Tsukuba Circuit (Motorcycle Course)

Tsukuba Circuit is a real world circuit set in Shimotsuba, a neighboring city of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It is a short circuit with an even mix of fast straights and tight technical corners. Run in a clockwise direction it has three hairpin turns separated by a quick infield section and two long high-speed straight sections. The chicane in the infield is used for motorcycle racing, it is closed off in the Gran Turismo series and is utilised in the Tourist Trophy version of the track only.

Sector 1
The incline up until this point becomes flat at the first corner. Because forward view is limited and bikes are prone to oversteer here, the rider's level of braking technique will make a big difference to the time. Start braking using the side road on the left as your mark. Position yourself using the white barrier towards the back, and move to the inside of the corner.

Once you accelerate out, you will then pass through the 'S corner' in a straight line. From just before the 2nd apex of the S, straighten out you steering while braking, and approach the second hairpin.

Sector 2
Turn tight around the second hairpin utilising the banked surface, and start to open the throttle using the end of the green kerbstones on the inside as your guide. The Dunlop Corner is known for its large tyre shaped arch. Brake slightly at the entry, and go all the way to the outside as you come out, clearing the 80R at full throttle.

Sector 3
A right-left chicane is next, absent in the Gran Turismo series, stick close to the apex in each turn, and accelerate towards the final hairpin. For the third hairpin that has a tight entry, brake using the green kerbstones on the left as your mark. Turn tightly around and start to open your throttle from around where the inside kerbstones start becoming wider. Setting yourself up to accelerate quickly so that you pick up speed on the back stretch is key in improving your time.

The final corner is entered from top speed. The radius of the curve becomes gradually tighter, beginning at 100R and exiting at 90R. Use the markerboard on the left to time your brakes, and turn in a straight line. Use partial throttle, and start to gradually approach the inside from a middle line. Once you hit the apex around the end of the inside kerbstones, accelerate out at full throttle.