The start panel separates your best time in the selected car model from your overall stage best. These labels appear with Saetta HF on Alpine Pass and Freccia HF on Sakura Pass.
For example, an Alpine Pass start panel with Saetta HF at C 489 lists BEST IN SAETTA HF 1:24.3 and OVERALL 1:08.6. Use the car-specific time when comparing your progress in that model.
During a run, the translucent personal ghost gives you a moving reference: its position shows whether you are ahead or behind that run at that point on the route. Watch where the gap opens to identify a stretch worth reviewing.
Keep the vehicle setup in mind. In the Alpine Pass Raijin comparison, the ghost uses an upgraded setup, so its speed is not a like-for-like comparison with the current car. Being ahead or behind it alone does not establish which model is faster. For practice focused on driving changes, keep your car and upgrades consistent between attempts.