Al I think you have a similar problem to me with these - I have noticed that you drive these similarly to me and as a result of the driving style, most of the time we are on the same pace.
The problem is that we drive into the bend where as the fast drivers are way too sideways before they even go into the bend, which makes them quicker. I simply cant drive the car like this for some reason, so will always be off the pace slightly.
In my opinion its not realistic, but from other posts i have read it seems that uksom are aware of it and are trying to change it?
I hope that this can be changed personally, but I dont think the pace will change until the physics are changed to stop this unrealistic corner entering.