I think that has more to do with lag,I still slamm into the rear of some craft at the start if they are slow off the grid,other times go straight through them,same thing at that corner you mentioned.

The non functioning weapons pads has become worse for me lately,I'll be a fair way ahead,run over the pads and get zilch.
Bit of a game killer,especially when in a tournament and it happens on several tracks.