Hi and welcome!
Three easy steps to get better with the cars:
1) Download
Bob's Easy Race setups and/or some WR hotlap setups from
SetupField. Whatever, don't use the default "Hard Track" setups. They suck. The race_1 ones are ok, though.
2) Like taught in driving school; look in the far, not a few inches infront of you. Also, try to look "through" the other drivers, don't get hypnotized by their back lights.
3) Keep your cool and take it easy. Trying to desperately "be fast" and "aggressive" won't get you anywhere. Try to relax, and ideally drift "into the zone". The fastest laps are archieved if you don't think about driving, but rather let your subconsciousness drive.