Caterham Academy

Very light, narrow-tyred and rear-driven, with almost no inertia to hide a clumsy input. It carries momentum beautifully when settled, but an abrupt lift or steering correction can move the rear before there is time to catch up.

Keep the hands quiet and preserve roll speed. The car rewards one clean arc more than a late brake or an aggressive correction.

Symptoms this car reads differently

Steps out on entry

The light rear responds immediately when the brake or throttle is released abruptly. Bleed the pedal away and let the chassis take a set.

Loose at the apex

A mid-corner lift changes the balance quickly in a car this light. Hold a maintenance throttle instead of asking the rear to absorb a second weight transfer.

Snaps on exit

There is little mass over the driven tyres. Straighten the wheel before using all the throttle.

What this car's answers lean on

Compared with other Production cars

1. Free changes — driving, not setup used more than on most cars like it
2. Tyre pressures
3. In-car driver aids and gearing used more than on most cars like it
4. Braking system — bias, ABS, pressure
5. Anti-roll bars
6. Camber, toe, caster
7. Damper clicks
8. Differential and engine braking
9. Spring rates

What you cannot change on this car

• The differential is fixed on this car.
• Engine braking is not adjustable on this car.
• This car has no adjustable aerodynamics.
• Total brake pressure is not adjustable on this car.
• Gearing is fixed on this car.
• No third spring on this car.
• No adjustable bump stops on this car.
• This car has no dampers with that adjustment.