We're really hyped for MotoGP 21 and can't wait to play it next year!
To build-up to MotoGP 21, we're making setup guides for all of the circuits in MotoGP 20.
Germany's Sachsenring is a very difficult track to nail the setup for. You need to be quick in the straight line for sectors two and three but also have good cornering for sector one.
We've got you covered though, as we've done the hard miles around this circuit to find the best setup possible!
Tyres
The Sachsenring's tarmac is smooth, but its difficult first sector prevents you from using the soft rubber over a race distance.
If you're feeling brave, you could opt for a soft on the front axle, but this will likely mean you need to conserve in the closing stages.
We've found that the mediums on the front and rear axles are best. This will allow you to push all the way through the race without losing front bite in the tight first sector corners.
Suspension
The Sachsenring rewards faster cornering over straight-line speed. Your suspension setup needs to reflect this, as even the pit-straight isn't too long.
The preload values for both the front and rear have to be turned up to the maximum value of 10. This allows the bike to lean as much as possible through the first sector and hit apexes more often.
Your fork values need to also be high, with 10 for compression & 7 rebound. This makes the springs have less damping and therefore more responsive in the corners.
Shock absorbers need to be high too, with a rebound value of 5 and 8 compression. The kerbs are smooth like the tarmac here but should be avoided due to the big gravel traps.
The springs need to near the default values with regards to their hardness. The harsh damping should compensate and let you get away with softer springs. We went for 4 on the front and 8 on the rear.
Steering Adjustment
Your steering adjustment needs to be setup to avoid understeer at the Sachsenring if you're to be fast in the tight corners.
The steering head inclination and trail need to be all the way down at 0. The downside of these settings though is that the bike could become unstable.
If that's the case, turn up these values, even if it does make the first sector harder. Even if you're slower by a few tenths, it beats being thrown off the bike!
Gear Ratio
Your gear ratios have to be set to the default values aside from first gear. That needs to be turned up as high as possible to aid low-speed acceleration.
You could turn these ratios down though, especially top and sixth gear to aid acceleration. Practice and see what you find.
Brake System
This circuit doesn't have many big stops due to its low top speed. Therefore, your braking system shouldn't deviate from the defaults of 340mm and 220mm.
If you go for bigger brakes, you add weight to the bike. Smaller brakes will lengthen your braking zones and leave you vulnerable to attack.
ECU
The Sachsenring doesn't have many big traction zones. However, many of its corner exits are off-camber or on a decline, so the traction control needs to be turned up to 3.
The engine braking needs to be turned up to the max of 4 though, as you'll need to lose speed through the kinks of Turns 13 and 14 to avoid using the brakes.
Anti-wheelie aid needs to be around 3 but no lower as the front axle loves to fly up.
Power should be up to 2 for the straights in the race and qualifying. All of the ECU settings can be adjusted on-track and during the race so feel free to alter these as your race progresses.