not every fast driver is a good racer
lots of racers are not really into racing but only into getting some fast online pb´s
use ur offline time to train the tracks as good as possible and then asap up and away online. use at best half-filled servers. there is enough space for a "noob" to train with humans.
but the most important thing i think: get used with the game before u get online.
learn how to clear the track fast (sh+s), how to use the pit-menu ingame, create ur own messages (F1 and so on) and how to react on flags. on some servers the other players are very fast with kick- or banvote when u ruin their races due such stupid and not needed mistakes.
just remember: the best way to win a race is to survive the first corner
and sometimes a bit less is a bit more
well, I had my second race now: 5 laps, still blackwood gp, I came second in the XFR behind some dude in an FZR, total time 6:42.9, lapping 1:18s except the final lap where some late joiners had an entertaining pile-up on the corner after the back straight and I had to dodge it. So I guess I'm getting the hang of it now . Thanks everyone for the tips etc, I hope this thread will be useful to other newbies