If you think you are having a 1v1 in the Main Arena, your SA has failed you.
Wiggle your rudder. Not sure why it happens, but when you start in a vehicle just do a quick kick on both sides and away you should go.Wiley.
Ya, if there's even a little turning input (regardless of what you use to steer), it will stay in first gear. Sometimes increasing deadband if your control input choice (usually rudder pedals) is spikey helps.