forza driver, it doesn’t hurt to have the driving arrow system turned on, to give you an idea of the right kind of pace you need going into these turns. Sometimes you can feel it, but in some situations, like the final double turn that leads under a Mobil sign, it never hurts to play it a little safe. Besides, once you think you’ve mastered the terrain, you can jump back in for another go-around, keeping the right amount of speed in mind as you go through them.
Sebring is a tricky course, but certainly not impossible. Plus, as stated before, it’s large enough to give you an opportunity to catch up during a race. You’ll see this when you first start, as some drivers will immediately begin outpacing you. However, they’ll begin braking around the corners, and if you play your cards right, you’ll be able to move up the ranks. If you miss the opportunity to do so at the beginning, more will emerge with the turns later on in the track.
Keep at it, practice, don’t be afraid to use those driving aids, and, soon enough, this Florida track will be yours for the taking.
Forza Motorsport 5 is available now for Xbox 360.
