Tyre model rework, three new circuits, and a revised penalty system. We've combed through the patch notes so you don't have to.
Project Motor Racing's Update 1.8 dropped overnight and it's one of the most significant patches since the original Season 3 launch. There's a lot to unpack — tyre physics, new content, online system changes — so let's go through it section by section.
Tyre Model Rework
This is the headline change and it's been needed for a while. The previous tyre model was widely criticised for being too forgiving of overheat — you could push hard for long stints without significant degradation, which made strategy in longer races fairly predictable. Update 1.8 changes this substantially.
Thermal degradation now kicks in faster and more realistically. Push the front tyres through a succession of high-load corners without giving them a chance to cool and you'll feel the understeer build progressively. The rear tyres are more sensitive to wheelspin on exit, meaning car setup and throttle control matter more than before. If you've been relying on aggressive styles to stay fast, you'll need to adapt.
Initial testing suggests lap times in long runs are 0.4–0.8 seconds slower than before once tyres get into their degradation window, which makes tyre conservation a genuine skill again. This is a positive change for serious racers.
Three New Circuits
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit — South Africa's iconic track returns with a full laser-scanned recreation. The altitude model is particularly impressive; the thinner air at 1,540m above sea level affects both engine output and aerodynamic load, which you feel immediately. Expect lower downforce settings than you'd run at sea-level tracks.
Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari (Imola) — Already a community favourite from other titles, and the Project Motor Racing version is excellent. The surface detail, kerb modelling, and track limits enforcement all feel accurate. Watch your track limits at the Variante Alta — the penalty system is unforgiving there.
Donington Park National — A shorter technical circuit, excellent for quick practice sessions and online sprint racing. The Craner Curves sequence is genuinely exciting in GT3 machinery.
Revised Penalty System
The penalty system has been a source of frustration in Season 3, with late-braking divebombs too often going unpunished and legitimate contact triggering unfair penalties. Update 1.8 introduces a revised incident rating algorithm that factors in trajectory, relative speed delta, and which car was ahead at the braking point.
In early testing, the new system handles corner-entry incidents much more fairly. Door-to-door racing mid-corner is still allowed within limits. The penalty for ignoring track limits has also been recalibrated — minor infringements no longer trigger the same response as blatant cuts.
Other Notable Changes
Force feedback across all GT3 cars has been refined — the kerb feedback in particular feels more realistic. The Porsche 911 GT3 R has received a balance-of-performance adjustment reducing its top-speed advantage by approximately 2km/h. Weather transitions are smoother. Several audio issues have been fixed.
Overall: Update 1.8 is a meaningful step forward. The tyre model change will require adaptation but the racing it produces should be significantly better. Highly recommended to get on track this weekend and reset your baseline setups before the next championship round.