WRX Joker Lap: When to Take It?

Explains what a joker lap is in FIA WRX, and what should the strategy on when to take it.

So, what is a joker lap?

A joker lap is an alternate path that is also a part of the main track.

Each participant are required to do at least ONE joker lap per race.

If you jump the start, your penalty is to take joker lap TWICE during the race.

Failure to take the required number of joker lap will result in a 30-second penalty.

In the FIA WRX events (which is simulated by Dirt 4) the joker lap typically takes 2-3 seconds longer than the regular lap due to a longer path and more bends. Joker lap is denoted by green path in Dirt 4. The following is cited from the official FIA WRX website[www.fiaworldrallycross.com]. Note the joker lap section to the lower left. Slightly longer path and sharper bend.


This introduces some tactical decisions on when to do the joker lap... early, mid-race, or end?

Pros and Cons of taking joker lap early

There are some both pros and cons for taking the joker lap early.

Pros:

• It's over and done with early, so you have rest of the laps not to worry about it
  
• It also clears the road ahead of you, as you will lag behind the main group and can go into maximum attack mode.

Cons:

• It can be a bit discouraging as you will fall to last place, until the others need to take their joker lap(s)
  
• Assuming you all are equally skilled, you'll still have to merge into traffic later.

Many drivers swear by this strategy because first lap is usually already several seconds off the normal pace, and getting the joker lap early means you get to enjoy "clear field" to do maximum attack. Former WRX racer Johan Kristoffersson said his joker strategy that won him WRX Portugal 2015 was "I did it on the first lap and it was the key to the victory" link[www.fiawtcr.com]

On the other hand, if you already have the lead (you're very good with launch control) then there is no reason to give up the lead.

Think of it as an attack tool to put psychological pressure on the other vehicles as they have to decide when to joker. Remember, overtaking in RX is difficult, lest you "dive bomb" a corner and manage to get around the herd that way. Using a joker lap is easier.

Pros and Cons of taking the joker lap late

The opposite strategy of taking the joker lap on the final lap of the race can also work under some circumstances:

Pros:

• You can spend time pulling away from the pack, if you are already fast
  
• Consistent path and same attack points UNTIL the joker lap.

Cons:

• Hard to defend against overtake if you are doing a joker lap
  
• Must remember to take joker lap

If you are already ahead of the pack, and can stay there, then you may as well max attack until next to final or final lap to do your joker lap, as you are unlikely to hit traffic (people behind you go do their joker laps, and staying even further back).

On the other hand, if you don't have enough joker delta (see later), when you emerge from joker section you may merge into traffic and that can be dangerous in itself. Listen to your spotter when you merge from joker back to regular lap.

Pros and Cons of taking joker lap in the middle

Is there a reason to take the joker lap in mid-race, instead of race start or race end?

Depends on your track situation.

WRX race has one overall strategy: search for a "clear track". Whether you do this by out-driving anyone else, or by taking joker lap first is irrelevant. With a clear track ahead, you can go for maximum attack. which you cannot do in traffic, as other cars can be blocking your optimum line.

If several other cars take their joker, then you should take the regular lap, so you are separated from "the herd", thus gaining clear track ahead, and take your joker lap later.

The opposite is true as well: if multiple opponents choose to stay out, and you know you are gaining on them, but cannot see a way to overtake them in traffic, take the joker lap to get it out of the way AND gain clear track ahead. They have to slow for the joker lap, and the clear track ahead will allow you to get ahead when they take their joker laps.

Joker Delta and how it determines your tactics

Joker delta is the difference between the joker lap time and the main lap time. It affects your strategy.

If the closest guy behind you is more than the joker delta away, then you should be able too stay ahead of him even if you take the joker lap. It doesn't matter if he had taken the joker lap or not.

On the other hand, if your lead is LESS than the joker delta, then you can only stay in front of the vehicles who had NOT taken their joker laps, if you go off to take the joker lap. You will end up behind the vehicles who had already taken their joker laps (which could be... none!) Thus, the tactic is to delay the joker lap as long as possible (i.e. final lap) so you can try to build more lead so you can go do your joker lap in peace.

On the other hand, on some tracks, joker delta could be minimal. While joker lap is supposed to be 2 seconds slower, depending on the exact driving tactics, it could be quite smaller. In fact, I've seen ONCE that the regular lap is EXACTLY THE SAME as a joker lap during practice. Now that was a fast joker lap, as your spotter would say. But if you can do your joker lap that fast, then you may as well drive really fast...

Practice your joker laps

You should practice your joker laps when you do the practice sessions. You can do six laps in each session, and you can do like 10 of these sessions (though I doubt many of you will use all 10). You should always use the opportunity to practice your regular lap and joker lap.

If you only want to go out once, practice 3 joker laps and 3 regular laps. Try different entry for each, from the left, from the right, and so on. You can also use separate sessions. Plan to spend 3-6 laps at least practicing joker laps, not only to minimize the delta, but to watch out for merge problems should you exit joker section into traffic.

Conclusion

Joker lap adds important tactical decision to RX race, much like fuel strategy controls NASCAR and Formula 1 races. In fact, WTCC is thinking about adding more joker laps to their courses.

Joker lap can be used as an attack or defend tool.

Joker lap can be thought of as a separation tool from the herd so you are not constantly fighting for the optimum racing line.

P. S. Should you ever take two joker laps?

Should you ever take two joker laps? There are VERY VERY rare occasions, like when you need to dodge a crash going onto the regular lap, that taking two joker lap may be advisable, but it would have to be a VERY deliberate choice, and it'd be a VERY VERY rare occasion.

Well, there is one more reason: to get the achievement. But you still have to win to get it.

[kschang77]

Interesting point about how the track design itself will be a major factor in the tactics involved. Joke laps are meant to slow down the vehicle, so the point about taking them early is taken. But WRX cars have tons of HP so it's also a test of car control. Tactics within tactics within tactics. :)

[Fluffy Chops]

The very start will always be the best option for most of the tracks, why? Cause its placed on the first turn and when you come by it next time aka (done a lap) you will be much faster heading towards the joker and so will not be as smooth or effective enough though it without really slowing down for them.

So yep on most of all the tracks in the game its best to just do the joker right away from the start line, trust me that's the best way to almost always have the fastest time anyways. If your doing one that hasn't got a joker at the end of the very first turn, then take most of all this guild into planing your move carefully, other then that jokers in this game are way too easy that requires no thought so what ever.

[kschang77]

That factors into the joker delta overall. This advice is meant to be generic, and not track specific.

[captaincofresi]

I think another thing to consider in your tactics is if you get MORE or LESS exit speed out of the Joker lap exit towards the finish line. Although this might just be in some of the WRX tracks I played in Dirt Rally 2.0, that are not in Dirt 4.