MotoGP 21 is finally out and we're loving every second of playing it. To find out exactly why we're so enthusiastic about it, read our full review. For a more general guide for novices on two wheels, be sure to head over to our beginner's guide.
Whether you go with "full or official calendar", the French Grand Prix will be the fifth race you compete in. France's Le Mans Bugatti circuit has hosted their round of the MotoGP championship since the turn of the millennium.
Le Mans has a great mix of long straights and both low and high-speed corners. This makes it great to drive, but it's a real challenge to setup correctly. Here's our guide to the best setup at Le Mans in MotoGP 21!
Tyres
Le Mans isn't too tough on tyres, so you can get away with mediums on the front and rear. If you are struggling towards the end of the race though, opt for a hard on the rear in future.
Suspension
Le Mans doesn't have many high-speed corners, so the bike needs to be setup for straight-line speed and low-speed stability. The front pre-load value therefore has to be all the way down at the minimum value of 1. The rest of the front suspension values though, have to be around default for a good compromise.
On the rear, values need to also have to be close to default for a good compromise. Rear pre-load needs to be at 3, with the swingarm connector at the default value of 4. Rear spring hardness has to be 5, with the single shock absorber compression and extension at their best values of 4 and 5, respectively.
Vehicle geometry
To help responsiveness and overall cornering, the vehicle geometry values are best on the low side. 3 for steering head inclination and trail helps turn-in without compromising the stability of the bike much.
Steering plate position and rear swingarm also need to be low, with both at 2.
Transmission
The gears have to be middle of the road to help acceleration but also not allow over revving. Top gear is best set high though, as the start/finish and back straights are long and you don't want to top out too early.
Because the engine braking is high, the slipper clutch can be at default for the optimum compromise.
Brake System
As usual, you'll need the strongest brakes available in dry conditions around Le Mans. Turn 1 and 2's braking zones are long when combined and you'll have to allow the brakes to cool.
ECU
There aren't many big traction zones at Le Mans, so TC can be set to 3. 4 engine braking and anti-wheelie assist is needed to keep the bike stable.
Power mapping is best at 3 for a flying lap, but you’ll need to turn this around during some points in the race.
All of these can be adjusted out on track using the HUD in the bottom-right of the screen.