lol Romano i can feel your pain, but right after you got the hang on HD you ll think differently about those AI Elite bastards. I can tell you it's such a great training trying to beat them cause it's a great preparation to fight online.
I remember time where AI was clearly cheating ( not the speed advantage but rather the 'dodging movement' i mean in 2097/XL the ship right in front of you knows in 'advance' your route and will suddenly do like a sideshift in order to move right in front of your nose : you hit his back and you slowdown.

I really prefer by far those HD AI elite ships and for those who are saying they are clearly faster everytime than you , let me say they are wrong : when you beginn to master the hardest tracks with shortest line and find the good BR vibe you ll be able to pass them around lap2 or 3 without any huge weapon luck ( i did finished one time 1st on lap1 on seb climb but had 2 turbos and shield was critical due to massives BR while lap1). AI are 5%faster but not doing the perfect lines and no BR for them so it's doable, trust me.

Keep practising and you ll find them easier to beat ( still difficult but goal is definitly possible to reach)