Welcome to one of the most iconic circuits in motorsport—Laguna Seca. With its unique flow, steep elevation changes, and the infamous Corkscrew, it’s a track that rewards confidence and punishes hesitation. In this breakdown, we’ll walk through the full lap in Gran Turismo Sport, pointing out key braking zones, turn-in points, and reference markers. Whether you’re prepping for Sport Mode or time trials, this is your blueprint to improving consistency and lap times.

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Opening Sequence: Turn 1 and the Andretti Hairpin (Turn 2)

The lap starts on the main straight, leading into the fast, sweeping left of Turn 1—flat-out and easy. But Turn 2, the Andretti Hairpin, is where things get serious. Look for the second brake board (the one labeled ‘3’) and begin braking just before you pass it.

This is a double-apex corner. Go deep on entry, let the car rotate mid-corner, then clip the second apex before powering out. Set yourself up for a clean exit by drifting to the left-hand side and preparing for Turn 3.

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Turns 3 and 4: Use the Track Width

Both Turn 3 and Turn 4 reward aggressive use of kerbs—without going overboard. Apex just after the large red bollards, but don’t touch them. They’re key visual markers.

On Turn 3, use plenty of exit kerb to carry extra speed. Same for Turn 4—clip the apex near the red bollard and let the car run wide using all the kerb available. Be cautious with the inside kerb before Turn 5—it can unsettle the car.

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Turn 5 and the Uphill Run

Brake just after the shadow, near the three board. Turn in at the end of the kerb and focus on getting good exit speed up the hill. It’s a late apex approach—sacrifice entry speed to prioritize momentum on the climb.

Turn 6 is deceptively tricky. Brake at the two board and get on the throttle before the apex. The track dips as you turn in, so be confident. You can run onto the astro turf on exit without penalty.

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The Corkscrew (Turns 8 and 8A): Legendary and Unforgiving

Approaching the Corkscrew, line up on the left-hand side kerb. The braking zone is blind, cresting just before you see the marker. Look for the four board on the right and brake in a straight line.

Drop down as you cut over the left kerb, then transition quickly to the right. Use the astro turf on both sides—but avoid hitting the kerbs too hard. Smacking the red bollards here will unsettle the car badly.

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Turn 9: Fast Downhill and Balance

This right-hander doesn’t require you to swing all the way out. Stay slightly left or center and sweep across, using throttle modulation to stay balanced. Let the car drift to the right as you prepare for Turn 10.

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Turn 10: Fast and Banked

Brake just before the two board. This corner is more open than it looks and slightly banked. You can carry more speed than expected. Clip the apex and ride the kerb on exit—it’s stable and won’t upset the car.

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Final Corner: Turn 11 – Traction is King

Your final challenge. Brake just before the three board, and rotate the car tightly into the apex. Be careful on throttle here—it’s a critical traction zone. Too much power too early and you’ll spin.

Getting a good launch onto the straight makes or breaks your lap.

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Hot Lap Example: Applying Everything

In the fast lap attempt, all the earlier advice is put into practice:

• Brake before the ‘3’ board into T2, rotate mid-corner, and power out smoothly.
• Turn in precisely at the end of kerbs for Turns 3 and 4, using as much kerb as possible without losing traction.
• Apex after the bollards, and stay patient with throttle to prevent sliding wide.
• Be brave but measured in Turn 6—get on throttle early to capitalize on momentum uphill.
• Line up carefully for the Corkscrew. Braking at the right moment, smooth transitions, and staying stable through elevation change is crucial.
• Turns 9 and 10: full commitment and subtle adjustments.
• At Turn 11, trust your traction control (or throttle foot), and avoid oversteering out of the final turn.

This clean application of all tips resulted in a 1:24.1 lap—a full four seconds faster than the demo lap.

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Final Thoughts: Classic Track, Precise Execution

Laguna Seca is a beloved track for a reason. It tests every skill in your toolbox: precision braking, throttle control, visual reference spotting, and car balance through elevation.

The key to mastering this track in GT Sport is consistency. Know your braking boards, trust the kerbs, and don’t be afraid to explore the track limits—as long as you don’t abuse them.

Whether you’re pushing for a top split race or just looking to cut a second off your time trial, these insights will help you unlock speed at one of motorsport’s most iconic venues.

Now get out there—and tackle The Corkscrew like a pro.