Only just noticed this on an ultra-short track.

If I hold up-arrow, down-arrow and right-arrow before the start countdown finishes, the car goes into a tight forwards right-hand drift spin.

However, if I hold up-arrow, down-arrow and left-arrow it goes into reverse for a spin. Is this just me or is it the same for everyone?

How do I do a left-hand forward spin from the start?

I haven't tested this, but my initial reaction is that this has to do with a keyboard limitation. This link has an explanation as to why this happens, and I first noticed this limitation myself when I was starting to really figure out Stadium drifting. I changed my brake key from the down arrow to left shift (as recommended by someone on the internet) in order to fix this issue, and everything's worked like a charm since (it's also far more comfortable, I highly recommend it if you plan on playing with a keyboard).

Ah, great! That makes sense. Many thanks!

I'd got used to automatically lifting off a key very briefly to drift etc.

I'm not sure after playing TM for 14 years that I can get used to a different key arrangement! However, I'll have a play, and perhaps look at getting a better keyboard, this is getting a little tired anyway. It's funny how you adapt to things without thinking whether it could be better.

Everyone must have their own way of pressing the keys, mine is with the middle finger of my left hand on the up arrow, and the index, middle and ring fingers of my right hand on the left, down and right arrows. I.e. left hand for go, right hand for control. Perhaps changing the up arrow to the right shift key would be the closest match.

After a quick check ...
Yup, adding right shift to the accelerate group works fine, and now I can do left spin turns as well as right!

Thanks again!