For the Fiat race I learned after a few tries that I needed to hug every corner. I mean, make the track even shorter. Does that makes any sense? Especially coming down the hill after the tunnel.
Get left as far as you can in that turn. I mean, licking the wall close. It shaves time. .10's off in that one turn alone.
Also, I think I used the brakes only one time and that was to set myself up for that big downhill left hand turn after the tunnel. besides that, I used the tires to scrub off the required speed. That kept me from losing that ever important momentum.
I cant help you with the Lotus. I like that car. It was an easy one for me to do. I guess my advice would be to never fully lift off the gas, even under braking, to maintain the cars balance.
The Subi event kicked my ass and I relented to borrowing Wizards car. Got gold the first try.