The Ultimate Guide to Drifting in Gran Turismo Sport: How to Drift Like a Champion

Are you ready to unleash your inner drift king in Gran Turismo Sport? Drifting, the art of controlled oversteer, adds a whole new dimension of excitement and skill to the racing experience. While it might seem daunting at first, with the right techniques and practice, you can conquer the world of drifting in Gran Turismo Sport. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to become a drift master, from understanding the basics to mastering advanced techniques.

The Fundamentals of Drifting in Gran Turismo Sport

Drifting in Gran Turismo Sport is all about maintaining a controlled slide while navigating corners. To achieve this, you need to understand the key elements:

• Oversteer: The primary ingredient of drifting is oversteer, which happens when the rear wheels lose traction and the car’s rear end swings outwards.
• Throttle Control: The key to controlling a drift is precise throttle control. You need to feather the throttle to maintain the desired slide angle and prevent the car from spinning out.
• Steering Input: Steering is crucial for guiding the car through the drift. Smooth and controlled steering inputs will help you maintain a consistent drift angle and direction.
• Braking: Braking is rarely used in drifting, but it can be helpful for slowing down the car during a drift or for initiating a drift in certain situations.

Choosing the Right Car for Drifting

Not all cars are created equal when it comes to drifting. Certain characteristics make some cars more suitable for drifting than others:

• Rear-Wheel Drive: Rear-wheel drive cars are generally preferred for drifting because they offer more control over the rear end.
• Lightweight: Lighter cars are easier to maneuver and control during a drift.
• High Horsepower: High horsepower helps generate the necessary torque to initiate and maintain a drift.
• Good Suspension Tuning: A well-tuned suspension setup can significantly improve a car’s handling and make it more stable during a drift.

Understanding Drifting Techniques

Once you’ve chosen the right car, it’s time to learn the fundamental drifting techniques:

1. Initiating a Drift:

• Handbrake Turn: This is the most common method for initiating a drift. As you approach a corner, gently apply the handbrake and steer into the corner. The sudden loss of rear traction will initiate a drift.
• Throttle Steering: In this technique, you use the throttle to induce oversteer. As you approach the corner, apply a small amount of throttle and then quickly release it. The sudden change in power delivery will cause the rear end to step out.

2. Maintaining a Drift:

• Throttle Control: The key to maintaining a drift is precise throttle control. You need to feather the throttle to maintain the desired slide angle and prevent the car from spinning out.
• Steering Input: Steering is crucial for guiding the car through the drift. Smooth and controlled steering inputs will help you maintain a consistent drift angle and direction.
• Counter-Steering: When the car starts to spin out of control, counter-steering (steering in the opposite direction) can help you regain control and maintain the drift.

3. Exiting a Drift:

• Throttle Control: Gradually reduce the throttle as you approach the exit of the corner. This will help you regain traction and slow down the car.
• Steering Input: Steer the car back towards the center of the track as you exit the corner.
• Braking: If necessary, you can apply the brakes gently to slow down the car further.

Practice Makes Perfect: Mastering the Art of Drifting

Drifting is a skill that requires constant practice and refinement. Here are some tips for honing your drifting skills:

• Start on a Closed Track: Practice your drifting techniques on a closed track or in a safe environment where you can experiment without worrying about traffic.
• Focus on the Basics: Start by mastering the fundamental techniques of initiating, maintaining, and exiting a drift.
• Experiment with Different Cars: Try drifting with different cars to find the ones that suit your driving style best.
• Watch Drifting Videos: Watch professional drifting videos to learn from experts and get inspired.
• Join Online Drift Events: Participate in online drift events to test your skills against other players and learn from their strategies.

Advanced Drifting Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced drifting techniques to elevate your skills:

• Clutch Kick: This technique involves quickly engaging and disengaging the clutch to induce oversteer. It’s often used for initiating a drift at higher speeds.
• Power Slides: Power slides involve using throttle control to maintain a drift at high speeds.
• Scandinavian Flick: This technique involves a quick steering input in the opposite direction of the corner to initiate a drift. It’s often used for tight corners.
• Drifting with a Co-Driver: In some online events, you can team up with a co-driver who can provide instructions and adjustments to help you maintain a drift.

Beyond the Basics: The World of Drifting in Gran Turismo Sport

Drifting in Gran Turismo Sport is not just about mastering the techniques. It’s about exploring the intricacies of car setup, understanding the nuances of different tracks, and pushing your driving skills to the limit. Here are some additional aspects of drifting in Gran Turismo Sport that you can explore:

• Car Setup: Experiment with different car setup options, such as suspension tuning, tire pressure, and differential settings, to find the ideal setup for drifting.
• Track Selection: Different tracks offer different challenges and opportunities for drifting. Some tracks are designed for high-speed drifting, while others are more suited for technical drifting.
• Drifting Events: Gran Turismo Sport offers a variety of drifting events, including Time Trials, Drift Trials, and online competitions. Participate in these events to test your skills and compete against other players.
• Drifting Community: Connect with other drifting enthusiasts in the Gran Turismo Sport community to share tips, strategies, and experiences.

The Journey to Drift Mastery: A Final Thought

Mastering the art of drifting in Gran Turismo Sport is an ongoing journey. It requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn. Embrace the challenges, experiment with different techniques, and never stop pushing your limits. The thrill of controlled oversteer and the satisfaction of conquering a challenging drift are rewards that make the journey truly rewarding.

Questions You May Have

Q: What is the best car for drifting in Gran Turismo Sport?

A: The best car for drifting in Gran Turismo Sport depends on your personal preferences and driving style. Some popular choices include the Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32), the Toyota AE86, and the Mazda RX-7.

Q: How do I tune my car for drifting?

A: Tuning your car for drifting involves adjusting various settings to enhance its handling and stability. You can experiment with suspension stiffness, tire pressure, and differential settings. Start with a base setup and adjust it based on your driving style and the track you’re drifting on.

Q: How do I find drift events in Gran Turismo Sport?

A: Drift events are typically found in the “Sport” mode of Gran Turismo Sport. You can find them by navigating to the “Events” section and selecting “Drifting” from the list of categories.

Q: What are some tips for improving my drifting skills?

A: Here are some tips for improving your drifting skills:

• Practice regularly in a safe environment.
• Watch videos of professional drifters.
• Join online drift events and learn from other players.
• Experiment with different cars and car setups.
• Analyze your mistakes and identify areas for improvement.
• Have fun and enjoy the process!