Initial D PSP Help

All right guys, I need some help. I really suck in driving games but I really liked the arcade version of this game so I purchased the PSP version. I NEVER learned the nuance of this game. I am the biggest noob in any driving games. I can beat the first three rivals on the first stage but I get smoked by the first guy, on the second stage. Everyone is always talking about drifting. How do you drift? Any suggestions? Help please! I really want to like this game.

This game is FAN FUCKINGTASTIC...I didnt have much time to dig Intial D on the ps2..but playing it on psp..is fucken amazing...its a type of game you'll love to learn ..and the asian version kicks ass..free strap and english manual!!!

To drift..downshift and brake before the turn..and you'll drift 95% of the time. It all depends on the timing and the width of the turn. Also if the turn is sharp or not. Hope that helps.

What if you are automatic trans? Should this game be play in manual?

No, you can downshift 1 gear in an automatic trans car..that 1 downshift to drift of corse. I switch between auto and manual depending on the corse, I hate manual on a hard type of corse with lots of turns. You'll get the drifting part, it takes a litle practice. Great game though, once you get parts and start tuning your car..it gets really good.