The server ping was 36 in the lobby before I joined it.
It seemed OK during practice apart from the odd period of slow updates.
However, when I joined the grid for the start I was alone.
I waited in vain for a long time for others to arrive but eventually left the server and re-joined.
I forgot to check pings to other drivers during this event.
After the short replacement qualifying session I started the warm-up lap in 5th.
I didn't have a wet setup for Monza and still don't.
My times were well off the pace of the leaders.
The best I can say about my setup is that it was predictable and consistent.
At the start proper, I got a good run down to turn 1, passing 4th and getting alongside 3rd.
http://compage.ath.cx/gtr/UKGTR-2005-05-07-Monza01.jpgBut it was a narrow line into the turn and I played safe and backed out into 4th place.
3rd place spun exiting the first chicane on lap 3, promoting me to 3rd.
Approaching turn 1 at the start of lap 4, Aagramn in 4th place found himself bearing down on me too fast.
He did a wonderful job of avoiding the collision by going onto the grass on the left, the resulting spin making his car give the gentlest of touches to my left side.
http://compage.ath.cx/gtr/UKGTR-2005-05-07-Monza02.jpgFortunately, I had seen him coming just in time to move a little to the right.
Well played Aagramn.
The rest of the race was uneventful for me.
The leaders were on a different planet and no-one made a significant challenge from behind.
Interestingly, while watching the start on the replay from Aagramn's point of view, my car isn't visible as I passed him before turn 1.
All that is seen is an overtaking ball of spray though the sound was OK.
Aagramn, could you see me?