McLaren 720S GT3 Evo

TYRES

• Slick — Front 27.0 PSI, Rear 26.5 PSI (hot single-lap qualifying bias, slightly below the 27.5F/27.0R cold base to compensate for aggressive one-lap heat build and Portimão's high-load, elevation-change corners). Tyre blanket temp: 80°C F/R. Optimal operating window for max grip: 85–95°C tread surface temp — for a single hot lap, aim to cross the line with tyres already at 88–92°C.

ELECTRONICS

• TC1: 5
• TC2: 2
• ABS: 4
• Brake Bias: 54.5% front (cockpit adjustable, see below)
• Engine Braking / Coast Diff: high lock (see diff below) for max stability into Turn 1 and Turn 5

SUSPENSION

• // FRONT
• Ride Height: 55 mm
• Wheel Rate FL / FR: 165000 N/m / 165000 N/m
• ARB: 120000 N/m
• Brake Torque Multiplier: 100%
• Brake Bias: 54.5%
• // REAR
• Ride Height: 60 mm
• Wheel Rate RL / RR: 190000 N/m / 190000 N/m
• ARB: 100000 N/m
• Diff Preload: 60 Nm
• Diff Coast: 0.7
• Diff Power: 0.3

DAMPERS

AERO

• Front Splitter: max attack setting (position 4/4)
• Rear Wing: 4 (of 5) — Portimão's blind crests (Turns 1, 8, 15) demand rear stability over outright straight speed
• Brake Ducts: Front 2 / Rear 3 (single lap — minimal cooling need, prioritize aero tightness)

KEY SETUP NOTE

• Portimão's severe elevation changes (especially the Turn 1 crest and the Turn 8 downhill "corkscrew" esses) unload the McLaren's aero platform mid-corner — running slightly more rear wing than a flat track would suggest, combined with high coast lock, is essential to stop the rear stepping out over blind compressions at maximum commitment.

TRACK GUIDE

• Turn 1: Approach flat-out over the crest — car goes light; brake late but be ready for reduced front grip on initial turn-in, trail brake to rotate.
• Turns 5-6 (Curva do Café): Committing here on a single lap means carrying speed through the downhill, off-camber right — trust the high rear ARB, get on power early but progressively due to the coast diff lock.
• Turns 8-9 (esses): This is where lap time is made or lost — minimize steering input, let the elevation change do the rotation work, hit apex curbs firmly but avoid unsettling the rear on exit.
• Turn 15 (final corner): Late apex is critical for drag-reduced run onto the front straight; sacrifice mid-corner speed slightly for a clean, powerful exit.
• Kerb usage: The McLaren's stiff GT3 springs punish aggressive kerb strikes at Turns 3 and 12 — take the aggressive line but keep wheels closer to the inside of the kerb rather than fully committing over them.

THEORETICAL