Looks like they really USE the checkpoint system. This made the game VERY unpopular among sme F-Zero fans and non-racing fans. Except for us! (Thank GOD!)
Now on to what will support my theory. *Ahem* The checkpoint system which we know the AI relies on, like I said, actually made the game easier to beat. If the CPU passes you on a FORKED COURSE, turn around and as soon as you went to a good distance, turn around, then you should notice the one(s) who passed you is(are) still in sight. This also means that they can switch roads if it's forked, which in real racing is impossible, illicit, uncomprehensible, and just plain cheating! I have also learned that unlike the other 3D (and cool) F-Zero Games, the CPU goes faster than which they normally do. In GP Legend-even on expert- they go way slower than what they normally go. EX: Fire Stingray's normal top speed at 100% is around 1040. In a race against it, it's speeds drop to about less than half. This will be observed heavily.