Race Starts & Start Penalties – Formation Lap Rules Explained

Starting the race in Le Mans Ultimate is a precise science. You need to stay in line, under control and in the right position without any erratic driving. Lets take you through the stages of a race start.

Note: we are covering only the "short formation lap" in this guide.

Phase One: Ready to go?

You'll be placed on the grid on the left or the right. For online, until the race is ready to start (see the countdown above the speedo), the controls will be disabled. When it does begin, you row will not be able to move until the previous rows have moved off.

On pole position, you will see a guide on track of where to drive but for everyone else you'll see a red label over the car you need to follow.

Rules:

• Keep your car in the green part of the guide on the floor
• Stay in line - no weaving
• Keep inputs smooth - no harsh braking or accelerating (you'll get a warning or penalty for "erratic driving"
• No overtaking unless instructed

The HUD element in the middle of the screen will provide feedback. If you need to speed up/slow down, stay in line etc. Additionally, if the words on screen start flashing, you are on your way to a penalty! The faster they flash, the more likely to get a penalty you are.

Phase Two: Green Flag

As you approach the end of the lap, a speed limit will appear and we get into the strictest part of the race start procedure.

You don't need to do much differently, just stay in line and at 60 kph (37 mph). 

Some players find it useful to use their speed limiter button here to ensure they don't speed.

Why did I get a drive-through penalty?

If you received a drive-through penalty at or near the race start, it was most likely triggered by one of the following:

• Erratic driving during the formation lap (harsh braking, acceleration, or weaving)
• Exceeding the 60 kph speed limit shown on screen during Phase Two
• Overtaking before the green flag
• Ignoring the flashing HUD warning - the faster it flashes, the closer you are to a penalty

Start procedure penalties are applied automatically by the system. RaceControl stewards cannot overturn them.