Not a big problem imo. That place is part of the track, and yes you gain a little by starting there. Maybe 0.1-0.2 seconds on 1st split, depending on the car. But this is hotlapping we're talking about, it's not like you would start there in a normal race. I would think almost all serious hotlappers start there, since if one person does it, everyone else will do so also.

So I don't think I would call it cheating exactly. Wallriding on the other hand, is far more of a cheat. :thumbsdow