Automobilista 2 V1.6.9.96 Patch Released

Reiza Studios has released version 1.6.9.96 of Automobilista 2, a patch that addresses persistent configuration errors in multiplayer environments while continuing the iterative refinement of vehicle physics and artificial intelligence behavior. The update is now live on Steam, bringing specific fixes to the game’s championship and private session structures alongside broader adjustments to tire and aerodynamic models.

Multiplayer and Session Stability

A primary focus of this update is resolving issues related to setting persistence in peer-to-peer (P2P) client-hosted multiplayer lobbies. Previously, if the last event in a session featured a host migration, specific settings such as Qualifying Rules, Private Session parameters, Pitstops Allow Refuelling, Pit Speed Limit, Wait For Race Ready Input, and Auto Advance Session would fail to persist. This patch corrects that behavior, ensuring that these configurations remain stable across host changes.

The update also addresses a logic error in championship events where a valid mandatory stop might not register if the player did not utilize all available tire compounds during the race. Additionally, a user interface and HUD issue has been fixed that could force vehicles into an incorrect or restricted selection of tires within official championship events. These fixes aim to reduce administrative friction for organizers and players managing complex race weekends.

Physics and Vehicle Adjustments

The patch continues the development cycle for the V1.7 physics model, applying further minor adjustments to tire, aerodynamic, and setup parameters for several vehicle classes. These changes specifically affect Group C cars, P1, P2, P3, and P4 prototypes, the Stock Omega 1999, F-Trainers, F-Inter, and F-3 classes. While described as minor, these iterative tweaks are part of a broader effort to balance handling characteristics across these diverse categories.

Wet weather simulation has also seen a specific adjustment to slick tread adhesion on wet tracks. This change is intended to refine the grip model for high-performance tires under wet conditions, though the patch notes do not specify the magnitude of the adhesion change or its impact on specific tire compounds beyond the general class adjustments.

Artificial Intelligence Improvements

A significant portion of the update is dedicated to AI pathing and behavioral calibration. Reiza Studios has added or improved alternative and wet AI paths for a wide range of circuits, including Bathurst, Brands Hatch, Daytona Road Course, Hockenheim GP, Hockenheim 2001, Imola (1988, 2001, 2005), Le Mans 24h (2005 and standard), Le Mans Bugatti, Indianapolis Road Course (2001 and standard), Interlagos (1991 and 1993), Kyalami, Mosport, Road America, and Sebring.

Beyond pathing, the patch includes a general baseline calibration to AI traction and brake skill properties. The AI’s general attention and care when following human opponents have been slightly increased, which may result in more consistent racing lines and reduced instances of AI vehicles taking overly aggressive or unsafe lines in traffic. Specific calibration passes have also been applied to F-Trainers, F-Inter, P4, and Stock Omega 1999 AI drivers.

Track and Preset Updates

The update introduces two new tracks to the GT1 preset: Hungaroring and Nurburgring Veedol. This expands the available circuit library for players using this specific vehicle class configuration. In single-player and multiplayer single-race weekend modes, the default grid size has been changed to 32 cars, allowing for larger fields by default without manual configuration.

For the Santa Cruz track, two specific geometry changes have been implemented. The width of the sector 1 timing gate has been increased, and a tire barrier has been extended between turns 4 and 5. These adjustments modify the track layout and safety infrastructure at this specific circuit.

Practical Implications for Users

For simulation users, the most immediate impact will be the stability of multiplayer settings, particularly for those hosting or joining P2P lobbies where host migrations are common. The fix for mandatory stop registration in championships is also critical for competitive play, ensuring that race rules are enforced correctly regardless of tire strategy. Players using the affected vehicle classes should expect subtle changes in handling due to the physics adjustments, while AI opponents will behave with slightly different traction and braking profiles. The addition of new AI paths suggests improved consistency in wet or alternative line scenarios at the listed circuits.